“We never really lose the ones we love, they only go before; where there is everlasting life, sorrow is no more.”

The Funeral rite is the ritualistic way the Church bids farewell to a loved one sending them on with prayer.  It is an opportunity for their loved ones to join together with the parish community to celebrate the departed’s life and support one another in what can be a very difficult time.

Funerals can be held in both Sacred Heart Church, Sandgate and the Church of the Real Presence, Brighton. The funeral director engaged by the family will normally deal directly with the Parish Office regarding availability of the church. They will also confirm the availability of the Parish Priest to preside over the service, or advise if the family has their own celebrant.

If the Parish Priest is the celebrant, a meeting will then be arranged for Father to meet with the loved ones of the deceased.

There are two types of funeral services available, a Requiem Mass including Holy Communion, or a funeral service without Holy Communion.

Regardless of the type of service, a booklet outlining the service is produced. This can be done by the family themselves, the funeral director, or by the Parish Office. Following time with Father, the family will normally meet with a member of the Parish Office to go through the order of service. As well as suggested prayers, readings, and hymns, any requirements for an organist, vocalist, hospitality requirements, and whether a burial or cremation will be taking place are discussed.

To assist the process, if the Parish Office is completing the booklet, please bring along photos for the front and back cover of the booklet – these will then be scanned and returned at the session.

For use of the church a payment of $300 is requested made payable to the Sandgate Brighton Catholic Parish.

Where the Parish Priest is the celebrant, a priest stipend is also paid directly to Father. The suggested amount is $300.

For booklets prepared and printed by the Parish Office, the cost is $3 per booklet. If hospitality is provided by the Parish at the Sandgate Parish Hall, then a cost of $7.50 per person is charged with no additional cost for the use of the hall. Organists and Vocalists if arranged receive a fee of $150 each, paid directly to the individual.

Columbarium
The Parish also has a Columbarium located between the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, and the Sacred Heart Church in Sandgate, where in the case of a cremation, ashes can be respectfully stored. The cost for a niche is $600, with an additional cost of up to $100 for a plaque depending on the inscription chosen. A brass flower vase (~$40) may be installed if desired. 
Niche dimensions are 230mm x 125mm x 90mm.

Remembrance Wall
The Parish also has a Remembrance Wall behind the Columbarium where plaques can be placed for loved ones who may have been laid to rest elsewhere. The cost of a place on the wall is $75, with an additional cost of up to $100 for a plaque depending on the inscription chosen.

Should you have any questions regarding a Funeral service, the Columbarium or Remembrance Wall please contact the Parish Office on phone 3869 1377 or email sandgatebrighton@bne.catholic.net.au


Prices subject to change - correct as at November 2016.