Christ loves us just as we are—fully and unconditionally. Reconciliation is not about fear or guilt; it is about responding to that love and allowing it to transform our hearts and lives.
Cardinal Martini, the wise former Archbishop of Milan, once suggested three simple yet profound questions to help us prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Since my last celebration of reconciliation or in recent months:
- What do I most thank God for?
- What am I most sorry for?
- Where do I want to ask for help and healing?
We invite you to take some time during the coming week to reflect on these questions. You may find it helpful to write down your thoughts. This prayerful reflection is about asking God to guide you—be open to any surprises!
Questions for Reflection
A. What do I most thank God for in recent months?
- For whom do I most thank God?
- How might I show this gratitude?
B. What am I most sorry for?
- In my relationships with others?
- In my relationship with myself?
- In my relationship with God?
C. In what area of my life do I most want to ask for help and healing?
D. To conclude:
What gift or quality would I like to ask God for.
(For example: a deeper sense of wonder and gratitude, time for prayer, or greater patience with those I find difficult.)
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me as I am. Help me grow in gratitude, healing, and love. Amen.
How to Arrange a Funeral
Do please let us know if a family member has died and you would like a funeral at St John’s. To arrange the timing of the service, families should contact an undertaker of their choice. The undertaker will liaise with St John’s and St Mary Magdalene’s Parish Office and the cemetery or crematorium to confirm dates and times.
Once arrangements are in place, the priest or deacon who will celebrate the funeral will contact the family to help plan the liturgy, including hymns and readings.
The Funeral Liturgy
The usual form for a Catholic funeral is a Requiem Mass, followed by a burial or cremation. If this is felt by the family not to be appropriate or desired, a Catholic funeral service can be celebrated at the church or in the crematorium or funeral parlour by one of the parish clergy.
Times
Funerals at St John’s or St Mary Magdalene’s normally take place at the weekday Mass time of 10:00 am.
Readings
Readings for Catholic funerals are taken from the Bible:
First Reading (from the Old Testament or New Testament))
Responsorial Psalm (or a hymn based on scripture).
Optional Second Reading (New Testament)
Gospel
Click here to see the various options.
Family and friends may read the readings (though the gospel is read by the priest or deacon), or a parish reader can assist if preferred.
Eulogy
If the family wishes, a Eulogy may be given by a family member or close friend. This takes place after Holy Communion and before the Final Commendation.
Music
A Requiem Mass usually includes five hymns:
Some examples of appropriate choices are available here.
Please choose religious music only for the funeral liturgy, although we are
normally open to more secular music before the Mass starts and as the coffin leaves the church.
Offertory Procession
Two to four people may bring forward the gifts during the offertory. Please inform the celebrant of your preference.
Blessing at Communion
If anyone doesn’t wish or feel able to receive communion, please feel warmly invited to come up for a blessing. Simply join the communion queue and place an arm across your chest as you approach the priest or eucharistic minister.
Flowers
Flowers may be arranged by the family and placed on the coffin or in the sanctuary.
Costs
There is no charge for receiving the Sacraments of the Church. However, a donation for the use of the church – and for the organist and cantor – is greatly appreciated. It is also customary to give an offering to the celebrant.
The Funeral Team co-ordinates all aspects of funerals and is led by Chris Vinestock (669 5447).