[UK] Diocese Prepares Faithful for Lay-Led Funerals as Coronavirus Saps Priests

LifeSite News ^ | 3/20/20 | Doug Mainwaring

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The Diocese of Lancaster in England wants its laypeople to be ready to conduct funerals on their own if necessary.

March 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) –– A diocese in England has issued guidance for laypeople to conduct funeral services in the event that a priest or deacon is unavailable due to the coronavirus and anticipates that some funerals may be led by those with the barest minimum of belief in the Catholic faith.

The Diocese of Lancaster has published online downloadable directions for “[p]arishes, other denominations, families and funeral directors” to use “so that funerals may be provided at a time of emergency.”

“In the absence of a priest or deacon, a lay-led Catholic funeral service should be offered to the bereaved,” reads the short announcement. “The service can take place in a church, or chapel, at a crematorium, in a cemetery, or other place if necessary.”

“The civil authorities may limit the length of time given to a service, especially at a crematorium,” cautions the diocese. “They may also limit the number of those attending. The service can be cut-down in length as circumstances dictate, but should not feel rushed.”

A designated lay parish leader or other competent person in the parish leadership team is cited as the first preference for a funeral celebrant. If no such leader is available, then a practicing Catholic family member or any family member or friend (or funeral director) is permissible, but the diocese warns that a person who has no Christian beliefs should not be asked to lead the funeral.

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Ping

[EC Washington]

Deacons officiate at many funerals in the US. The Deacons live in their own homes and should be available.

Many Deacons are on call with local Funeral Homes.