Te Tikanga Karakia mō te
Hura Kohatu me te
Whakatapu Tohu
Whakamaharatanga
The Unveiling of a Memorial
For many people the final resting place focuses a family’s grieving, and their memory of the one who has died. The memorial stone placed there may be their only tangible link with that person.
Te Hura Kohatu marks the placing of the stone, and brings the family together again to renew their bond once more. It is a symbol of a new beginning.
It normally takes place about a year after the death.
In this service the English parallels rather than translates the Māori text.
| Ka āhei ma te Pirihi mā te Reimana rānei e whakahaere tēnei Karakia |
This service is normally conducted by a priest. A duly authorised layperson may take the service. |
‘There is a season for everything.’
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Approach
The priest shall lead the people to the memorial and then say
In the name of God,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord, you guard me from behind and before me.
You cover me with your hand.
If I climb up to heaven, you are there.
If I make my bed in the grave you are there also.
The priest says
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Prayers
The priest says
Almighty God,
by your power and love
all things are sanctified and made perfect.
Be merciful to us and bless us.
Let your face shine upon us
and prosper the work of our hands,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Heavenly Father,
help us to entrust our loved ones to your care;
when sorrow darkens our lives,
teach us to look to you,
remembering the cloud of witnesses
by whom we are surrounded.
Grant that we on earth may share with them
the rest and peace which you give
through your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
The veil is removed and the priest says
In the faith of Jesus Christ,
we dedicate this stone/memorial in memory of his servant N,
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The words on the memorial may be read.
The Collect for All Saints’ Day
Almighty God,
your saints are one with you
in the mystical body of Christ;
give us grace to follow them
in all virtue and holiness
until we come to those inexpressible joys
which you have prepared for those
who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Other appropriate prayers may be said.
A hymn may be sung.
A priest may give a blessing or the following may be said.
The God of peace,
who by the blood of the eternal covenant
brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus
that great shepherd of the sheep,
make you perfect in every good work,
working in you that which is pleasing and good;
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.
Go now to love and serve the Lord. Go in peace.
Amen. We go in the name of Christ.