Common Questions
We have provided some of the answers to the common questions relating to a funeral, a funeral service and funeral homes. If you have further questions related to funerals, please contact us and we will do our best to obtain the answer for you.
Funeral Questions
Frequently asked questions about the initial steps of a funeral.
What is a funeral?
The funeral is a ceremony of proven worth and value for those who mourn. It provides an opportunity for the survivors and others who share in the loss to express their love, respect and grief. It permits facing openly and realistically the crisis that death may present. Through the funeral, the bereaved take that first step towards emotional adjustment to their loss.
What type of service should I have?
Only you can answer that question. The type of service conducted for the deceased, if not noted in a pre-plan, is decided by the family. The service is usually held at a place of worship or at the funeral home. The service may vary in ritual according to religious denomination or the wishes of the family. The presence of friends at this time is an acknowledgement of friendship and support. A private service is by invitation only where selected relatives and a few close friends attend the funeral service. A memorial service is usually a service without the body present and can vary in ceremony and procedures according to the family’s community and religious affiliations.
Can I personalise my funeral service?
Absolutely, in fact, we recommend it. After all, the funeral is a celebration of life. Funeral directors are happy to discuss all options and ensure your funeral is tailored to your wishes. It may be personalised in many unique ways. Contact us at (02) 4981-4488 to explore the possibilities.
Why should we have a viewing?
There are many reasons to view the deceased. It is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions, and many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process, by helping the bereaved recognise the reality of death. Viewing is even encouraged for children, as long as it is their desire to do so, and the process is explained well.
Why do we need a funeral notice?
It is helpful to friends and the community to have an funeral notice published announcing the death and type of service to be held. A notice can be placed in a local newspaper, or on the Internet. M.H. O’Rourke Funeral Directors can place the funeral details on our website and add media content, creating the ultimate online obituary resource. Ask us for examples of how a funeral notice on fff.com.au has assisted families in getting the word out.
What do Funeral Directors do?
Funeral directors are both caregivers and administrators. In their administrative duties, they make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. As caregivers, funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognise when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.
What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All you need to do is place a call to us at (02) 6297 1052. If you request immediate assistance, one of our professionals should be there within two hours. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good bye, it’s acceptable. Then they will come when your time is right.
What should I do if a death occurs while away from home?
Your funeral director can assist you if a death occurs anywhere in the world. Contact your hometown funeral director of choice immediately. They will assume responsibility and coordinate the arrangements for the return of the deceased person to their community. They may engage the services of a funeral director in the place of death who will act as their agent.
Cemetery & Crematoria Common Questions
The answers below are here because these are the most commonly-asked questions. If yours isn’t listed, we invite you to call us. We’re here to provide the information you need, when you need it.
Are cemeteries running out of space?
Just like other open spaces, cemeteries are impacted by increased population density in both urban and rural areas. Cemetery spaces are a finite resource, and as such, are at a premium in some regions.
What is Perpetual Care?
“Perpetual Care” usually refers to the correct terms Permanent Care or Endowment Care. These Care funds are collected with each Interment Space sale to maintain the grounds, roads, and buildings of the cemetery.
Can the headstone be personalised?
Yes, the M.H. O’Rourke staff can show you the wide range of personalisation choices, including customised nameplates and military insignias.
Can two cremations be performed at once?
Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, most modern cremation chambers are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.
Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes, for a nominal fee. The state-of-the-art cremation facility is set up to allow family members to be present when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. In fact, some religious groups include this as part of their funeral custom.
Does a body have to be embalmed before it is buried?
No, embalming is not required for burial. It is always your choice. Your decision may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with an open casket; or to enhance the deceased’s appearance for a private family viewing; or if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the burial.
Leave a Message
Please feel free to reach out to us using the contact information below.
Get in Touch
Our compassionate team is here to provide immediate support, answer your questions, and assist you during this difficult time. Whether you require urgent guidance with funeral arrangements, have concerns, or simply need someone to talk to, we are ready to listen and offer our unwavering support.
