The Celebration of Funeral Liturgies

Throughout the Period of COVID-19

Dear Parishioner,

Please accept my condolences and assurance of my prayers for you, your family and friends at this difficult time. I will do all that is possible to support you through this traumatic time and assist you in the preparation and celebration of the Liturgy for your loved one.

We are living in strange times; our lives are controlled by COVID-19 which has caused enormous stress and anxiety for all of us, especially when having to cope with the death of someone we love. Fortunately, we are permitted to use the church for funeral liturgies, albeit with a limited number of fifty mourners at present. The way we celebrate Mass and the Sacraments has changed significantly in response to the need to keep people safe.

In preparing the church for re-opening, following the Government’s Route Map, we followed the Directives of the First Minister and the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. I am confident that all that has been done in this regard will encourage proper social distancing and keep everyone safe. After reading this information you will learn about the changes now in place and, hopefully you will be more comfortable when coming to church. Your help in explaining these changes to your family and friends will help enormously to keep everyone safe. I ask, please, that all attendees arrive early and take their seats at least five minutes before your loved one is brought into church.

You can expect the following when you come to worship at St Cadoc’s:
 

• All attendees must wear a mask at all times (Except for children under 5 and people with serious health conditions.)
• You will be welcomed by a parishioner who will ask you to sanitise your hands before entering the building.
• You will be directed to your allocated seat by one of the pass-keepers. Please keep a safe distance of 2 metres as you go; taking your time, moving slowly to, or, from your seat.
• Please remain at your seat at the end of the Mass/Service until directed to move by the pass-keeper.
• Remember to sanitise your hands again once you are outside the building.

• Reception of the deceased on the eve of the funeral is not permitted.
• The carrying of the Coffin is permitted by mourners from two households and it is now possible for family to take a cord when lowering it.
• The toilets are out of use.
• It is not possible to have Orders of Service.
• Collections are not permitted.
• Offertory processions are omitted.
• The sign of peace has been suspended.
• Holy Communion is only given under the species of the Host.
• Votive candles are not permitted.
• Attendees are asked to pray at their designated seat; moving around the church

• The placing of the Pall and Christian symbols on the coffin and all other items are temporarily suspended.
• The use of incense and holy water are prohibited.
• Readers must present the Scriptures from a separate place from the Ambo, using photocopied texts or their own missal.
• Communal singing of Mass parts and hymns are not permitted.
• Cantors can be used on occasions observing social distancing rules.

• Please remain in your place for Holy Communion.
• The priest will come to you for Holy Communion or a blessing. If you wish Holy Communion, stand prepared at your seat. If you wish to receive a blessing, stand with your arms crossed.
• The priest will sanitise his hands before and after the distribution of Holy Communion.
• The use of the short formula for the distribution of Holy Communion will be used. In place of the words, “The Body of Christ” for each communicant, the priest will say, “May the Body and Blood of Christ keep us all safe to eternal life”, to which the congregation responds, “Amen”.
• In accordance with the national protocol on Infection Control, Holy Communion is to be received in the hand for the duration of the pandemic.

Please contact me if you require further explanation or help of any kind
in preparing for the funeral liturgy of your loved one.  
Canon Eddie.