Contact the parish where you hope the funeral will take place and explain that you are arranging a Catholic funeral. If you need to find its details, use the church directory. Ask the parish and funeral director to agree the arrangements before treating a proposed date as confirmed.
Prepare for the parish conversation
Check whether the person left funeral wishes or a plan, and tell the parish about them. Bring any questions about the service, readings, music and burial or cremation. You do not need to arrive with a finished order of service.
The Diocese of Westminster’s funeral resources include a guide for families, a sheet for recording one’s own wishes, and resources on readings, music and cremation. They are diocesan resources: the parish arranging your funeral will explain what is appropriate and practical locally.
Ask which form of Catholic funeral is being arranged and where each part will take place. Discuss any proposed readings or music with the parish before printing a booklet. The Church’s ministers help families prepare a service that reflects Catholic worship and the circumstances of the person who has died.
Registration and funeral arrangements
For England and Wales, follow GOV.UK’s guidance after a death, including registration and the documents needed before burial or cremation. GOV.UK also explains arranging a funeral yourself or using a funeral director. Requirements can depend on the circumstances of the death, so follow the registrar’s instructions.
For Scotland, use National Records of Scotland’s registration guidance. It explains the Certificate of Registration of Death, Form 14, which the registrar can send to the funeral director. Your local council can explain local burial or cremation arrangements; Renfrewshire’s guidance also recommends contacting the relevant minister promptly when a religious funeral is wanted.
If you are planning ahead
Write down that you want a Catholic funeral and make those wishes available to the people who would arrange it. The Westminster planning sheet can help you begin. Discuss specific preferences with your parish so your family has a clear starting point when it needs one.