(catholic) funerals are dying out

10 comments

1. Good, funerals are the only reason I would still go to a church.

2. Some figures from the annual reports from the catholic church:

   | Year | 2022 | 2019 | 2016 | 2007 | 1998 |
   | ———————- | ——- | ——- | ——- | —— | —— |
   | Baptism | 43.327 | 42.051 | 50.867 | 60.825 | 82.567 |
   | First Communion | 38.394 | 43.764 | ? | ? | ? |
   | Confirmation | 32.255 | 36.534 | 41.060 | ? | ? |
   | Relig. Marriage | 6.947 | 5.971 | 7.859 | | ? |
   | Relig. Burial | 41.900 | 44.920 | ? | | ? |
   | Church attendance | 172.968 | 241.029 | 286.393 | | ? |
   | Christmas eve attend. | 404.195 | 551.134 | ? | ? | ? |

   (propably there are more baptized people in 2022 because of the lockdowns where baptism wasn’t possible all the time).

3. Personally I still prefer it the traditional way. It adds gravitas to he moment. I find some of the rituals rather fitting and moving.

   The modern funeral ceremonies that I attended didn´t feel like a good replacement to me. I don´t want to disrespect the people that organised them, but they just felt very cheap and hollow to me. It was supposed to be very personal, but in the end it was just a simple format with some cliche texts, music and pictures. It was just an obligatory thing that everyone wanted to get over as quickly as possible For me that wasn´t a proper way to conclude a person´s life and to say goodbye.

   I respect people who have a different opinion though. This is al very emotional and personal.

4. Oh no, anyway.

5. The church in general could die out completely imo.

6. Thats great. Can all religious houses die out now

7. When I feel the end is near I’m going to the mountains to die and be eaten by cinereous vultures and ravens.

8. Good news everyone!

   ​

   On the other hand – I have the feeling “communion” is on the rise again.

9. funeralception

10. Good

    Someone I know started their own funeral service practice, and makes everything extremely personalised to the deceased and their family’s wishes to create a moment tailored around their life. This can include personalised poems, specially made music, dance,… Instead of a stuffy old geezer talking about God