Arranging a funeral at St Andrews or Crail

Families of parishioners who have died should make contact with an undertaker of their choice. The undertaker will then liaise with the Parish office and the cemetery/crematorium to arrange dates and times for the funeral.

The family will then be contacted by Fr Patrick, who will help them pick hymns and readings.

The normal form for a Catholic funeral is a Requiem Mass. If this would not be appropriate, Catholic funeral services can also be celebrated at the crematorium or funeral parlour.

Readings

Readings at Catholic funerals are taken from the Bible: a first reading (usually taken from the Old Testament), a Responsorial Psalm, an optional second reading (taken from the New Testament), a Gospel Acclamation and a Gospel (usually chosen by the priest). Click here to see the various options.  

The readings may be read by family and friends of the deceased. Please let us know if you would prefer one of the parishioners to do the readings.

The person who proclaims the first reading generally reads the psalm as well, unless this is sung. The person who proclaims the second reading also reads the Gospel Acclamation, unless this is sung. 

Eulogy

If the family wish, a Eulogy may be read by a member of the family or a close friend. The place for the Eulogy is at the end of Mass, after Holy Communion and before the Final Commendation.

Music

There are normally four hymns at a Requiem Mass: an entrance hymn, an offertory hymn, a Communion hymn and a recessional hymn. Click here to see some examples of appropriate choices.

We ask that you choose only religious music for the funeral liturgy. Please note that we do not have a PLL Licence and therefore cannot play any recorded music.

To discuss music and an organist, please contact Victoria Costa (Director of Music).

Offertory Procession

Two, three or four people can bring forward the gifts in the offertory procession. Please let the celebrant know how many people you would like in the procession.

Blessing at Communion

Anyone who is not a Catholic or who is unable to receive Holy Communion, is welcome to come forward and receive a blessing
from the priest. Please indicate that you would like to receive a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest.

Flowers

Flowers can be arranged with a florist chosen by the family of the deceased. These can be placed on the coffin or arranged on the sanctuary, as desired.

Costs

There is no charge to receive the Sacraments of the Church. 

However, this is a small parish, and we ask that an offering of £100 is made towards the costs of the parish and the priest.