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Catholic Life
Publication of the Diocese of Sale
ISSUE 149
Deacon’s ordination delayed - Page 3
Berwick fete a big success - Page 5
April 2011
Crazy hair aids Project Compassion - Page 11
Students go green for St Patrick’s Day NEWBOROUGH - The St Mary’s Catholic School Community celebrated St Patrick’s Day. The children investigated the story of St Patrick and they participated in special activities to remember St Patrick’s work. The Grade Prep children ate green apples, pears and grapes. The children also ate green jelly and green spearmint leaf lollies and enjoyed green cor-
dial. The children did their story writing in green pencil and they participated in a number of green art activities. They even sang a special ‘Irish Blessing’ Song. The teachers enjoyed green treats at recess including green cake, green dip and green fairy bread. And at the end of the day some green ‘bubbly’ was sampled in fine Irish spirit.
Diocesan funerals guideline released THE Bishop of Sale, Bishop Christopher Prowse has issued official guidelines to be followed for Catholic funerals. The guidelines draw a clear distinction between a Catholic funeral and some of the secular funeral services and those celebrated by other denominations. Funeral Masses or requiem Masses in the diocese are to follow the approved book Order of Christian Funerals in which
those present pray for the repose of the soul and forgiveness of sins of the deceased. Funerals with several eulogies, Powerpoint presentations, poems and popular music will no longer be allowed. Bishop Prowse said the Catholic Church had developed since ancient times a richness of liturgical prayers and Biblical readings for use at funerals. The new guidelines make it clear what is appropriate for a Catholic funeral:
AMARLI enjoying the green glasses during St Patrick’s Day at Newborough. • Terms such as ‘words of remembrance’ or ‘reflections on the person’s life’ are preferable to ‘eulogy’, • It is not necessary to have a eulogy. The priest can be given some information or notes about the deceased for him to use in his homily. • Words of remembrance should be kept to five minutes and no more than 10 minutes. This can help a Funeral Mass or Liturgy of the Word, but numerous and/or lengthy reflections can undermine funerals. • Content should include a couple of appropriate reflections that will bring out the Christian character of the person, rather than too much historical detail. • Memories of the life of the deceased could be shared at
a viewing, in a separate moment before the Mass or Liturgy of the Word. • Powerpoint photo presentations are not appropriate during a Catholic funeral. The recommendation is to do this at the wake or some other time with the family. • The title page of a booklet and media announcement should read: ‘Mass of Christian burial for.....’ or ‘Funeral Mass for.....’ or ‘Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of ....’ A simple service, i.e. not a Mass, should be called: ‘the Funeral liturgy of......’ or ‘Rite of Christian Burial of .....’ • A Catholic Funeral should not be called ‘a Celebration of the life of ....’ , because it does not express the full
Help restore St Mary’s Cathedral Bishop Christopher Prowse has launched an appeal to raise up to $1 million to restore and enhance the Mother Church of the Diocese of Sale. Please be generous in your giving. Send donations to Cathedral Appeal, Reply Paid 508, Sale, 3853 * Credit card form can be downloaded at www.sale.catholic.org.au. Fill-in on line, print, sign and post.
depth and meaning of our understanding of funerals. • Funeral directors are to be reminded that they tell their clients it is not necessary to have booklets for the funeral service • Music for a Catholic funeral is liturgical and appropriate hymns or music should be chosen. Romantic ballads, pop or rock music, political or football club songs are not appropriate, but a song like that could be used after the burial service. • While burial is the preference of the Church, cremations are allowed and it should be expected that these take place after the funeral Mass without prayers. Care is to be taken to ensure that the ashes are interred in an appropriate place. See full policy P9