Funerals 

We offer our condolences to anyone who has suffered a loss of a loved one.  It may comfort you to know that at Mass each day those who have died are prayed for, along with those who mourn.  What follows will help you to prepare the Funeral; if you have not done this before it can be a difficult thing to face.

When someone dies you need to contact a local firm of Funeral Directors: they will advise you of the various options and costs.  The next of kin must also register the death with the Registrar of the London Borough of residence of the deceased.  The hospital or care home can help you with this if that is where the person died.

The purpose of the Catholic Funeral is to offer worship to God, the author of all life, to pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased, to pray that God will admit them to heaven, to celebrate the life of the deceased, and to give comfort and solace to those who mourn.
There are two main types of Catholic Funerals, depending on the wishes of the departed and of the family.
1.  The Funeral Mass in Church.  The body can be brought into Church the night before for a short Vigil of Prayer.  After the Funeral Mass, there is the Committal at the cemetery or crematorium.
2.  A simpler, single ceremony either in a cemetery or a crematorium chapel.

Once the Funeral Directors have arranged a date and time for the Funeral Mass or the chapel service, the next of kin will be contacted to come to the Presbytery to meet the priest who will be conducting the Funeral.  He will help you to decide on the details of the Funeral, including the Scripture readings and the Eulogy (where someone speaks to the person’s memory).  You will also be put in touch with the organist if it is a Church Funeral Mass, who will help you to choose hymns and/or other music.
Once you have decided on music, readings etc the priest will check all is correct, and then you can ask the Funeral Directors to have an Order of Service printed.  You can personalise this with photos etc if you like.
The Funeral Directors will arrange the fees to the parish and to the organist and other musicians.
If you wish, the name of the deceased will be added to the Sunday prayers in the weeks leading up to the Funeral.  If you would like to book in a Mass Intention for the deceased please contact the Parish Office (wimbledon@rcaos.org.uk or 020 8946 0305).  The usual donation is £10 per Mass.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.  Amen.