1. Session One: What is Funeral Ministry?
OCF – General Introduction

2. Grounded in the ministry of consolation, care and compassion
Those who are baptised into Christ and nourished at the same table are responsible for one another.
Brothers and sisters share a ministry of mutual charity
The faithful are called to a ministry of consolation
The Church calls each member to participate in the ministry of consolation
OCF 8.

3. Scriptural Roots Romans 6: 3 – 5 OCF 2
Making the strong connection with Baptism
1 Corinthians 12: 26 OCF 3
We are responsible for one another
Matthew 5:3 OCF 9
Blessed are those who mourn
John 11: OCF 9
Martha and Mary supported by the whole community

4. Ministry and Participation
Consolation
Care
Pray
Comfort
OCF 8
The Church calls each member of Christ’s Body to participate in the ministry of consolation
OCF 9
Share in this ministry according to gifts and offices in the Church

5. Consolation
OCF 10 – Words of faith and acts of kindness…….(other ministers)
OCF 11 - Expressed in the celebration of the funeral rites
Timings important as well as preparation
OCF 12 – Presiding minister encourages active participation, describing and explaining
Mindful of those who are not members of the Church
OCF 13 – Attentiveness to each situation

6. Liturgical Ministers OCF 14 Priest described as a minister of comfort
Raises the possibilities of lay persons presiding (leading prayers and rites)
OCF 15
Other Liturgical Ministries
Readers
Musicians
Ushers
Pall-bearers
Special ministers of the Eucharist

7. Ministry for the Mourners and the Deceased
OCF 16 GUIDELINES
Keep in mind the life of the deceased
The circumstances of death
Take into consideration
Spiritual and psychological needs of family and friends
Express grief and sense of loss
Acceptance of the reality of death
Comfort one another
OCF 17 What helps this?
Involve the family
Planning
Choice of texts
Selection of music
Family can take up some of the ministries
Explain the meaning and significance of prayers, rites, etc.

8. What is Funeral Ministry?
A ministry rooted in our Baptism
A ministry of mutual charity
A ministry of consolation
Where consolation includes care, comfort and prayer
We can share in this according to our different gifts and office
Reaching out with words of faith and acts of kindness
Being attentive to each situation
It involves a liturgical ministry as well as a practical ministry
It requires sensitivity to each particular circumstance
Where everyone can play their part

9. FOR REFLECTION: (In three’s)
1. On Ministry
How has this helped you understand Funeral Ministry?
2. Participation
How do you see yourself participating in this ministry of care, consolation and comfort?