About the Funeral Rites of the Church
Can I Have a Funeral for My Loved One?
Typically, the Rite of Christian Burial is celebrated for baptized Catholics. However, the Catholic Church also permits the rites to be celebrated for unbaptized children of Christian families and baptized members of non-Catholic communities of faith.
Funeral Mass or Service?
The Rite of Christian Burial offers several options for prayerful celebrations. While the traditional practice involves the celebration of a funeral Mass, circumstances may dictate a preference for a service of scripture and prayer at the funeral home and/or the cemetery. This might be appropriate when the family or loved ones are not of the Catholic faith or when the deceased was not an active Catholic. If you have questions regarding options for the Funeral Rites celebration, please contact one of our parish's priests. Note that if the deceased regularly participated in the Eucharist celebration, they should not be deprived of the funeral Mass simply because few (if any) relatives and/or friends might attend. The number of mourners should not determine whether or not a funeral Mass is celebrated.
Cremation
While the Catholic Church continues to encourage the ancient custom of burying the body of a deceased person, cremation is permitted. The following are the options for a funeral liturgy when cremation is involved:
Please note that the Church expects the ashes of cremated persons to be buried or entombed in a timely fashion out of respect for the deceased. It is against Church law for cremated remains to be placed on a mantle at home or spread elsewhere. The Church will only bury someone if there is complete assurance that the cremated remains will be buried or interred.
Sensitive Circumstances
In the case of a person who dies as a result of suicide, pastoral care is the focus. While the Catholic Church does not condone such actions, it does not pass judgment on the person either. It is possible that the person committing suicide was not in full possession of their rational faculties at the time of the act. Moreover, we cannot determine the emotional or faith disposition of the person at the moment of death. Therefore, the normal pastoral response is to provide all appropriate rites of Christian burial for such individuals.
Planning and Sharing in the Funeral Liturgy
Planning a funeral liturgy while grieving the death of a loved one can be difficult. Nevertheless, involving family or friends in the celebration of the rites can be important. This participation is entirely optional. The following are moments within the funeral liturgy when the involvement of family or friends is possible:
Sprinkling with Holy Water and Placing the Pall
After family and friends have gathered at the entrance of the church, the priest greets the congregation and sprinkles the body with holy water as a reminder of our baptism. Family members or friends may wish to place the pall, a large white cloth symbolizing the garment received at baptism, over the casket at this time.
Procession with the Urn
When cremated remains are brought to the church for the funeral Mass, a family member or friend is invited to carry the urn in procession to the front of the church. Other family members and friends are encouraged to process behind the cremated remains.
Liturgy of the Word
Family or friends are encouraged to choose readings from scripture, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Family members or friends may wish to proclaim these readings. If not, a trained reader from our parish will be assigned. If a person chooses to read, they should be given the reading in order to prepare to proclaim the Word at the funeral liturgy.
Presenting the Gifts at the Altar
There are two gifts—bread and wine—that are presented following the General Intercessions. Two family members or friends may bring these gifts to the altar.
Music
Please remember that the Mass is a public act of worship of the church; therefore, the hymns should reflect the idea of resurrection and hope. No secular or "popular" music is permitted. Please reserve this type of music for a special time outside of the church.
Reflections at the Funeral Home, Cemetery, or Funeral Reception
The funeral home, cemetery, and funeral reception are places where a family member or friend might share thoughts on and memories of the decedent in a public way. Eulogies are not permitted during the funeral Mass or any of the rites associated with funerals.
Other Christian Symbols and Non-Christian Symbols
Only Christian symbols may rest on or be placed near the coffin during the funeral liturgy. Any other symbols, such as national flags, flags or insignia of associations, and sports or other types of memorabilia, have no place in the funeral liturgy.
Special Needs and Other Questions
If family and friends have special needs, requests, or questions that are not addressed above, please contact your funeral director. All local funeral directors are conscientious in providing parish leaders with the necessary information.
Turning to God's word for wisdom and comfort, the selecting of scripture text is an important part of planning a funeral Mass. The Word of God is an important part of the funeral rite, our Christian celebration of faith in anticipation of the resurrection of the body.
The Church has identified a selection of readings which are appropriate for a funeral/memorial Mass. Please review these sacred passages in preparation for the funeral and find those with words that speak to your heart. The choices are to correspond to the following guidelines:
As the time approaches, may you find strength, comfort and grace for those you love and for yourself in the resources found here:
John 14:1-3