From Your Parish Priest – 10th October 2026

Last Sunday, I announced that we would celebrate a Requiem Mass on Tuesday for Mr Patrick Trainer. While known to some in the parish and supported by a wonderful team of carers, Mr Trainer had no close family. I asked if as many people as possible could come to pray for the repose of his soul, as we should for all, not only those we know personally. I was deeply moved by the turnout. Along with his carers, many parishioners came and I am deeply grateful. I would like to thank my good friend Father Sean Elliott, who came to play the organ and lead the chant. His singing of the Introit and the In Paradisum was especially beautiful.

Perhaps precisely because Mr Trainer had no close family, he took great care to set out his wishes for the Church's rites. He asked for a Requiem Mass and to be buried with his rosary beads. Many who came remarked on how beautiful the Mass was. Since then, I've thought of other funerals I've offered for faithful Catholics which, for various reasons, didn't include the prayers and rites they might have hoped for. Mr Trainer's careful preparation reminded me that even with families left to organise funerals, things don't always go as the deceased might have wished.

This might seem a little macabre and perhaps something we'd rather not think about. But reflecting on Mr Trainer's funeral this week has reminded me how important it is to give careful thought to our own funeral arrangements. When making a will, most people naturally want to ensure that their loved ones are provided for and that everything is made as easy as possible for them at what will already be a difficult time. But I think it is equally important that we consider our own needs. Just as we wish to provide for our families after our death, we must also make sure that we ourselves are provided for, particularly in the prayers and rites of the Church.

Although it may seem a little depressing, I would encourage everyone to take the time to sit down and give some thought to their own funeral arrangements. In particular, I would encourage everyone to make clear their wish to receive a Requiem Mass and to think about the hymns and readings they would like to have at their funeral.

We must remember, of course, that a Requiem Mass is offered for the repose of our souls, praying that through God's mercy our sins may be forgiven, our souls purified and that we may be admitted into eternal life with Him. Funerals are, of course, occasions of great sadness, but as Catholics we must never forget that they are also celebrated in the hope of Christ's promise of eternal life.

God bless, Fr Hilton