Funerals
You may be reading this page because you have recently lost a loved one. If so, we extend our sincere condolences to you and please be assured that we will try everything we can do to help you at your time of great sadness.
Jesus says in the Gospel of John:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Our hope for you at this time is that, through Jesus, you will indeed be comforted and your hearts will not be troubled. Funeral services have been conducted at St Andrew’s Cathedral for over 180 years, and we have farewelled the the famous, the unknown, the poor and the rich here. What follows are some guidelines drawn from this experience which may assist as you consider funeral arrangements. The Cathedral's policy on funerals may be downloaded here.
Guidelines for the service
Every funeral service or memorial service is an important occasion. The service provides the opportunity for people to express their grief and extend sympathy to the bereaved, to honour the person who has died and to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The various elements of the gathering need to be given careful thought and detailed planning. We use the Funeral Service in the Prayer Book (The Book of Common Prayer or An Australian Prayer Book).
Musics & Hymns
Many people will have their favourite hymns or may have already suggested for their funeral. Music can be very comforting. We usually sing two or three hymns at a funeral.
Here are some well-loved hymns:
The Lord's My Shepherd
Abide with Me
O God, our help in ages past
For All the Saints
Rock of Ages
In Christ Alone
Praise, my soul, the king of Heaven
The Cathedral Choir of men and boys is also available to lead the singing and to provide further music in the service. This can add a very special touch.
Suggested Choir Anthems could be
The Lord bless you and keep you: John Rutter
Do not be afraid: Philip Stopford
Crossing the Bar: CHH Parry
Nunc Dimittis: Geoffrey Burgon, or Charles Stanford
God be in my head: Henry Walford-Davies, or June Nixon
And I saw a new Heaven: Edgar Bainton
Bible Readings
Again, this may already have been worked out ahead of time. We suggest two readings. Here are some appropriate passages:
John 14:1-7
I Corinthians 15:50-58
Psalm 23
Revelation 21:1-4
Eulogy
The giving of a tribute or eulogy has been traditional at funerals. This is an important part of the funeral and grieving process. In recent years, the number of people wanting to speak has grown. The time given to the eulogy is limited to about 6 minutes (or 1200 words).
Arrangements
We hope that these guidelines have helped you in your preparation. Please feel free to contact us at your convenience to make any arrangements. Our prayer is that you will be comforted and strengthened by the process of planning the funeral and we want to help you in this time of great stress for you and your family.
St Andrew's Cathedral Ministry Team
Phone: (02) 9265 1661