About the Funeral Rites of the Church
CAN I HAVE A FUNERAL FOR MY LOVED ONE?
Normally, the Rite of Christian Burial is celebrated for baptized Catholics, but the Catholic Church also permits the rites to be celebrated for unbaptized children (of Christian families) as well as baptized members of non-Catholic communities of faith.
FUNERAL MASS OR SERVICE?
The Rite of Christian Burial provides several options for prayerful celebrations. While the traditional practice is the celebration of a funeral Mass, circumstances may dictate a preference for a service of Scripture and prayer in the funeral home (and/or at the cemetery). This might be appropriate where the family or loved ones are not of the Catholic faith, or where the deceased was not an active Catholic. If there are questions regarding options for the celebration of the Funeral Rites, please contact one of the priests. Please note that if the deceased regularly participated in the celebration of the Eucharist, he/she should not be deprived of the funeral Mass simply because few (if any) relatives and/or friends might attend. The number of mourners should not be the determining factor in whether or not a funeral Mass is celebrated.
CREMATION
While the Catholic Church continues to encourage the ancient custom of burying the body of a deceased person, cremation is permitted. Where cremation is to take place, the following are the options for a funeral liturgy:
1. The body may be brought to the church for the funeral Mass and then cremation follows, (this is preferred).
2. Cremation may take place and the funeral Mass is celebrated in the presence of the cremains.
3. Prior to cremation, a service of prayer and Scripture reading may take place in the funeral home.
Please note that it is the Church's expectation that out of respect for the remains of the deceased, the ashes of cremated persons should be buried or entombed in a timely fashion. It is against Church law for cremains to be placed on a mantle at home or spread anywhere.
SENSITIVE CIRCUMSTANCES
Pastoral care is our focus in the case of a person who dies as a result of suicide. While the Catholic Church would never condone such action, neither does it pass judgement on such a person. It is quite possible that the person committing suicide was not in full possession of their rational faculties at the time of the act. Nor are we able to determine precisely the emotional or faith disposition of the person at the moment of death. Therefore, it is the normal pastoral response to provide for such persons all the appropriate rites of Christian burial.
PLANNING AND SHARING IN THE FUNERAL LITURGY
It is difficult to plan a funeral liturgy while you are grieving the death of a loved one. Yet, it can be important that we involve family or friends in the celebration of the rites. This type of participation is entirely optional. The following are places within the funeral liturgy when the involvement of family or friends are possible.
Sprinkling with Holy Water and Placing the Pall
After family and friends have gathered at the entrance of the church, the priest greets the congregation and sprinkles the body with holy water as a reminder of our baptism. Family members or friends may wish to place the pall, a large white cloth reminding us of the garment we received at baptism, over the casket at this time.
Procession with the Urn
When cremains are brought to the church for the funeral Mass, a family member or friend is invited to carry the urn in procession to the front of the church. Other family members and friends are encouraged to process behind the cremains.
Liturgy of the Word
Family or friends are encouraged to choose readings from scripture, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Family members or friends may wish to proclaim these readings. If not, a trained reader from our parish will be assigned. If a person chooses to read, he/she should be given the reading in order to prepare to proclaim the Word at the funeral liturgy.
Presenting the Gifts at the Altar
There are two gifts-bread and wine-that are presented following the General Intercessions. Two family members or friends may bring these gifts to the altar.
Eulogy
There is to be NO Eulogy at the Church. We recommend that a eulogy be given at the funeral home or at the cemetery. No exceptions.
Music
Please remember that the Mass is a public act of worship of the church, therefore the hymns should reflect the idea of resurrection and hope. No secular or “popular” music is permitted. Please reserve this type of music for a special time outside of the church.
Special Needs and Other Questions
If family and friends have special needs, requests, or questions that are not addressed above, please contact your funeral director. All local funeral directors are very conscientious in providing parish leaders with necessary information.