Funeral

The Order of Christian Funerals, published in 1990 by the Canadian Bishops, guides the Catholic community with specific rites and prayers to express consolation to those who grieve, to give thanks to God for the blessings received by and through the deceased and to ask God for mercy on all sinners. It is designed to help confront death in light of the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.

 

Funerals for Catholics have three distinct parts:[1]

The Vigil

The Vigil is the principal celebration of the Christian community during the time before the funeral liturgy. (OCF#45) The Vigil includes a solemn reading of the Word of God and prayers for the deceased and those who mourn. This is the suitable occasion for a eulogy and for sharing remembrances of the deceased. Members of the local parish community are also encouraged to participate as a sign of concern and support for the mourners. A priest, a deacon or, in their absence, a lay person leads the community in prayer.

The Funeral Mass

Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just. The Mass, the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral. (OCF # 5)
There is an emphasis on the baptism of the deceased since it is through baptism in Jesus that each person receives the promise of eternal life. The white pall draped over the casket, the holy water and the Easter candle are symbols of Christ’s life which is bestowed through the waters of baptism.

The Rite of Committal

Prayers are offered to commit the body of the deceased to its final resting place. When the body has been or will be cremated, appropriate adaptions are made to the prayers of committal and signs of farewell.

Frequently Asked Questions[2]


Yes. The funeral liturgy, including the Funeral Mass, may be celebrated with the cremated remains of the deceased person present. The Church encourages the family to have the body present in the Church followed by cremation, however either way is acceptable.
At the funeral Mass, the cremated remains, in a dignified container, are placed on a small table provided for this purpose. The liturgy concludes with the final commendation and the subsequent interment of the remains. The Church asks that in keeping with a spirit of reverence, the cremated remains be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or niche provided for this purpose. (National Liturgy Office, “Catholics and Cremation,” 1998.)


Yes. Cremation has been an acceptable option for Catholics since 1963. The cremated remains must be treated with respect. They should be either interred or entombed. Scattering of cremated ashes is not permitted.


Yes. For more information, see the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops website where a leaflet in pdf format is also available.


A Catholic Cemetery is a ministry of the Catholic Church. Consecrated by a Bishop, they are sacred places that remind us all of our Lord’s promise of the resurrection.


Catholic cemeteries are reserved for the burial of Catholics. Special permission is required for the burial of non-Catholic immediate family members (e.g., grandparents, parents, children …). Please consult our Catholic cemeteries about your plans.


Yes. Such circumstances of themselves do not exclude the possibility of a Catholic funeral (Canon 1184). If any doubt occurs, consult the Office of Spiritual Affairs.


The Holy Eucharist is celebrated in a Funeral Mass, but not in a Funeral Service. A Funeral Mass is appropriate in many circumstances for a deceased baptized Catholic, except if the deceased rarely attended Mass or practised the faith or publicly repudiated Catholicism.


Yes, in the judgement of the bishop, Catholic funerals can be granted to a non-Catholic baptized person “unless their intention is evidently to the contrary and provided that their own minister is unavailable” (Canon 1183 §3).

[1] For more information, visit the section on the Order of Christian Funeral at Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Services website. http://www.catholic-cemeteries.com/Order_of_Christian_Funerals_1189721.html
[2] For a fuller list, please visit the Q & A section at Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Services website. http://www.catholic-cemeteries.com/Frequently_Asked_Questions_680237.html

Resources

To learn more about Christian Funerals, these resources may help:

© Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto – used with permission