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.