Celebration of a Christian Funeral
As Christians we believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for all of us and was raised from the dead. He destroyed the power of death so that all who believe in him might have eternal life. We trust that the gift of Christian Faith in the Resurrection of the Dead will bring you hope and strength at this difficult time.
When should we contact the Priest and Parish ?
It is hoped that long before a person has died that the family will have informed the priest that their loved one is ill so that he can accompany them with the Sacraments of the Church.
When a loved one dies family members should inform the Priest or Parish Office and arrange a meeting with the priest or a member of the funeral ministry team. The family will already be familiar with the contact details of the parish office, or the funeral undertaker will provide contact details to the family.
During this meeting you will receive all the assistance you need in planning the funeral of your deceased family member.
Can the funeral of non parishioners take place in our church?
Yes. However only the funeral Mass and burial can be celebrated by the priest for non parishioners. Families of deceased non parishioners should arrange for prayer services in family homes or funeral homes to be provided by priests or ministry teams of their own parish.
What times are funerals celebrated in our Parish?
Due to the fact that only one priest now ministers in Ferrybank & Slieverue and because of the possibility of having multiple Masses or funerals on any particular day & to ensure that each family is treated equally the following times are to be observed for the celebration of funerals.
Evening Removals should arrive at the Church no later than 7 pm.
Funeral Masses in Ferrybank are celebrated at 10 am on weekdays
Funeral Masses in Slieverue are celebrated at 12 noon on weekdays
In the event of two funerals taking place on the same week day the second funeral is celebrated at a later time. Later times are only available in the event of another funeral Mass being requested.
No more than two funerals can be celebrated on a weekday
Weekend Funerals
Saturday Funerals
On Saturdays where First communions, or Confirmations are scheduled no funerals will take place
Saturday evening Prayer Services in Funeral Homes or Reception Prayers in the Church are conducted by members of our funeral Ministry Team
Sunday Funerals
Because of uncertainty around the availability of Priests funeral Masses requested on Sunday take place at our regular Sunday Masses. Only one funeral Mass and burial can take place on Sunday.
Prayers in funeral homes or Reception Prayers (removals) requested on Sunday evenings will be conducted by the funeral ministry team.
Time slots are allocated on a first come first served basis
Accordingly the Parish Priest reserves the right to change these schedules
Purchase of Right of Burial in new graves
In accordance with Cemetery Regulations new graves can only be purchased by parishioners of Ferrybank or Slieverue as required.
Opening of existing Graves
Existing or repurchased graves can only be opened with the permission of the Parish Priest.
A form must be completed and signed by a family member at the Parish Office / Funeral Director’s Office prior to the burial taking place. The parish priest reserves the right to refuse permission to open an existing grave.
Burial of Cremated Remains
The burial of cremated remains must be organised through the family funeral director & takes place after our 10 am Mass Monday – Friday. The local priest will not be available outside these times.
A burial service may be conducted by a visiting priest or a funeral minister outside these times Monday – Friday.
No burial of cremated remains takes place on Saturday or Sunday
Cemetery Regulations
Cemetery Regulations can be viewed by clicking here
Celebration of the Funeral
Prayers for the Deceased
It is customary to have prayers recited in the family home or funeral home before removal of the body of the deceased to the Church. An appropriate time for this prayer service is organised in consultation with the priest, family members and the funeral undertaker. The prayers are led by the priest or a member of the funeral ministry team.
Removal to the Church
The removal of the body to the Church for the funeral Mass usually takes place on the morning of the Funeral Mass itself or on the previous evening. When the removal takes place on the morning of the funeral Mass the body is received with prayer and Christian symbols are placed on the coffin.
When the removal takes place on the evening before the funeral Mass, the body is received into the church with Prayers of Reception. At this point Christian Symbols are placed on the coffin.
If the family wishes to present items which commemorate aspects of the life of the deceased this can be done on the evening or morning of reception into the Church. The presentation of items containing tobacco, alcohol or other prohibited substances is not permitted.
Celebration of the Requiem Mass
During the Mass for the dead we pray for the person who has died entrusting them to the Love and Mercy of God. We give thanks to God for the blessings they received during life and for the good they have done. We pray for consolation for their family and friends. Above all we listen to the voice of God who speaks to us in His Word, assuring us of hope and new life. We receive the Body of Christ, who walks with us on the journey of life and who promises us that we will raise us up from death. The family is always encouraged to participate in the Mass. The priest or member of the funeral ministry team will explain how you can be involved.
Music for the funeral Mass
As a funeral celebrated in a Church is a Christian funeral the music chosen should always be appropriate. A selection of suitable hymns will be provided as well as contact details for parish musicians and singers.
If a family wishes to have a song or piece of music played other than hymns they are welcome to do so once the Religious Rites have been completed. Undertakers provide specialist sound equipment which can facilitate the playing of music especially in the cemetery.
Eulogy or Words of Appreciation
If a family member wishes to speak after the funeral Mass they are welcome to do so.
A Eulogy should be brief so that it does not become too difficult for the family member to deliver and should not contain any material that may be offensive to anyone.
Burial or Cremation
Following the Requiem Mass the body of the deceased is usually brought for burial or cremation. When burial takes place a member of the funeral ministry team or the priest will be available to recite the graveside prayers.
If the body is to be cremated then the remains can be buried after cremation in the family grave.
In keeping with Christian tradition a priest or minister will not be available for services at any other venue where cremated remains may be disposed of.
Our Parish is happy to provide a live streaming service to bereaved families through our webcam so that coverage of their loved ones funeral is provided for family & friends at home and abroad.
Parish Contacts
Priest: Fr Kieran O’ Shea
Parish Office
Tel. 051 830813
Secretary: Ms Angela O’ Brien
Parish Website
www.ferrybankslieverueparishes.ie