Funeral service in Göttingen: Volunteers with heart and faith!

Funeral service in Göttingen: Volunteers with heart and faith!

As part of an inspiring celebration, three committed women were commissioned as funeral directors for the Göttingen deanery. This commissioning, which took place on August 24, 2025, is part of an important ministry in the parish dedicated to the work of mercy. The community was called upon to actively care for the sick and dying and to participate in funeral ceremonies, a cause that both provides comfort and creates community. Catholic Church Göttingen reports that Caroline von Eiff (Mary Queen of Peace Parish), Stefanie Florenz (St. Michael) and Carolin Herbke (St. Godehard Parish) are now taking on this responsible task after intensive preparation.

Importantly, the path to becoming a funeral director is not as easy as one might think. The training they underwent was in-depth and covered essential topics such as dying, death and grief as well as their theological background. Practical exercises, conversations with relatives and writing mourning speeches also played a central role. The participants emphasized the value of the shared journey of faith and the challenges that this ministry brings with it. A big thank you goes to Deacon Martin Wirth and Pastoral Officer Ricardo Wickert for leading the training program.

Volunteering as an opportunity for networking

Volunteering in the church and accompanying people in times of farewell not only offers the opportunity to help directly, but also to network with each other. The diocese of Essen For example, since 2014, it has launched a program that trains women and men in funeral services. These volunteers are responsible for condolence discussions, conducting funeral services and supporting mourners even beyond the funeral. A valuable network is formed through regular exchange meetings.

The central thesis in both Göttingen and the diocese of Essen is that caring for the mourners is not just limited to individual people, but is a collective task for every community. The funeral service is seen as a pastoral task that requires heart and empathy. Those interested must meet certain requirements, such as taking part in a special qualification that covers topics such as mourning conversations or liturgical processes. The next qualification course in the Diocese of Essen starts in February 2025 and offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in serving in the funeral service.

Reach your goal with the support of laypeople

In the Archdiocese of Cologne, another important step in this direction was taken with new regulations issued by Archbishop Rainer Maria Cardinal Woelki on August 1, 2017. Pastors can now submit applications to train and commission parishioners as extraordinary directors of church funeral ceremonies. These regulations apply in addition to those for priests and deacons and show how important the commitment of laypeople in the church is. The Archdiocese of Cologne has already implemented successful pilot projects to train community members, which opens up new perspectives and opportunities.

The commissioning of Caroline, Stefanie and Carolin is a clear step in the right direction and a sign of thanks to everyone who is involved in this sensitive area. May your service support and accompany many people!