Catholic Funeral Rites and Customs

The Rites

The Catholic Church offers distinct occasions for common prayer at the time of funerals. The Order of Christian Funerals contains three clusters of Rites:

1. The Vigil
2. The Funeral Liturgy, and Final Commendation and Farewell
3. The Rite of Committal

The Funeral Rites also provide other opportunities for prayer. These Related Rites and Prayers are: Prayers after Death, Gathering in the Presence of the Body, and Transfer of the Body to the Church or to the Place of Committal.

The Funeral Rites, like all the Church's liturgy, are primarily worship of God. Care needs to be taken to preserve the integrity of the Church's prayer, and of the homily, while remaining personable and sensitive to those present.

The Rites for adults are different from the Rites for children and infants. These Rites apply to baptized Catholics, and also catechumens, unbaptized infants, and in special circumstances, those who are not Catholic.

By family preference or pastoral concern, any single rite may be used as the sole Funeral Rite. Consultation with your priest or parish minister can help determine your funeral selections.

The Vigil

This Rite, presided over by a priest, deacon, or prepared layperson (or member of the family) generally consists of: Introductory Rite, Liturgy of the Word, Intercessory Prayer and Concluding Rite and Blessing. Also strongly recommended is the Office of the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours.

The rosary, or a portion of it, may be included as part of the petitions within this Rite, or preferably, it may be recited by the family at a time other than the Vigil. If the Vigil is celebrated in church, it begins with the Rite of Reception.

The Funeral Liturgy

The Funeral Liturgy (Mass) is the community's principal celebration. Generally, the Funeral Liturgy comprises: The Rite of Reception (unless already celebrated as part of the Vigil), the Liturgy of the Word, The Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Final Commendation and Farewell.

The priest presides at Mass, assisted by a full complement of liturgical ministers - lectors, canto, musicians, servers, etc. These ministerial roles are performed by trained parish ministers or by members of the deceased's family or friends, if properly prepared.

The Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass

In special circumstances, such as the absence of the body of the deceased (because of cremation, burial elsewhere, etc.) or if those participating are not Catholic, the Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass may be a more suitable form of celebration. In this case the Rite of Committal at the cemetery may take place at a later time.

A deacon or lay person may preside at a Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass which may be chosen for a variety of reasons.

The Rite of Committal

The Rite of Committal, the final of the Funeral Rites, may be presided over by priest, deacon or layperson. It is best celebrated in close proximity to the actual burial place - grave, tomb or crematorium.

This rite is intentionally brief. However, if this is the sole Funeral Rite, it may be expanded to include the Rite of Final Commendation or additional music and readings, a brief homily, and petitions.

What Should I Do When a Loved One Dies?

When death occurs, after you provide for the initial care of the body of the deceased, the parish should be contacted first.

Who Should Be Involved in Funeral Preparation?

Family members and close friends of the deceased are encouraged to have an active role in preparing and choosing the elements of the Funeral Rite. If possible, with preparation, they may preside at designated Rites or perform some ministerial roles.

Today individuals and families often plan the funeral before a person's death. Such preplanning can have the effect of helping families face the reality of death with Christian hope. It can also help relieve the family of numerous details after the death and may allow them to benefit more fully from the celebration of the Funeral Rites.

Is Cremation Allowed?

Although traditional burial procedure which reflects respect for the body is still normal Catholic practice, cremation is allowed by the Catholic Church for justifiable reasons. Cremation would ordinarily take place after the Funeral Liturgy. These remains should never be scattered or handled in a undignified manner, but are to be interred or inurned in a cemetery columbarium.  The discussion of cremation would be beneifical to have with your parish priest.

Article Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.