For well over a decade now, the team at Greenhaven Funerals have arranged and conducted Catholic Funeral Services in Melbourne for hundreds of families. Whether you are looking for a full Catholic Requiem Mass, Catholic Funeral Prayers held in a church or a chapel, or you would just like a priest to come and take part in a hybrid religious/humanist ceremony, we can assist.
We can even translate mass booklets into Italian for you if required! Our network of clergy span across Melbourne and we are able to find priests who are willing to support families requiring a funeral service, even if they are not part of their local community parish.
We can assist you with all aspects of the funeral including:
- Design and production of mass booklets, orders of service and santini cards
- Vocalists and pianists
- Photographic tributes
- Audio visual equipment set-up and operation
- Creation of photographic tributes for your loved one
- Live streaming
Whatever you need support with, we are here to assist you in anyway we can.
Greenhaven Funerals has been trusted by thousand’s of families all over Melbourne to provide high levels of care and support to them and their loved ones. When the time comes, let us help you farewell to someone you love and create something really special.
Understanding the Catholic Funeral Process
When faced with the loss of a loved one, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, especially when arranging a funeral that respects religious traditions. At Greenhaven Funerals, we are committed to helping you understand exactly what to expect at a Catholic funeral, ensuring every detail honours your faith, your loved one, and your family’s wishes.
What is a Catholic Funeral Like?
The Catholic funeral process is structured yet deeply meaningful, offering comfort through tradition and a clear affirmation of the faith’s beliefs regarding life, death, and resurrection. A Catholic funeral typically unfolds across three distinct stages: the Vigil, the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal.
Understanding each of these stages can offer clarity and solace during what is understandably a difficult and emotional time.
Stage 1 – The Vigil or Prayer Service
The Vigil, also known as a Prayer Service or Reception of the Body, is typically held the evening before the funeral. It’s the first official gathering, giving family and friends an opportunity to come together in a peaceful, reflective environment. Often taking place in the family home or a local church, the Vigil includes prayers, scripture readings, and moments of reflection.
This service is often personalised with shared memories and stories, honouring the deceased’s life while seeking comfort through communal prayer. Whether formal or informal, the Vigil sets a tone of gentle remembrance and spiritual preparation for the day ahead.
Stage 2 – The Catholic Funeral Mass
Central to understanding what to expect at a Catholic funeral is the Catholic Funeral Mass, also known as a Requiem Mass. The Mass is the heart of the Catholic funeral process, emphasising hope, resurrection, and eternal life.
Conducted in a Catholic church, the Mass typically involves a structured liturgy, readings from Scripture, hymns, prayers of intercession, and the Eucharist (Holy Communion). The funeral Mass begins with the reception of the coffin into the church, often accompanied by meaningful symbols such as holy water, symbolising baptism and new life in Christ. A white pall, draped over the coffin, further represents purity and resurrection.
The homily or sermon during the funeral Mass provides words of comfort, reflecting on the deceased’s life, while also reinforcing the core Catholic belief in eternal life. The prayers offered during the Mass focus on hope, faith, and support for the grieving family and friends. Music plays a significant role, often including hymns chosen by the family that resonate personally and spiritually with the departed.
At Greenhaven Funerals, we work closely with your parish and celebrant to ensure this sacred service reflects the personal wishes of your family and deeply honours your loved one.
Stage 3 – The Rite of Committal
The Rite of Committal marks the final farewell and occurs immediately following the funeral Mass, typically at the graveside or crematorium chapel. It is a shorter, solemn ceremony that brings closure to the Catholic funeral process.
This rite involves special prayers and blessings for the deceased as their body is respectfully laid to rest – family and friends gather in quiet reflection, often comforted by the priest’s prayers that emphasise belief in resurrection and eternal peace.
If cremation is chosen, the Catholic Church respectfully requests that the ashes be treated with dignity, ideally interred in a cemetery or placed within a columbarium or burial niche.
Supporting Your Family at Every Step
At Greenhaven Funerals, we deeply understand the importance of religious rites and traditions. Our compassionate team is experienced in providing support through every stage of the funeral planning and service, ensuring your loved one’s farewell is dignified, comforting, and reflective of your faith.
From guiding you through each step of the funeral Mass preparation to assisting with choices such as hymns, readings, and personal tributes, we aim to ease your emotional burden. We liaise directly with your local parish priest or celebrant, ensuring the service aligns seamlessly with Catholic traditions while respecting your family’s personal touches.
Why Choose Greenhaven Funerals?
Choosing Greenhaven Funerals means choosing compassionate support, thoughtful guidance, and expertise in arranging funerals that genuinely honour Catholic beliefs and traditions. Understanding what a Catholic funeral is like means acknowledging the importance of each symbolic gesture, every prayer, and the rituals that bring comfort during a time of loss.
Our professional and empathetic team is here to help you honour your loved one’s life in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and spiritually uplifting. We invite you to contact us for personalised guidance, ensuring your family receives compassionate care throughout the entire funeral arrangement process.
Carly and Tim Dalton
Greenhaven Funerals
