Funerals
The Order of Christian Funerals
In the Catholic Church, a funeral is a three-part journey of faith that honors the deceased and offers comfort to those who mourn. Each rite emphasizes a unique dimension of the Church’s prayer.
1. The Vigil (Wake)
The Vigil is the principal rite celebrated by the Christian community following a death and prior to the Funeral Liturgy. It is normally presided over by a deacon.
- Prayer & Devotion: A Rosary may be recited before or after the Vigil service. While a meaningful addition, the Rosary does not replace the Vigil itself, which is the official prayer of the Church.
- Remembrances: The Vigil is the traditional and preferred time for eulogies, sharing memories, and personal reflections.
2. The Funeral Liturgy
The Funeral Liturgy is the central celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. There are two forms this liturgy can take:
- Funeral Mass: The Church strongly encourages celebrating a Funeral Mass, which takes place in the parish church of the deceased. All Catholics are entitled to a Funeral Mass, regardless of whether attending family members or friends are practicing Catholics.
- Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass: If a Funeral Mass cannot be celebrated, this alternative rite takes place in a funeral home chapel. When this option is chosen:
- A separate Mass for the deceased should be scheduled at a later date convenient for the family.
- A Vigil service the evening prior is typically omitted.
3. The Rite of Committal (Burial)
The final step is the Rite of Committal, which takes place at the cemetery. Here, the deceased is laid to rest in sacred ground or within an above-ground mausoleum space as the community commits them to God's eternal peace.
For More Information:
CONTACT
Cindy Fussy, Director of Pastoral Ministry
ministry@ourladyhc.org
