Funerals
Arranging a Funeral at St. James' or Most Holy Trinity, Crail
“Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies, will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.’” John 11: 25
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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 or crematorium, to arrange dates and times for the funeral.
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The family will then be contacted by the priest who will celebrate the funeral. He will help you pick hymns and readings.
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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 by the Parish Deacon.
Times
Funerals at both Churches normally take place during the weekday Mass at 10am in St James' or 12 noon at Most Holy Trinity.
Reception of the Body
The body of the deceased may be received into the church the evening before the funeral. This is a short service, usually attended only by close family.
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) 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 does the second reading also reads the Gospel Acclamation, unless this is sung.
Eulogies
If the family wish, a Eulogy may be read by a member of the family or close friend. The place for the Eulogy is at the end of the Mass, after Holy Communion and before the Final Commendation.
Music
Victoria Costa and Shelagh Lamb are our parish Organists. If you would like either to play at the funeral, please speak to the Undertaker to ensure that they are booked for the funeral.
There are normally four hymns at a Requiem Mass: an entrance hymn, an offertory hymn, a Communion hymn and a recessional hymn. Some examples of appropriate choices are available here.
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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.
Offertory Procession
Two, three or four people can bring forward the gifts in the offertory procession. Please let the Celebrant know if you would like to have an Offertory Procession and, if so, 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
Church: There is no charge to receive the Sacraments of the Church. However, since the running costs of the Parish are borne by our parishioners, we ask for a donation of £100 for the use of the church and £100 as an offering for the Priest.