Catholic Funeral Rites

The Catholic Church offers distinct occasions for common prayer at the time of funerals:

• The Vigil consisting mainly of a Liturgy of the Word. The Rosary may be included. Strongly recommended is the Office of the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours.
• The Funeral Liturgy within or outside of Mass.
• The Rite of Committal at the burial place.
• If the mourners are prevented from gathering for the funeral rites shortly after death, a memorial service or Mass may be celebrated at a later time.

By family preference, any single rite may be used as the sole funeral rite.

All of the rites presume the active participation of the parish community as well as the family. Appropriate music, songs and church symbols are strongly recommended. Music is available on short notice.

The Church allows cremation but prefers the coffin be in the church for the funeral Mass or service. The ashes must be properly buried or placed in a crematorium.. See a priest or deacon.