Order of Christian Funerals
Revised November 2011
The Catholic funeral rites should be viewed as one rite with three distinct movements: the Vigil for the Deceased, the Funeral Mass and the Committal Rite. Each flows into the other with the Mass being the principal celebration. The bereaved should consult the parish office before they make any liturgical arrangements with the funeral director. This provides the opportunity to have a clear understanding of the meaning and significance of the funeral rites.
1. Vigil Service (Wake): The Vigil Service is usually conducted in the funeral home on the eve of the Funeral Mass. The Vigil is a Scripture Prayer Service. The Rosary, or part of the Rosary, may be prayed as well.
2. Funeral Mass: The tradition of the Catholic Church has always been the celebration of the Mass with the body present. Christians respect and honor the body of the dead, which in Baptism becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Funeral Mass includes the reception of the body, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Final Commendation and Farewell. Funeral Masses may now be celebrated in the presence of cremated remains.
3. Rite of Committal: For the final disposition of the body, it is the ancient Christian custom to bury or entomb the bodies of the dead in a cemetery. The Rite of Committal is the conclusion of the funeral rites and may be celebrated beside the open grave or place of interment.
Special Concerns
Cremation: The Church strongly prefers that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites since the presence of the body clearly recalls the life and death of the person. It is the Church’s recommendation that if cremation of the body is to take place, it occurs following the Funeral Mass. However, if cremation takes place immediately after death, the Church now permits the cremated remains to be brought into church for the celebration of the funeral Mass.
Final Disposition of the Body or Cremated Remains: Following the celebration of the Funeral Mass, the earthly remains of the deceased are to be reverently buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum. The Church stresses that the cremated remains of the deceased are to be treated with the same respect given to the body, namely, they too should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, on the ground, or of keeping them in the home of a relative or a friend is not permitted.
The Lord is my light and my salvation. – Psalm 27:1
The volunteers in this area visit the family immediately after the loss and offer support in planning the Funeral/Memorial Mass (selecting Scripture readings and music; obtaining biographical information) as well as helping with any arrangements the family may need. The bereavement ministers assist the family by coordinating and participating in the funeral Mass.
Ministers in this area of care undergo training to be facilitators of our parish support group. They provide an opportunity for the bereaved to find strength, hope, comfort, and support through the interaction of the group dynamics.
These ministers also provide follow-up and supportive connections for the bereaved during the months following a loss.
Martha Ministry offers a pre-planned buffet-style luncheon for families and friends after a funeral or memorial Mass. All food is ordered -- no cooking is required. One needs a caring heart and the desire to help during a difficult time.
Contact Pam Hadden by telephone at (813) 634-2328 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .