Diocesan Guidelines for Christian Funerals

The Order of Christian Funerals

Approved by Most Rev. Robert Cunningham, May 2012

Introduction

The Order of Christian Funerals was canonically approved by Rome and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in April 1987. The Order of Christian Funerals offers a variety of prayers to be offered for the deceased. The three main parts of the Funeral Rites are the Wake Service, the Funeral Mass and the Rite of Committal.

It is important that the death of faithful Catholics be honored with the proper respect and prayers that are rightfully theirs. The Church has the responsibility to assure that these important rites are carried out with decorum and dignity.

What follows is a short explanation of the various steps that should be taken upon the death of a loved one. The local priest and funeral director work together to provide the services that you desire so that with a firm Christian faith, we may bring our brother or sister to eternal rest in Christ.

Writing Obituaries for Catholics

The language or words to be used in writing an obituary notice for the news media referring to a church funeral should be written as: “a Funeral Mass will be celebrated…” or “A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated…”. The act of burial or entombment of the remains in a cemetery should be worded as “the Rite of Committal and burial will be…” The term “Memorial Mass” is used where the body or cremated remains are not present for the Mass.

The Vigil—Wake—Calling Hours

The Vigil Service for the deceased is an important part of the funeral rite and should not be eliminated. A priest, deacon or lay person may preside at this rite. At times this rite takes place before calling hours begin. At other times, the family may choose to include the time of this service in the obituary. In either case, the opportunity is given to those who want to join with the family for prayer. The ritual consists of scripture, intercessory prayer and a brief homily or reflection. This is the time for family members and friends to share stories or to give a eulogy. Parish organizations/service clubs should make arrangements with the funeral director to schedule another appropriate time for their service.

The Funeral Mass

The heart of the Funeral Rites is the Funeral Mass. The Funeral Mass focuses, not on earthly life, but eternal life. This Mass celebrated for the deceased commends the soul to the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father. The prayers of the Church entrust the individual to the care of God who has called our loved one to Himself. Our prayers to God entreat Him to be gracious and merciful, not looking upon the sins of the past but to the glory they are to share with Christ. “Having been baptized into his death, we hope to share a resurrection like his.” (Romans 4)

This liturgy also offers comfort and consolation to those who mourn. The Mass lifts our hearts to God who will strengthen us in the days ahead and give us the grace of His comfort as we continue our journey of faith.

Eulogies

Since the Funeral Mass leads us to reflect on eternal life, eulogies are discouraged. The Vigil Service or at the conclusion of the Rite of Committal is the preferred time for family and friends to offer stories and reflections on the life of the deceased.

Eulogies or tributes to the deceased have been inserted into the Funeral Mass, but current liturgical guidelines strongly discourage doing this. Section 382 of the Revised Roman Missal states: “At Funeral Masses there should usually be a short homily, but to the exclusion of a funeral eulogy of any kind.”

If permission is granted for a eulogy to be given at the Mass, only one person should speak on behalf of the family and the remembrance should be well prepared, written and limited to no more than three minutes in length.

Music for the Funeral Mass

As in all liturgies, music is sung prayer and plays an integral role in the Funeral Mass. It allows us to express our faith, love and hope, drawing us closer in unity to our faith. While favorite songs that are popular or secular may hold special meaning to the deceased and the family, this type of music is not appropriate for the Mass nor is the use of recorded music. The family is invited and encouraged to be part of the music planning for the funeral liturgy.

The Mass lifts our hearts to God who will strengthen us in the days ahead and give us the grace of His comfort as we continue our journey of faith.

The parish musician, priest, or those assisting in the preparation of the funeral Mass, can be helpful in assisting in the choice of suitable hymns and the placement of music selections. Many churches have soloists and choirs that sing at funerals, enhancing the liturgy, honoring our loved one through sung prayer.

Rite of Committal

The last of the rites in the Order of Christian Funerals is the Rite of Committal which includes a verse from the scriptures, a prayer of committal, intercessions, the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing. If desired, music may be added to the Rite of Committal.
This rite should take place directly after the Funeral Mass at the time of burial. A priest, deacon or lay person may preside at this rite.

Cremation

Canon Law states that the Church allows both cremation and burial as means of honoring the body of a deceased Catholic. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body be present during the Vigil Service and Funeral Mass, and if cremation is selected, then it should follow the celebration of the Funeral Mass.
The remains are to be placed in a worthy vessel which is then carried and transported with the same respect and attention given to a casket carrying the body.

The final disposition of the cremated remains is equally important.

The cremated remains must be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium The practice of scattering cremated remains, keeping created remains in the home, or dividing the remains into separate containers (such as lockets, bracelets, etc.) is not permitted

If cremation is a consideration, it would be wise to discuss this option with your parish priest and funeral director.

Click here  to download this material in a brochure format (pdf). 

Contact Fr. Christopher Seibt, Director of Liturgy and Worship, with any questions at [email protected].

This document was prepared by a subcommittee of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and the Diocesan Pastoral Council:

Timothy Davenport, Diocesan Music Director
Kathleen Dyer, Executive Secretary DPC
Thomas W Flynn, representing DPC
Paul Foster, Funeral Director
Rev. Gregory Kreinheder, representing DLC
Sally Millick, representing DPC
Rev. Joseph E Scardella, Director of Liturgy
Matthew Vincentini, Funeral Director