Acknowledgement cards are the job families put off longest, usually because of the wording. It does not need to be original — traditional Irish acknowledgement wording exists precisely so that nobody has to find new words at a hard time. Borrow it freely.
What an acknowledgement card is for
It thanks the people who stood with the family: those who called to the house, attended the removal or funeral, sent flowers, sent Mass cards or sympathy cards, travelled a distance, or quietly helped with food, parking and the hundred other things.
It is not a memorial keepsake. A memorial card remembers the person; a thank you card thanks the people. Many families order both at once, and often use the same photograph so the pair look like a set.
Thank you and acknowledgement cards →Folding memorial cards →
When to send them
There is no rule, and nobody is counting. In practice most Irish families send them four to twelve weeks after the funeral, and a great many send them around the month's memory Mass because the list is complete by then.
Later is fine too. A card that arrives at six months still means a great deal, and people understand exactly why it took that long.
Who to thank
Work from the list of callers, Mass cards and sympathy cards. One card per household is the norm — not one per person — which usually cuts the quantity people first estimate roughly in half.
- Family and relatives who travelled.
- Neighbours and friends who called to the house.
- Anyone who sent flowers, a Mass card or a sympathy card.
- The priest, funeral director, doctors, nurses, carers and hospice staff.
- Colleagues, and the person's club, choir, committee or community group.
Ten wording examples
These are the lines Irish families use most. Take one as it stands, or mix an opening from one with a closing from another.
- The family of the late Mary Byrne wish to express their sincere thanks to all who sympathised with them in their recent bereavement.
- We wish to thank all those who supported us through the loss of our dear father. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
- Thank you for your kindness, your prayers and your presence. It meant more to us than we can say.
- The Doyle family gratefully acknowledge all expressions of sympathy, and the many who called, sent Mass cards, flowers and letters.
- Sincere thanks to all who attended the removal and funeral Mass, and to those who travelled a long distance to be with us.
- We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the hospital for their care and kindness to John in his final weeks.
- Our thanks to Fr O'Brien for his beautiful celebration of the Mass, and to the choir and the funeral directors for their care.
- It is impossible to thank everyone individually, so please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.
- The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.
- Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren and extended family.
The published acknowledgement notice
Some families also publish an acknowledgement notice — in a local paper or alongside the original death notice — using very similar wording. It is a graceful way to reach the people whose addresses you do not have.
If you place one, the last line is usually “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.” It is the standard closing, and it carries a lot in one sentence.
Should the photograph go on it?
It is your choice. A photograph makes the card a small keepsake in its own right and people tend to hold on to it. A plain card with a Celtic border and a short message is quieter and just as correct.
If you are ordering memorial cards too, using the same photograph and border on both makes the pair feel considered rather than assembled.
Practicalities
Envelopes are included free with every order. Most families hand-address them over a few evenings; a printed label sheet is perfectly acceptable for a larger list.
Design and VAT are included in the price. Delivery within Ireland is free on orders over €150, and collection from our Gorey shop is always free.
If you are stuck on the words
Send us the names and the rough sense of what you want to say and we will set a version for you to read on the proof. Changing wording at proof stage costs nothing.
We set these every week. If something reads awkwardly, we will tell you.
Frequently asked questions
- When should funeral thank you cards be sent?
- Most Irish families send them four to twelve weeks after the funeral, often around the month's memory Mass. Later than that is perfectly acceptable.
- Do I send a card to every person or every household?
- One per household is the norm, which usually reduces the quantity considerably compared with a first estimate.
- What is the traditional Irish acknowledgement wording?
- “The family of the late [name] wish to express their sincere thanks to all who sympathised with them in their recent bereavement”, usually closing with “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.”
- Can thank you cards and memorial cards be ordered together?
- Yes, and it is common. Using the same photograph and border on both keeps them looking like a matching set.
Sources and further reading
Need help with a memorial card?
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