Funerals

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”

Organising a Funeral

Preparing the funeral Mass of a loved one who has died can be a difficult thing to face. However, the celebration of a funeral can also offer great comfort and solace to those who mourn.

The first step when planning a funeral is to contact an undertaker of your choice. They will carry out all the necessary arrangements on your behalf. They will liaise directly with the Parish to schedule the funeral Mass and burial. Once this has been organised the priest who will celebrate the funeral Mass will make contact with the family and help you to select readings and answer any questions you have about the funeral.

The Funeral Mass

Liturgy of the Word

The time of death in a family is a difficult period when we are always thankful for the support of relatives and friends. Such a time is also a challenge to our faith – a faith which we very often take for granted until something happens to make us question. On the occasion of a death, the Church’s funeral rites are a great comfort and strength. The readings teach remembrance of the dead. They convey the hope of being gathered again in God’s Kingdom. They encourage the witness of Christian life.

A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for the funeral rites will provide the family and the community with an opportunity to hear God speak to them. For the Liturgy of the Word, one reading is chosen from the Old Testament and one reading from the New Testament. It is important to note however that during the Season of Easter, (from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday) readings should all be taken from the New Testament. A Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation are also chosen. It is suggested that both of these be sung by the Cantor or Choir, but if they are not being sung, a family member or friend should read them. The prayers of the faithful are offered after the homily.

Sacred Music

Music is integral to the funeral rites. As Archbishop Martin reminds us: “The music for the celebration of the funeral rites should be chosen with care and with reference to the Order of Christian Funerals. It is meant to support, console and uplift the participants. It can help create in the bereaved, a spirit of hope in Christ’s victory.”  The texts of the songs chosen for a particular celebration should express the paschal mystery of the Lord’s suffering, death, and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture.

Here you will find a list of suitable hymns for the funeral liturgy but this list is not exhaustive. Classical and Irish Traditional airs can also add dignity to the Sacred Liturgy. Before the celebration of the funeral liturgy, the cantor/choir must always consult with the priest of the parish about hymns and music which have been carefully chosen.

Month’s Mind Mass

One month after a death occurs, we celebrate the Month’s Mind Mass. The Month’s Mind is celebrated in an atmosphere of prayerful remembrance, of gratitude, and of hope in the resurrection. The Month’s Mind Mass helps us to move forward into the future. 

The Month’s Mind Mass for your loved one will automatically be included in the Mass list & Parish bulletin if the person’s funeral was held in Armagh.  Their name will read out at all Masses in the Cathedral and St Malachy’s on the same date of the person’s death one month on (for example, if a death occurred on the 1^st January, the Month’s Mind will take place on 1^st February).  If you wish to arrange an alternative date you can do so by contacting the Parish Office (10am – 3.00pm).  This should be done no later than one week in advance.  

You are welcome to participate in the Month’s Mind Mass, but this is not compulsory. If you would like to proclaim the Word of God at Mass, please contact the Parish Office for the correct readings.