Funerals

Your questions answered

Can anyone have a Church funeral?
Yes!  S. Paul’s is a parish church and anyone who lives in the parish or attends the church can have a funeral here.  We also encourage other families to make use of the church for funerals, although all of the funerals at S. Paul’s must be conducted by either Fr Mark of Fr James.

What makes a Church funeral?
All funerals are opportunities for the family of the deceased to get together to pay their last respects and celebrate the life of their departed loved one.

However, a Christian funeral has a clear focus, in that we celebrate a life that has been given by God.  We commend our loved ones to God and his safe-keeping.  We pray for the deceased that God will welcome them into heaven and we pray for the deceased’s family that they may be comforted in their hour of grief.

A typical church funeral will consist of hymns, readings from the Bible, prayers and words of encouragement.  They may also include viewing of the deceased, tributes and a eulogy from the family. 

When a family requests a church funeral, it is usual for it to take place in the context of the Mass, when the Christian community recalls the death and resurrection of Jesus, giving us hope that even though we die, we hope that we shall live, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection

When can funerals take place?
Although there are certain holy days when funerals are not permitted, there is no restriction for having funerals in the church.  They are usually held on weekdays during the day.  This is because cemeteries and crematoria only operated during normal working hours.

Can a person rest in Church overnight?
Yes.  Knowing that the church is the house of God, it is highly appropriate that families may wish their deceased loved one to rest in the church building on the night preceding the funeral.  There is a simple service when the body is brought into church, and the coffin then rests in front of the altar through the night until the funeral the following day.

How much does it cost?
The cost of a funeral is handled by the Funeral Director or Undertaker.  They will contact the church on your behalf and arrange for payment of the church fees.  They will then add the church fees to your invoice.

What should I do next?

Talk to one of the Priests after the death and let them know which Funeral Director you intend to use.

The Funeral Director will then contact the Priests and arrange a day and time for the funeral that is convenient for all parties involved.
Contact the Priest to arrange a meeting when the details of the service can be finalised.

The church funeral service has a set pattern.  Please do not attempt to put together an order of service without the help of one of the Priests.