When a loved one passes away, it is usually an emotional experience. When one is responsible for organizing the funeral ceremony, it may be very overwhelming without the right catholic funeral package, especially if it is the first time.
Although much of the logistics and procedure may be handled by funeral homes and directors, it is still advisable to arm yourself with procedural knowledge. This gives one a general idea of what to anticipate and will help one make decisions and set priorities along the road.
The actions one should do to be ready for a funeral when a loved one passes away are listed below:
Notify the authorities of the death:
A Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) is necessary to register for the event when someone dies away. This may occur in several ways:
- A hospital-attending physician will provide this certificate for natural deaths that occur there. They will have to visit the location and make the announcement since they can’t do it elsewhere.
- The police will forward instances that the doctor deems unclassified or uncertain to Mortuary@HSA for additional investigation.
If identification has not yet been given, the next-of-kin should do so before shredding the paperwork once a digital death certificate has been validated. If the system is not accessible, a manual certificate may be supplied; in all other cases, the representative may visit the My Legacy website within 30 days to get the digital certificate.
After that, a legal Death Certificate will be issued. Only digital certificates will be issued by the Singaporean government starting in May 2022.
Establishing pre-funeral plans:
Finding out if the dead or the family have made any pre-arrangements is the next relatively fast step.
For the former, one should ask close friends, family members, or spouses about any final requests. If there is reason to believe a will was written, conducting a search on the Wills Registry and contacting a reputable attorney who created the will should also be taken into account. If not, an elected official may carry out the deceased’s wishes and schedule the funeral.
Some of the subjects that require discussion include:
- The funeral director might suggest an SPH agency if an obituary is required
- The funeral service’s chosen religious structure
- Whether it should be buried or cremated
- The venue of the funeral ceremony, or services, if there are several
- If open caskets and funeral services that last many days need to be embalmed
- The site or ritual of death
A cheap funeral service can be contacted at this point to help with the necessary administration and logistics and to offer guidance on the next stages. This might significantly lessen the obligations throughout the time for certain people.
Organizing the funeral:
The length of the funeral ceremony can range from a few days to a week, depending on religious beliefs and personal preferences. This would enable individuals who were close to the dead to pay their respects and find solace in one another. This could take place at one’s house or some other location, like a funeral home.
To utilize some places, one must request permission. Here are some of the authorities that should be consulted based on the requirements:
City Council:
While hosting a wake in an open space, such as a housing development deck
Land Transport Administration:
If a section of a public road is necessary
Environmental Protection Agency:
When the duration of the wake exceeds seven days
If one is unaware of religious conventions and contacts, a funeral director may help organize the necessary applications and logistics (such as tentage, tables, seats, etc.), and even arrange the proper ceremonies. However, decisions will need to be made by the designated representative regarding things like the type of coffin to be used, the deceased’s attire, the photo to be used, the size of the wake, etc.
Burial or cremation:
The funeral directors or funeral firm schedule the cremation day and time after the specifics of the funeral ceremony are decided.
Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex is the sole choice for those who choose to be buried on land. Please be aware that this will only last for 15 years, after which time the body will need to be reburied or cremated.
In Singapore, cremation is the more popular option, and there are four crematoria to select from:
- Choa Chu Kang Cemetery (government)
- Mandai Cemetery (government)
- Monastery Kong Meng San Phor Kark See (private)
- Temple of Tse Toh Aum (private)
Following the procedure, a person has the option of having the ashes retained at the columbarium in a niche with a marble plaque, or they can choose to have them placed in an urn to be stored there or taken home.
The loved ones may choose to spread the ashes in various circumstances. South of Pulau Semakau, out at sea, this is possible, although the Port Marine Safety Control Center must be notified. For those who opt for the latter, there is a specific area in Choa Chu Kang Cemetery called the Garden of Peace.
Everyone can remember the deceased for a while at a funeral ceremony, but it does need some planning. The authorities will always help in these situations, but if you want extra peace of mind and to concentrate on the celebration, a funeral home can step in.
Adapting to a loved one’s death:
We are aware of how challenging it is. But nothing can adequately prepare us for how difficult it is to lose someone we love sincerely.
Although mourning is initially perceived as being simple, many people who go through this tragedy in their lives will realize it’s not. In addition to the emotional demands that sometimes come in waves from within oneself, there are also practical requirements and cultural pressure that enter the picture.
The grieving process is a complex one, including a range of emotions including sadness, perplexity, astonishment, and even rage. Even while it’s true that time may be a salve that heals, navigating this path while it’s still going on can be challenging.
Without correct control, it might cause despair, anxiety, or behavior that is out of character for the person.
Seek assistance:
It’s crucial to have interactions with trusted people throughout this time, whether they be members of your family, close friends, coworkers, therapists, your child’s teachers, or even your religious leaders. Finding a solution to grieving isn’t always necessary; sometimes, just talking about your feelings and ideas might help to clear your mind.
It’s acceptable if you don’t feel like conversing with anyone. Find a means to express yourself, whether it be via journaling, singing, or even art—such as painting and drawing.
Respect and esteem:
It may be quite insulting when someone encourages you to “move on” after some time has passed. In any case, when is a good moment to be sad? There is no response. There is no particular timescale for mourning unless there are signs of ill health, unpredictable behavior, or an extended incapacity to do daily tasks.
Moving on does not imply forgetting; on the contrary, it is advisable to discover methods to treasure your memories of them. Find your unique way to say this. Give to a charity in their honor. Plant something in their honor. Make a scrapbook or picture album. Put a few of their possessions in a box. On anniversaries, purchase their favorite flowers and display them in your room.
