By Sean Ryan - 23 November, 2015
The often difficult task of arranging a funeral in the midst of grief is to be made somewhat easier thanks to a new publication issued by the Diocese of Kerry.
‘Celebrating the Funeral Liturgy’ was launched last week by Bishop Raymond Browne, Fr Eoin Mangan and the members of the Diocesan Liturgy Committee.
The diocese describes the booklet as a “resource for parishes and people preparing the funeral of a loved one”.
It also contains explanations of the Christian symbols used in the funeral liturgy as well as a wide selection of scripture readings, a variety of prayers of the faithful and a selection of appropriate hymns.
According to the Diocese of Kerry, the booklet will come as a great help for grieving families in clearly setting out their choices of readings and hymns when it comes to bidding loved ones farewell.
Speaking at the launch Bishop Browne said, “This booklet will be one of the most used publications in our diocese”.
“Death touches all families and no matter how prepared we are for the death of a loved one, we are still searching for help and open to assistance during those difficult days. This publication will be a great resource for priests and for ministers in our parishes who support the bereaved.”
Separately, the Diocese of Kerry will also launch its five-year pastoral plan (2016-2020) tonight (Monday 23 November) at the Malton Hotel Conference Centre in Killarney at 7.30pm.
According to the diocese, “The pastoral plan describes the diocese’s priorities and what must be done in order to witness to Jesus Christ and reflect the hope of the Gospel in today’s world.”
“It is a response to the hopes, concerns and issues expressed by people. It builds on an effective parish, pastoral area and diocesan infrastructure; increased appetite for ongoing training; and the commitment of people and clergy, evident in the parishes throughout our diocese.”
Guest speaker tonight will be Dr Patricia Kieran of the Department of Learning Society and Religious Education at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick who will speak about the hopes and possibilities offered by the pastoral plan.
