The parishes of Kilmegan and Kilcoo now have a team of lay funeral ministers who have been trained and authorised to provide support to grieving families, by leading funeral rites and prayers.

Within their remit, funeral ministers may go into the deceased person’s home or place of rest. They can say prayers and reflections in a timely way. This is known as gathering in the presence of the body.

Funeral ministers also say prayers at the transfer of the body to the church. They can receive the coffin at the church, conduct prayers at a crematorium and lead the Rite of Committal at the graveside.