Michael Brooks
A Catholic funeral is a religious service held for someone of the Catholic faith who has passed away. It is centred on prayers for the deceased's soul and gratitude to God for the gift of their life. The service is traditionally held in a Catholic church or funeral home and led by a Catholic priest, who delivers a sermon commemorating the deceased's life. The funeral liturgy may include a Requiem Mass with the Eucharistic Prayer and Holy Communion. The funeral rite is divided into several stations or parts, each with its own purpose. The final stage is the Rite of Committal, where the priest officially commits the body to the earth and everyone says their final goodbyes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of parts | 3 |
| First part | Vigil service/wake |
| Second part | Funeral Mass/funeral liturgy |
| Third part | Rite of Committal |
| Location | Catholic church, funeral home, cemetery, crematorium |
| Duration | Without Mass: 40 minutes; With Mass: 1 hour |
| Dress code | Dark semi-formal clothing |
| Coffin | Taken into the church the night before or greeted at the door by the priest on the day |
| Priest | Delivers a sermon, sprinkles holy water on the coffin, leads it into the church |
| Readings | At least one from the Old Testament and a psalm |
| Music | Hymns, church music |
| Eulogy | Usually done at the funeral home during visitation or at the Vigil Service |
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What You'll Learn
Vigil service and wake
A Catholic funeral typically consists of three parts: the Vigil service or wake, the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal. The Vigil service is the Catholic term for a wake, and it usually takes place the night before the funeral, though it may be held several days earlier. It often occurs during the visitation or viewing period at a funeral home, where the body lies in repose and people come to pay their respects.
The Vigil service is a time to remember the life of the deceased and commend them to God. It can take the form of a Service of the Word, with readings from Scripture, reflections, and prayers. Alternatively, it can be one of the prayers from the Office for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours. During the Vigil service, eulogies are usually given by family and friends, as they are not typically part of the Funeral Mass. Mourners are encouraged to wear black semi-formal clothing, with men in suits and ties and women in black skirts, dresses, or pantsuits. If mourners cannot procure black clothing, they should wear the darkest semi-formal clothing they have.
The Vigil service is a time for the community to gather with the family in prayer, seeking consolation in their grief and strength from Christ's presence. It is an important part of the Catholic funeral tradition, providing an opportunity for loved ones to come together and support one another before the funeral.
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Funeral Mass
A Catholic funeral consists of three parts, each of which may occur at different times. The Funeral Mass is the second part, and it is the traditional funeral ceremony. It is held in a church, and those attending should wear dark, semi-formal clothing.
The Funeral Mass begins with introductory rites, where the celebrant meets the family and funeral procession at the church doors with words of greeting. The celebrant continues in prayer while sprinkling the casket with holy water. The pall is then placed on the casket. The procession then walks down the aisle, led by the celebrant, as the Entrance Song begins. After everyone is seated, the celebrant invites those present to pray. The celebrant then delivers a collect, or opening prayer.
The Liturgy of the Word follows, where family members or friends are encouraged to participate by reading from the Old or New Testament. There is also a psalm, which is sung when musicians are present. The priest then reads from the Gospel, usually chosen by the family. The celebrant then delivers a homily that reflects on the meaning of the readings and may speak about the person who has died. Family or friends may compose and read bidding prayers.
If it is a funeral Mass, family or friends may bring the bread or wine to the altar ahead of the Eucharistic Prayer. Holy Communion is then offered. After Communion, a family member or close friend may speak briefly in memory of the deceased.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist involves the presentation of gifts, which are usually a bowl of hosts, water, and wine. The Song of Farewell is usually sung during the incensing, and a hymn such as "Jesus Remember Me" is chosen. The priest then delivers a Prayer of Commendation, praying for the deceased to be taken into the hands of God.
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Rite of Committal
The Rite of Committal is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. It is the conclusion of the funeral rites and marks the separation of the mourners from the deceased. It is usually celebrated at the graveside or crematorium, though it may also be part of the funeral service at the church.
The Rite of Committal may be performed in two forms. The first is used when the final commendation is celebrated as part of the conclusion of the funeral liturgy. The second form is used when the final commendation does not take place during the funeral liturgy or when no funeral liturgy precedes the committal rite. This second form may be used when there is a delay between the funeral and the final disposition of the body, such as in the case of a body donated to science or when winter delays burial. In such cases, the rite of committal may be repeated when the actual burial or interment takes place.
During the Rite of Committal, the priest officially commits the body to the earth and everyone says their final goodbyes. The priest reads a verse of scripture and says special prayers. The mourners may then perform a gesture of leave-taking, such as placing flowers or soil on the coffin. The rite ends with the Lord's Prayer and a blessing from the priest, followed by a hymn or song.
The singing of well-chosen music at the Rite of Committal is an important aspect. It is desirable to have a hymn or liturgical song that affirms hope in God's mercy and in the resurrection of the dead. The music helps mourners as they face the reality of separation and begin a new relationship with the deceased based on prayerful remembrance, gratitude, and the hope of reunion.
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Eulogy and speeches
A Catholic funeral service is centred on prayers for the deceased's soul and expressing gratitude to God for the gift of their life. It is traditionally held in a Catholic church, but can also take place in a funeral home. The service is usually led by a Catholic priest, who delivers a sermon commemorating the deceased's life.
The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. It is held to give praise and thanks to God for Christ's victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God's mercy, and to seek strength in the Paschal Mystery. The funeral liturgy will include at least one reading from the Old Testament and a psalm, which can be read by family, friends, or the presiding priest. The priest will also read a passage from one of the gospels, deliver a homily, and give a eulogy for the deceased.
If the funeral includes a Requiem Mass, there will be a Holy Communion ceremony towards the end. Mourners will form a procession to receive Holy Communion, or, if they are not Catholic, a blessing from the priest. Family and friends may also bring the bread and wine to the altar ahead of the Eucharistic Prayer.
If you wish to say a few words about your loved one, it is customary to do so at the wake or reception after the funeral. This is because eulogies are not typically part of the funeral Mass. However, in recent times, family members or friends may share anecdotes at the end of the Mass.
The reception after the funeral is usually held at a close family member's home. It is also common to hold a wake before the funeral, which can last several days or just a few hours. The Vigil Service, or wake, is a time to remember the life of the deceased and commend them to God. It can include readings from Sacred Scripture, reflections, and prayers.
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Burial or cremation
If the body is to be cremated, the coffin is taken to the crematorium for a short service in the chapel. The funeral is not concluded until the family receives the ashes for burial. There is a Catholic liturgy to accompany the burial of ashes. If you prefer a simple service, it can be held at the cemetery or crematorium chapel. This service is shorter, usually taking around 20 minutes.
The Rite of Committal is the final stage of a Catholic funeral. It often takes place at the cemetery but may also be part of the funeral service at the church. This is the final rite, where the priest officially commits the body to the earth, and everyone says their final goodbyes. The priest blesses the site and leads the mourners in prayer, culminating in the Catholic version of the Lord's Prayer.
The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. When Mass cannot be celebrated, a funeral liturgy outside Mass can be celebrated at the church or funeral home. At the funeral liturgy, the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ's victory over sin and death.
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