Funeral Guidelines - Catholic Diocese of Ballarat

Pastoral Letter to the People of the Diocese of Ballaraton the Sacrament of Anointing, Extreme Unctionand the Bereavement Ministry.My dear people,By now all of you are well aware that our Diocese is suffering a serious shortage of priests. You will be equallyaware that our Diocese is vast, covering in area about half of the state of Victoria. Many communities are now oftenrequired to celebrate the Lord’s Day with a layperson as the leader of the Assembly because the priests we havecan’t be everywhere; nor can they do everything. The manner in which many people have worked hard together toacquire the skills needed to organise, lead and even preach briefly at these Lay-led Assemblies speaks strongly ofyour determination to bring growth from this adversity. I am confident that you are not alone in this work: the HolySpirit is leading us and guiding us.DIOCESAN GUIDELINESThis letter accompanies Guidelines for Funerals and the Bereavement Ministry in the Diocese of Ballarat, preparedby the Diocesan Liturgical Commission. I recommend them to you and ask that they become part of all preparationfor Vigil and Funeral celebrations. These guidelines are designed to assist with preparations when no priest isimmediately available to help a bereaved family prepare for the funeral of a loved one. Lay people in the localcommunity will be able to offer this assistance - assistance with such matters as the possibility and procedures of aVigil, choosing the readings, the music and hymns, the petitions for the Prayer of the Faithful and other details forthe funeral service. This will make it possible for those preparing the Funeral to communicate with the Celebrant,even if he has to come from another parish to preside at the Funeral.I wish to thank all those generous people who are already exercising such roles in parishes, and further, to addressspecifically the spiritual needs of the dying. In this matter, I both seek your assistance and offer you reassurance.SACRAMENTAL MINISTRY FOR THE DYINGPrior to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, many people considered that the Sacrament for the dyingperson was the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. However, in more recent times it is more rightly known as theSacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. While this Sacrament can, of course be administered to the dying, it isnevertheless meant not for the dying, but for anyone suffering any serious illness. The letter of St. James instructedthe early Christians: “If one of you is ill he should send for the elders (priests) of the church, and they must anointhim with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him. The prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lordwill raise him up again; and if he has committed any sins he will be forgiven”. James 5:14-15The term “Anointing of the Sick” expresses far more adequately what this Sacrament is than did the term "ExtremeUnction". It may help you if I explain how the term Extreme Unction arose. It is a rather unfortunate translation ofthe Latin Extrema Unctio. The Latin term simply referred to the fact that this is the last of several anointings aChristian receives in the course of life. There are two anointings at Baptism, one before and one after the actualBaptism. The Sacrament of Confirmation is ministered through an anointing with Chrism. A man being ordained tothe ministerial priesthood receives an anointing of his hands during the Rite of Ordination. But the English termExtreme has been taken to imply that the closer to the moment of death this Sacrament is given the better. Indeed,the media often refers to it as the last Rites of the Church.2

“VIATICUM” – SACRAMENT FOR THE DYINGThe Church’s Sacrament for the dying is really Holy Communion. Given in the context of approaching death, HolyCommunion is described as Viaticum, which means Food for the Journey. After giving Communion, the ministeradds these words, “May the Lord Jesus Christ protect you and lead you to eternal life.” Along with Viaticum, theChurch has built up over the centuries a collection of beautiful Prayers for the Dying including, as death becomesimminent, prayers to commend the dying person to God.Given that the shortage of priests is becoming ever more acute, the presence of a priest at a deathbed is not alwaysrealistically possible. While it is very good if the dying person’s Parish Priest can be present to give Viaticum tothat person, the shortage of priests means that very often this will simply not be possible. However, there is noreason why the Eucharistic Ministers in a community, or even - if none be available - any well-disposed Catholicmay minister Viaticum and lead the prayers for the dying and the commendation. Therefore I ask that in everyworshipping community, lay people be chosen to give Viaticum and lead the prayers I have spoken of.It may happen that the dying person will repeatedly ask for a priest. In such case, every reasonable effort should bemade to find a priest, for the dying person may have something troubling his or her conscience. Nevertheless, if nopriest is available, it is sufficient for the dying person to make a good Act of Contrition before receiving HolyCommunion. Pope John Paul II himself wrote this provision for persons unable to receive the Sacrament ofReconciliation but desiring to receive Holy Communion, into the new Code of Church Law, revised after theSecond Vatican Council. Remember that God’s will is for all to be saved.ANOINTING OF THE SICKAs Bishop of the Diocese, I am pleased to note that the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated regularly in manyplaces, both in Churches and in residences for our senior citizens. People should not receive this Sacrament forsomething as simple as a common cold with no complications. Nor should they present themselves for theAnointing merely because they wish to provide for all possible eventualities. It is a Sacrament for any illness thatcan be called serious. This seriousness may depend upon various factors, e.g. advancing years. A flu that is nothreat to a young person may be a serious threat to an elderly person. There is no need to be scrupulous in thismatter. The Anointing of the Sick is for anyone who has a serious illness, whether that illness be physical orpsychological, or an illness such as depression, which may be a combination of both. The sick are invited to receivethis Sacrament regularly. It is a serious misunderstanding to postpone receiving the Anointing till one hears theangel of death beckoning. Fortunately most of you now know and value the regular reception of the Anointing ofthe Sick.IN CONCLUSIONFinally I thank all of you who voluntarily assist the sick, the dying and the bereaved. There is a wonderful traditionin rural dioceses such as our own of supporting the bereaved. My prayer is that it will not fail in the years to come.I also wish to recognise those who unobtrusively continue to support the bereaved when the funeral is long overand relatives and friends have all gone about their daily business.Yours sincerely in Christ,Bishop of BallaratJune 24, 20023

Funerals and the Bereavement Ministryin the Diocese of BallaratAt the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism andstrengthened at the eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because ofits confident belief that death is not the end nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Churchalso ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting word ofGod and the sacrament of the Eucharist. Order of Christian Funerals # 4.The funeral rites should be celebrated in an atmosphere of simple beauty, in a setting thatencourages participation. Order of Christian Funerals # 21INTRODUCTIONThe time of death and burial in a community calls for a liturgical and pastoral response on the part of all inthe parish. The Order of Christian Funerals provides the foundation for the response of the parishcommunity. The availability of clergy throughout the Diocese for this important work of ministering to thebereaved and assisting with the preparation of the funeral liturgies is becoming less and the responsibility isincreasingly that of the laity. In this time of change, the Diocese considers it important to provide commonprinciples and guidelines for the assistance of all who minister to the bereaved and the liturgical celebrationof vigils and funerals.RECOMMENDATIONS TO PARISHES AND COMMUNITIES OF THE DIOCESEREGARDING FUNERALS AND THE BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY1. That parishes ensure there is a contact person or persons known to the parish andfuneral directors for the organization of all pertaining to the death of a parish member.2. That parishes develop Bereavement groups. Such groups would be a parish presencefor grieving parishioners, assist with preparation of Vigil prayers and the Funeralliturgy and provide on-going care support for the bereaved as needed.3. That Bereavement Teams become familiar with the Order for Christian Funerals andundertake appropriate formation for their role.4. That all parishes strive to observe the guidelines presented here for the liturgicalcelebrations of Vigils and Funerals.LITURGICAL GUIDELINESFOR THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF A CHRISTIANPASTORAL CARE AT THE TIME OF DYING AND DEATHA parish response should be made at the time of dying and death. If a priest is not available, the parish leader ormember of the bereavement team should be available to be present in an appropriate way with the dying personand the family. They should be provided with the necessary resources and procedures to give communion to thedying (Viaticum) and prepared to provide formal prayers for the dying or a brief blessing and words of comfort.Sacramental care of the sick and dying takes place through the rites of Anointing and Viaticum. The Sacramentof Anointing is the sacrament for the sick and Viaticum, reception of Communion when in danger of death, isfor the dying.4

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONSThe liturgical celebrations for the death of a Christian are the Vigil and the Funeral. In the initial contact withthe family for the planning of the liturgies, all options regarding Vigils and funerals should be made availablefor the family to consider.A. VIGILSThe Order of Christian Funerals sees the Vigil as the first formal gathering of the community in prayer andremembrance of the one who has died and in support of the bereaved1. Place of Vigil The vigil can be in the home, funeral parlour, church. Constraints of cost, distance mayrequire careful planning.2. Length of Liturgy. The Vigil liturgy should be of a suitable length to allow for appropriate prayersand sharing of memories, but not be excessively long to be of a burden to people.3. Leadership of the Liturgy The Order of Christian Funerals sees the Vigil as a time of lay liturgicalleadership and therefore accessible to all despite the unavailability of an ordained minister. Those whoare to lead the vigil liturgy should receive appropriate formation.4. Plan of Liturgy. The purpose of the Vigil is to be present with the one who has died, to recall andshare the person’s life and to hear the message of the Gospel in regard to the death of a Christian.Therefore the form of the Liturgy should be one which the bereaved can take part in. The Liturgyshould allow for:• the Proclamation of the Word,• prayer for the living and the dead,• sharing of the symbols and memories of the person’s life.Comment re Presence of the Body: While the Vigil is seen as gathering in the presence of the body,distance and cost may be a factor in realising this. However, the presence of the body in the Churchovernight, between vigil and funeral should be carefully considered as a way of overcoming thesedifficulties. If there is a viewing of the body in the funeral home, this can be an opportunity for prayer.Comment re Vigil without the Body present: If the body is not present for the Vigil, where possible,use some of the Christian symbols, e.g. Paschal candle, to link the Vigil to the Funeral and burial.Comment re. the Rosary: While for many years the practice of saying the Rosary has been the form ofVigil practised in the Diocese, increasingly it is not a practice that has meaning for the bereaved. Thoseplanning the liturgies should be sensitive to the appropriateness or otherwise of the Rosary for a form ofVigil prayer. It is recommended that if the Rosary is to be prayed, it be incorporated into a simpleliturgy with scripture.Comment re a Vigil Mass: Care must be taken to ensure that the essential nature of the Vigilgathering is observed. If a Vigil is to be celebrated with Mass, it should be distinct from the funeral inreadings, homily and use of symbols. The vigil is not a funeral for those who cannot attend the funeral.B. LITURGICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE CELEBRATION OF FUNERAL MASSES AND SERVICESFunerals can be celebrated in a number of places – the Church, Funeral Parlour, Graveside, Crematorium. Ineach case, there should be appropriate use of Christian symbols and Scripture for the funeral service andcommittal. of the body and/or ashes. Those preparing for funerals should ensure that the necessarypreparations are made and communicate with the funeral director re all liturgical celebrations.1. Length of Liturgy. The length of the Funeral celebration should take into consideration thetension for the bereaved, the constraints of those attending, the requirements regarding the use ofthe church or place of celebration and cemetery. In the normal course of events, Funeral Massesshould aim to be no longer than one hour.2. Eulogy. Placement of the Eulogy is at the beginning of Mass or Service, after the Greeting. Lengthof the Eulogy is to be no more than 7 minutes. It is recommended that only one person gives theEulogy and that the text of the Eulogy is written out.5

3. Symbols. Symbols are of two kinds: Life symbols and Sacred/Christian symbols.• Life symbols. Provision should be made for life symbols (photos, fishing rods, knitting….) tobe placed in an appropriate and dignified place at the front of the Church prior to theFuneral liturgy, separate from the Christian symbols. The life symbols could be alluded toduring the Eulogy.• Sacred/Christian symbols. The symbols of paschal candle, pall, water, incense, devotionalarticles should be used according to the ritual. The pall can appropriately remain on thecoffin until reaching the graveside. Only Christian symbols should be placed on the coffin.Flowers for the coffin should be moderate in size.4. Readings. Readings for the Liturgy of the Word are to be from Sacred Scripture and an authorisedtranslation used. Other readings may be included during the Eulogy or after Communion at aFuneral Mass.5. Presentation of the Gifts. Only the bread and wine should be presented at this time in a FuneralMass.6. Music. Music during the Funeral Mass should be sacred music and liturgically appropriate. Musicduring a Funeral Service should be appropriate for the ritual being celebrated. Requested musicmay be incorporated in a reflective manner and the music as the coffin leaves the church could benegotiable. Consideration re use of personal choice music may also be part of the gathering after theFuneral.C. THE RITE OF COMMITTALThe Rite of Committal may take place at the Graveside or at the Crematorium. If there is to be no service atthe graveside or Crematorium, it is appropriate to have a simple ritual of farewell as the hearse leaves theChurch. It is also appropriate to have a simple prayer service for the Committal of Ashes.D. AFTER THE FUNERALFollowing the immediate time of the funeral, continuing pastoral support should be offered to the bereaved,e.g. regular visits, a card or some kind of remembrance on the first anniversary of death. Occasions ofliturgical celebration for those who have died should feature in the life of the parish, e.g. the inclusion ofprayers for those who have died in the General Intercessions, an annual memorial Mass or service, prayersduring November, Mass in the cemetery.LOOKING TO THE FUTUREThe Diocese recognises that it is entirely possible that in the future, there will be occasions when a priest cannotbe contacted regarding the funeral of someone who has died in a parish community. Lay leaders of Funeralswill have to be authorised for this eventuality and the diocese is moving to establish this. At the present time, ifthis situation does arise, parish communities are asked to observe the following procedure.1. Endeavour to make contact with a Priest or Parish Leader of neighbouring parishes in your RegionalCatholic community.2. In the event that no help is available from the Regional Catholic community, contact either the Bishop’sOffice (ph: 5337 7121) or the Diocesan Pastoral Ministry Office (ph: 5337 7159) for assistance.3. Ensure that each parish community has an appointed contact person in regard to death, funerals andburials.LOCAL PARISH INFORMATIONIn the case of a death in the Parish, contact the following:6