The loss of a family member, friend or loved one brings a sense of grief, loss and change into all our lives. We wish to be there in whatever way we can to support people who are bereaved.

Contact with Priest or Undertaker:

Once the priest or undertaker is contacted by a family regarding a death, arrangements for the funeral can be made.

Funeral Mass:

The funeral mass is generally celebrated at 11.00 a.m., including Sundays. Family or extended family are encouraged to participate in the Mass by reading, reciting prayers of the faithful, and bringing gifts to the altar etc. This is arranged with the priest who celebrates the funeral mass. Music is provided at the request of the family and contact can be made with those who provide it through the priest also.

Rosary:

The rosary is recited each night of the wake at 10.00 p.m.

Month’s Mind and First Anniversaries:

The family contacts the priest to make the necessary arrangements. These masses can be celebrated in the home of the family if the family so wish. For subsequent anniversaries, families are welcome to book an individual mass or to take part in the 6.00 p.m. Saturday mass which is not confined to one person.

Graves:

Graves cannot be booked in advance.

Reserved Car Parking:

Parking at side of church is provided for immediate family members on the day of the funeral.

Bereavement Support:

For details of bereavement supports available in the parish both for adults and children, contact the Family Enrichment Centre, tel : +353 74 913 1245

The Hospice Bereavement Support has been set up to help people experiencing difficulty/pain due to the loss of a loved one through empathy and understanding. This is open to everyone.

Donegal Hospice Bethany Bereavement Support: In 2018 The Donegal Hospice Committee established the Donegal Hospice Bethany Bereavement Support. We are a group of volunteers who have been trained by Bethany West Ireland in Co. Galway. Our Bereavement Support is for all the people of Donegal who have suffered the loss of loved ones, whether at home, in the Hospital or in Donegal Hospice. This is a free and confidential support for any person struggling with the deep painful loss of their loved one. People are welcome to call the phone number from 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and we can arrange to meet at a time that works best for you. Phone number 089 440 2787.

Graveyard Services:

We remember the dead on the first Sunday of June each year by having special prayer services in both Drumboe and Stranorlar graveyards.

Use of Parish Centre for Refreshments after Funeral :

We would like you to know that the parish centre is available to you, free of charge, should you wish to offer refreshments after the funeral. If you so decide, it is important that you contact the centre immediately to reserve the room as there may be a previous reservation. If there is no reply from the centre when you call, please ring Patricia, our Parish Centre Supervisor (087-6654338).

In order to assist you with your catering arrangements, you may find the following information helpful:

Refreshments may be provided by your family/neighbours/friends. Alternatively, you may wish to use an outside service. A list of local caterers, their phone numbers, and their prices for the provision of soup and sandwiches is available from the parish centre. If you decide to avail of this outside service, you will need to make contact immediately with your chosen caterer to advise of your requirements.

A group of volunteer helpers from the parish will be available to you on the day of the funeral to assist with the service of refreshments, if you so require. The parish centre supervisor will organise this for you. Any help that you, your extended family or friends can give in this regard would be greatly appreciated. Tea, coffee and milk will be provided free of charge. The large ground-floor room in the centre contains a fully equipped, modern kitchen with two large fridges, a five-ring cooker, a dishwasher, and enough plates, cups, bowls, cutlery, etc to cater for approximately 120 people. A burco boiler, large teapots, saucepans, electric kettles, etc., are also provided. The room can seat approximately 100 people. Tables and chairs are also on site. A list of local caterers is available from the parish centre.

If you have any queries regarding the above, or if we can assist you further in any way, please contact the Parish Centre, tel : +353 74 917 5853