Catholic Funeral Service

We ensure that your loved one is farewelled in the manner that you would expect in accordance with the Catholic faith.

Jim our founder and director was raised in a Catholic family and continues to practice the Catholic faith. This gives us strong relationship with all Catholic Parishes and Clergy, as well as singers and organists familiar with the complete range of hymns and Requiem Mass settings.

We can also organise Mass Booklets and Holy Cards.

Whether you prefer to have a full Requiem Mass or a Funeral Liturgy, with or without a Vigil and Rosary service, we can organise it for you.

Services can be conducted in any Catholic Church regardless of location as often a family has moved over the years, but their wishes may be to return to their parish of origin.

Since 1963, Cremations have been an accepted practice for Catholic Church. Your preference may be to have the funeral service in your parish church followed by a cremation or the whole service at a Crematorium.  We can organise a Priest to officiate the service regardless of your choice.

Some of our coffins and caskets are of particular significance to people of the Catholic faith.  All coffins and caskets will have ornamentation that is appropriate for the Catholic Church.

It is because of our understanding that we are the Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria Preferred Partner across the Penrith and Western Sydney region.

Common Rituals of a Catholic Funeral Service

Below is a guide for a Requiem Mass, which may be of assistance to you.

  • Opening Hymn
  • Welcome and Greeting
  • Sprinkling of Holy Water
  • Opening Prayer
  • Liturgy of the Word (Readings and Responsorial Psalm)/li>
  • Gospel Reading
  • Homily
  • Prayers of the Faithful
  • Offertory Procession
  • Liturgy of the Eucharist
  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Communion
  • Prayer after Communion
  • Final Prayer and Commendation
  • Recessional Hymn

Testimonials

“Jim and Janet were extremely helpful throughout the whole process. Their professionalism and understanding of our religion and culture was amazing and we couldn’t have asked for a better service”. The service was beautiful and we have achieved closure because of how smooth everything was before, during and after the process. Even though we’ve lost a loved one, we have gained great friends through Jim and Janet”
Max and Vanessa
“Your suppliers, singer, organist, stationery provider are fantastic and they were so professional and lovely to deal with. You let us focus on what was important today and that was my Dad. Words can’t express the gratitude we feel for everything you have done. Thank you just isn’t enough.”
Rita Busittil and family
“From our initial phone conversation I knew that we were in good hands. Your ability to help get everything organised from the flowers, mass booklet and music made my job so much easier. I am so glad I chose Nepean Valley Funerals as I know dad would have been pleased with his send off and agreed with my choice”.
Rick Steltenpool
“Understood our culture and made sure the service was exactly what we wanted and what our mother would have wanted. Clear and honest about the inclusions and prices. Jim and staff went above and beyond and made the occasion stress free allowing us to celebrate our Mother’s life and sending her in peace”.
Casmiri, Mangeruga & Pettenon families.
Dear Jim and team, Words cannot express how delighted and grateful we are for a smooth, supportive and sacred ceremony. Mum and I want to thank you, a thousand times over. Dad’s watching from above and is undoubtedly so grateful for how well you’ve looked after us throughout the process. You, Alan and David were just outstandingly caring and kind and the Mass and burial was beautiful – a real environment to feel God’s presence. We could not ask for more, Jim. The love was there, the expertise was there, and most of all – the Catholic touch that is so important to us. It was especially wonderful to have you involved in the ceremony with the incensing and carrying of the casket. We will be recommending your services to all who ask. All our love, thanks and appreciation,
Ree & Family

Frequently Asked Questions

No. There are a few circumstances when a body needs to be embalmed. These are if the body is being repatriated or travelling interstate, having an above ground interment in a crypt or a vault or if the funeral is being delayed. On occasions, the embalming process may enhance the look of the deceased for viewing although in most circumstances this is not necessary.

Music is a personal choice and should have special meaning to your loved one. For services held in a Church, most people would choose hymns and maybe include a modern piece for during a photo slideshow or for exiting the Church. For example, we would highly recommend a singer for a Catholic Mass to add to the tradition and so that all the relevant parts of the mass can be sung.

There are few funeral services that are as sensitive or as personal as those provided by your funeral director. Our role is to make sure your wishes, and, if known the wishes of the deceased, are carried out…just the way they should be. The role of a funeral director and our services to you:
Advice and assistance 24hrs / 7 days a week
Transfer of the deceased from the place of death into our care
Mortuary care in our own facility
Liaison with hospital, doctors or coroner
Guidance for your family through the funeral arranging process
Assistance with the selection and purchase of a coffin or casket
Liaising with churches, cemeteries and crematoriums
Registration of death and other necessary documentation
Placement of newspaper notices
Liaising with clergy or a civil celebrant
Liaising with florists, musicians, funeral stationery and other service providers
Necessary staff and vehicles on the day of the funeral
Grief support available to all families

Metropolitan Sydney faced the prospect of running short of grave sites by 2051, according to a 2017 report released by Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW. Approval to build the second largest necropolis in NSW will help address a looming crisis in the supply of graves in the state. Works have begun on a non-denominational cemetery in Varroville, Campbelltown, which will have 136,000 burial plots and be run by Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust. The Macarthur Memorial Park will extend the deadline by 30 years, but more land is urgently needed.

Since 1963, Cremations have been an accepted practice for Catholic Church.

Contact Us

Contact us to discuss pre-planning your funeral service on 02 4722 8222.  We are happy to sit down with you and provide you with all the options.

Contact Us