Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Bishop discourages secular elements in funerals

Grieving families will be discouraged from using photo presentations and popular music during funerals in the Diocese of Sale in Victoria, under new guidelines set by its bishop, Christopher Prowse.

"I don't want too many secular aspects to come in because we're there to pray, it's a Catholic Church, we have the Catholic Rites, the Catholic Mass," Bishop Prowse said.

"It's just trying to get the balance right and we feel at the moment that the balance is not quite right and we're a bit concerned our Catholic Masses are being loaded on with all sorts of important but not actually essential (elements) to the liturgy itself."

According to the guidelines, a eulogy or tribute to the deceased is not necessary and the priest is able to incorporate aspects of a person's life into his sermon; but if families like a eulogy, they are encouraged to keep it to a maximum of 10 minutes and incorporate "appropriate relfections that will bring out the Christian character of the person".

The guidelines state photo presentations are "not appropriate" during a Catholic funeral and recommend they be held at the wake after the funeral or during a family gathering.

The guidelines also recommend the selection of hymns or liturgical music over romantic ballads, popular or rock music, political or football club songs.