The Church encourages Catholics to have a funeral Mass, also known as a Requiem Mass because it includes Holy Communion. It therefore has at its heart the commemoration of Christ’s death and resurrection.
“At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.” (Order of Christian Funerals, No. 4)
What happens during a Catholic funeral?
- Introductory rite or greeting by the priest
- Procession up the aisle – of priest, coffin, and congregation
- Coffin sprinkled with holy water – the coffin is then placed on a catafalque at the altar and covered with a special cloth (pall)
- Bible or crucifix may be placed on the casket – these are symbols of the Christian faith
- Opening song and prayers
- Funeral liturgy – a family member, friend or the priest will read a passage from Old Testament and a psalm. A eulogy will also be delivered for the person who has died.
- Requiem Mass (optional) – the mourners will receive Holy Communion (Catholic) or a blessing from the priest (non-Catholic)
- Final Commendation – special prayers are delivered, and the priest sprinkles the coffin with holy water as it’s taken out of the church
- Rite of Committal – if the deceased is being buried in a cemetery, family and friends will accompany the coffin to the grave. Here the priest will read a verse of the scripture and say more prayers
What to do when a loved one dies:
- Contact a local funeral home of your choice. The funeral home will establish initial contact with the parish church.
- The priest will assist a family in making appropriate liturgical arrangements such as scripture readings and musical selections.
The Real Purpose of Funerals