No Mass cards and just one wreath may be placed on coffins at funerals in the archdiocese of Cashel and Emly under new guidelines issued by Archbishop Dermot Clifford.
It is also recommended that no secular lyrics be sung and that the home/funeral home is the "appropriate setting in which to recall and celebrate the deceased's interests and associations". Secular readings "may not replace the Word of God" in prayers of the faithful at the funeral Mass.
The guidelines have been "designed to ensure that the celebration of the funeral liturgy is a dignified, prayerful and consoling experience for mourners and all who participate in the funeral ceremonies".
Where a eulogy is delivered, the most appropriate place for it is deemed to be the graveside following interment. But if it is to be in church it should be brief. It should be delivered when the removal ceremony has ended, before the funeral Mass or when it is over. This should also follow discussion with the Mass celebrant. It is recommended sentiments expressed be "in harmony with the sacred surroundings of the house of God and the funeral liturgy".
It would be "not appropriate" to bring forward emblems of the deceased's life and interests in the Offertory procession. This could be done at the removal or before the funeral Mass and emblems "should not conflict with the Christian symbols which are used in the ceremony" or displace them. While relatives and friends of the deceased were welcome to take part in proceedings, "grieving relatives should not feel obliged to engage in public performance on such a sad occasion".
Where the coffin may be draped in a national or other appropriate flag this may be folded to ensure Christian symbols were not obscured. The homily should focus on the resurrection but "while the homilist may refer to the deceased's efforts to live the Christian life, the homily is not a eulogy".
Appropriate secular music, especially instrumental music, can enhance the funeral liturgy, the guidelines say, but recommend that judgment on this should be by the (Mass) celebrant and/or parish organist.
Flowers/wreaths should be left in a designated area, enhancing "the dignity of a Christian funeral while also facilitating the easy movement of the cortège into and out of the church".
