Funeral Guidelines - Catholic Diocese of Ballarat

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