Christian Funerals

Our Christian faith affirms that death is not the end. ‘Life is changed, not ended.’ The Catholic Church’s funeral rites commend those who have passed away to God’s merciful love and brings hope and consolation to the living.

 We invite you to read the following information, to help answer some questions you may have about arranging a funeral for your loved one.

 Booking and arranging the funeral 

The first step is to engage a funeral director. There are several local funeral directors in our area who are familiar with our Parish requirements. The funeral director will then contact the Parish Office, to check on availability of the church and/or the clergy and book your nominated Requiem Mass or funeral prayer service, at a time to suit you and the funeral director. They will advise on the service booklet, visual tribute, type of burial and catering if required.

 The priest will then contact you to arrange a meeting, to discuss  the content of the funeral Mass or Prayer Service. The family is encouraged to actively participate in planning the funeral rites.  This provides an opportunity for the priest and our parish staff to help the family choose appropriate readings, music, symbols etc. that best reflect the life of the deceased person. 

Conversations at this meeting will also help the priest to learn more about your loved one, so that the funeral liturgy and homily will be both personal and appropriate to the family and the deceased person. 

 Funeral Service Alternatives

Requiem Mass (Mass of Christian Burial): This is a funeral liturgy, which offers the consecration and distribution of the Eucharist and can only be offered at the church. 

Funeral Prayer Service: This is a funeral liturgy only and may be held at the church or at the Funeral Director’s chapel or cemetery chapel. 

Graveside Service: This is the simplest of the ceremonies, where the priest and mourners gather beside the grave of the loved one, to offer prayers before interment. 

Memorial Wall 

A Memorial Niche Wall is located in the grounds beside St Bernard’s Church. Families may make arrangements at the Parish Office, to have the ashes of a loved one laid to rest in the wall.

Our Condolences and Prayers to you

Be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers, as you go through this difficult time of your life.