Wakes and Funerals
Wakes and Funerals Arrangement Guide
Funerals are often a time of distress for families, and making arrangements under these circumstances can be challenging. Here’s a guide to help you arrange for the wake and funeral service for your loved one.
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Contact the doctor of the deceased: The doctor will provide a medical certificate. If the deceased passed away in a hospital, you will receive a document stating the cause of death
Report to the Police: In the event a doctor is not available and if the death occurs at home , you can consider seeking help from the funeral director or the police. The police will issue you a death certificate. This step, though difficult, is necessary to proceed with the arrangements.
Refer to website: For more information on how to report the death and obtain a death certificate you may use the following link https://mylegacy.life.gov.sg/when-death-happens/report-the-death/
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Submit necessary documents: Provide a copy of the Death Certificate and the deceased's Baptism Certificate to the Parish Office. The parish staff are there to guide you through this process with care and understanding.
Communicate wake and funeral details: Inform the Parish Staff of the planned duration of the wake and the intended date of the funeral. They will support you in planning these important timings.
Arrangements by the Parish Office: The Parish Office will arrange for a priest and confirm the venue for the funeral service. Should the parish priests or venue be unavailable on your preferred date, the staff will assist in exploring alternative arrangements.
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Contact a Funeral Director: A funeral director will handle many necessary arrangements, including the type of casket (or coffin), and confirm the date and time of the funeral service. They will assist you in selecting a casket and scheduling the funeral, ensuring everything is handled with dignity and respect.
Certificate of Disposal: The funeral director will obtain the Certificate of Disposal for either cremation or burial, taking this burden off your shoulders.
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Parish Arrangements: The parish will arrange for prayers to be recited at the wake by the Wake Prayer Ministry. These prayers offer comfort and solace during this difficult time.
Additional Prayer Groups: You are welcome to invite other prayer groups to say prayers at the wake, providing additional support and spiritual strength.
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Funeral Minister: The parish will arrange for a funeral minister to visit you at the wake and assist with preparations for the funeral service. They will help you choose meaningful Mass readings and hymns that honour your loved one's memory.
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Before the Service: On the day of the funeral, the funeral minister or priest will pray before the coffin is closed and brought to the church. This moment allows for a final farewell in a sacred space.
At the Church: Upon arrival at the church, the priest will meet the funeral cortege at the entrance, lead a brief prayer, and walk ahead of the coffin and bearers, followed by the mourners. The service will continue in the Church, offering a time for reflection and remembrance.
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After the Service: The funeral procession will proceed to the columbarium or cemetery, where the funeral minister will lead the prayers of committal before the burial or cremation. This final act of laying your loved one to rest is done with utmost care and reverence.
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Consult Family Members: After cremation, discuss with your family members regarding the interment of ashes in your preferred columbarium. This decision can be made together, ensuring that your loved one's final resting place is chosen with love and consideration.