Rachel Evans
The Catholic Church encourages funeral Masses, also known as Requiem Masses, which include Holy Communion. However, this is not mandatory and depends on the number of Catholics expected to attend the funeral. If there are few Catholics present, a Funeral Outside Mass may be held, which is similar to a Requiem Mass but without Holy Communion. During the funeral Mass, the priest leads the congregation in a Gospel reading, delivers a homily, and may speak about the deceased. Family and friends may also do a reading, but eulogies are not allowed. After Communion, a family member or friend may offer Words of Remembrance, reflecting on the faith life of the deceased. The priest then leads the Eucharistic Prayer and sprinkles holy water on the coffin before mourners accompany it to the graveside for the Rite of Committal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Funeral type | Funeral Mass (or Requiem Mass) with Holy Communion, or Funeral Outside Mass without Holy Communion |
| Who can partake in Holy Communion | Only Catholics |
| Who can perform Holy Communion | Only an ordained priest |
| Who can deliver eulogies | Eulogies are not allowed during the funeral service, but may be delivered during a Prayer Vigil or "Vigil" the night before |
| Who can speak during the funeral | Family or friends may do a reading, but only the priest can deliver a homily |
| Who can receive the ashes | The funeral is not concluded until the ashes are given to the family |
| Who can be buried in Catholic cemeteries | Catholic cemeteries are generally for the burial of Catholics, but non-Catholic family members are also welcome |
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What You'll Learn
Holy Communion is only for Catholics
Catholic funeral services often consist of three parts. The first part, the Reception of the Body or the Prayer Vigil, is for the family and friends of the deceased. During this time, the coffin is displayed on the eve of the funeral, either at the church, the family home, or a funeral home chapel. The second part is the funeral, which most often consists of a Funeral Mass, also known as a Requiem Mass. This includes Holy Communion, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, if there are few Catholics in attendance, the funeral may be held outside of Mass, without Holy Communion.
Holy Communion is a sacred ritual in the Catholic Church, and it is believed that only those who profess the Catholic faith can participate in it. This belief is rooted in the idea that Holy Communion is a sign of unity and oneness of faith among Catholics. By receiving Holy Communion, individuals are implying that they believe and accept the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "the Eucharist is properly the sacrament of those who are in full communion with the Church" (1395). This means that to receive the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, one must be baptized and believe in the core tenets of the Catholic faith, such as the pope being the Vicar of Christ on earth and the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary.
While non-Catholics may feel excluded during Holy Communion, the Catholic Church does not intend to be exclusive or uncharitable. Instead, it is about maintaining the integrity of the faith and ensuring that those who receive Holy Communion are properly prepared and united in belief.
During a Catholic funeral service, non-Catholics are still welcomed and blessed by the priest, even if they cannot partake in Holy Communion. This blessing is a way to include everyone present, regardless of their religious affiliation.
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Requiem Mass includes Holy Communion
A Catholic funeral often consists of three parts. The first, the Reception of the Body or the Prayer Vigil, is mainly for the family and friends of the deceased. During this time, the coffin is displayed on the eve of the funeral. Traditionally, the coffin is taken to the church where the funeral will be held, but it can also be displayed at the family home or in the chapel of a funeral home. During the Prayer Vigil, the family and friends take some quiet time with their loved one, often praying the rosary, giving readings from the Bible, or singing hymns.
The following day is the funeral, which most often consists of a Funeral Mass, also sometimes known as a Requiem Mass. A Funeral Mass is unique in that it contains Holy Communion, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In recognition that not all practising Catholics are surrounded by Catholics themselves, some people choose to have a Funeral Outside Mass, which is very similar to a Requiem Mass, but without Holy Communion.
Requiem Masses are not necessary, but they are encouraged by the Church and are often the wish of practising Catholics. If the funeral includes a Requiem Mass, then bread and wine might be placed on the altar for Holy Communion. Mourners will form a procession to receive Holy Communion or, if they are not Catholic, a blessing from the priest. Those who are not Catholic cannot partake in Holy Communion. Therefore, if there are few Catholics at the funeral service, it would make sense not to hold Holy Communion.
After Holy Communion, special prayers are recited to accompany the deceased. Usually, the priest sprinkles holy water and incenses the coffin. A farewell hymn is often chanted while the priest sprinkles the holy water. After the funeral Mass, mourners accompany the coffin to the graveside. At the cemetery, the priest recites special prayers. The rite ends with the mourners reciting the Lord's Prayer and a blessing by the priest.
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Funeral Outside Mass doesn't include Holy Communion
A Catholic funeral typically consists of three parts. The first part, the Reception of the Body or the Prayer Vigil, is held on the eve of the funeral and is mainly for the family and friends of the deceased. During this time, the coffin is displayed and people gather to pray, give readings from the Bible, sing hymns, and share memories of the person who has died. This can take place at the church, the family home, or the chapel of a funeral home.
The funeral itself usually takes the form of a Funeral Mass, also known as a Requiem Mass, which includes Holy Communion. However, if there are few Catholics in attendance, it may be more appropriate to hold a Funeral Outside Mass, which does not include Holy Communion. This type of service is also preferred if the funeral is taking place during the last three days of Holy Week, when a traditional funeral Mass is considered impossible and inappropriate.
During a Funeral Mass, family or friends may bring bread and wine to the altar before the Eucharistic Prayer, after which Holy Communion is offered. Only Catholics may take part in Holy Communion, although non-Catholics may receive a blessing from the priest. Following Communion, a family member or friend may speak in memory of the deceased, and the priest will sprinkle the coffin with holy water and incense it. Mourners then accompany the coffin to the cemetery for the Rite of Committal, where the priest will read a verse of scripture and say prayers. The rite concludes with the Lord's Prayer, a blessing from the priest, and sometimes a hymn or song.
If the deceased is to be cremated, the coffin is taken to the crematorium for a short service in the chapel. Cremation is allowed in the Catholic Church, but there are guidelines regarding the disposal of ashes, which are ideally buried or placed in a columbarium. An additional Rite for the Burial of Ashes should be performed when the ashes are placed in their final resting place.
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Holy Communion is preceded by Eucharistic Prayer
Catholic funeral services often consist of three parts. The first, the Reception of the Body or the Prayer Vigil, is mainly for the family and friends of the deceased. During this time, the coffin is displayed on the eve of the funeral, usually at the church where the funeral will be held, but it can also be at the family home or in the chapel of a funeral home. The second part is the funeral, which most often consists of a Funeral Mass, also known as a Requiem Mass.
A Funeral Mass is unique in that it contains Holy Communion, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church encourages a Funeral Mass with Holy Communion when someone passes. However, if there are few Catholics at the funeral service, it would make sense not to hold Holy Communion. In such cases, a Funeral Outside Mass is held, which is very similar to a Funeral Mass but without Holy Communion.
Holy Communion is preceded by the Eucharistic Prayer. The Mass is a long rite in two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The former consists of readings from the Bible and a homily, or sermon, given by a priest or deacon. The latter, which follows seamlessly, includes the "Offering" of the bread and wine at the altar, their consecration by the priest through prayer, and their reception by the congregation in Holy Communion. The actual Eucharistic prayer is called the anaphora, which means "offering" or "carrying up" in Greek.
During the Funeral Mass, the priest leads the congregation through a passage from the Gospel and delivers a homily to reflect the meaning of the reading. Family or friends may also do a reading, but eulogies are not allowed. The priest may instead speak about the person who passed. He then leads the Eucharistic Prayer before Communion is offered. After Communion, a family member or close friend may be allowed to speak Words of Remembrance.
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Holy Communion is followed by special prayers
A Catholic funeral is usually held in a Catholic church or a chapel at a Catholic cemetery. It is presided over by a priest, although a deacon might also take on this responsibility. The priest will greet the mourners at the door of the church and sprinkle the coffin with holy water. The coffin is then led into the church.
A Catholic funeral often consists of three parts. The first, the Reception of the Body or the Prayer Vigil, is mainly for the family and friends of the deceased. During this time, the coffin is displayed on the eve of the funeral. The Prayer Vigil takes place in the church, but it can also be held at the family home or in the chapel of a funeral home. During the Prayer Vigil, the family and friends take some quiet time with their loved one, often praying the rosary, giving Bible readings, or singing hymns.
The funeral itself most often consists of a Funeral Mass, also known as a Requiem Mass. A Funeral Mass is unique in that it contains Holy Communion, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The priest leads the congregation through a passage from the Gospel and delivers a homily to reflect the meaning of the reading. Family or friends may also do a reading, but eulogies are not allowed. The priest may instead speak about the person who passed.
If the deceased is to be cremated, the coffin is taken to the crematorium where a short service is held in the chapel. However, the funeral is not concluded until the ashes are given to the family so they can be buried. Although cremation is technically allowed in the Catholic Church, there are guidelines about what to do with the ashes. They are meant to be buried or placed in a columbarium. An additional Rite for the Burial of Ashes should occur when the ashes are placed in their final resting place.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Catholics have communion during funeral services, but only if the funeral includes a Requiem Mass. A Requiem Mass is a funeral Mass that includes the Eucharistic Prayer and Holy Communion. It is encouraged by the Church and is often the wish of practising Catholics.
A funeral Mass is a funeral service that includes Holy Communion. A funeral outside Mass is a funeral service without Holy Communion, usually held when very few Catholics are in attendance.
Only Catholics can take part in Holy Communion. Non-Catholics are welcome to join the procession for Holy Communion but they should only receive a blessing from the priest.
