In the Catholic Church, funerals are a sacred celebration of faith, hope, and resurrection. While we grieve the loss of a loved one, we do so with confidence in Christ’s promise of eternal life. The Funeral Rites commend the deceased to God’s mercy, offer prayers for the forgiveness of sins, and bring comfort and hope to those who mourn.
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”
— John 11:25
The Purpose of a Catholic Funeral
A Catholic funeral:
- Gives praise and thanks to God for the gift of life
- Prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased
- Proclaims our belief in the Resurrection of the dead
- Offers consolation and hope to the grieving
The focus of the funeral liturgy is prayer and worship, centered on Christ’s saving death and resurrection.
The Funeral Rites
The Church provides three main parts to the Catholic Funeral Rite:
- Vigil (Wake Service)
Usually celebrated at a funeral home or church, the Vigil is a time for prayer, Scripture, and remembrance. - Funeral Mass (or Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass)
The Funeral Mass is the central celebration, where the Eucharist is offered for the deceased. When Mass is not possible, a Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass may be celebrated. - Rite of Committal
Celebrated at the cemetery or mausoleum, this rite entrusts the body to its final resting place while we await the resurrection.
The Body and Cremation
The Church teaches that the human body is sacred, having been the temple of the Holy Spirit. Burial of the body is preferred, but cremation is permitted. When cremation is chosen, the cremated remains should be treated with the same respect as the body and buried or entombed, not scattered or kept at home.
Planning a Catholic Funeral
Families are encouraged to contact the parish as soon as possible after a death occurs. The priest or parish staff will assist with planning the funeral liturgy, including Scripture readings, music, and other details, in accordance with the teachings and traditions of the Church.
A Prayerful Farewell
Catholic funerals remind us that death is not the end, but a passage to new life in Christ. As a parish community, we gather to pray, to support one another, and to entrust our loved ones to the mercy of God.
“Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed, not ended.”
— Preface for the Dead, Roman Missal