Catholic Funeral Rites

When a loved one dies, the Church accompanies the family with prayer, hope, and reverence for the person who has died. Catholic funeral rites help the faithful commend the deceased to God’s mercy, comfort those who mourn, and proclaim our belief in the resurrection of the body.

The Three Parts of a Catholic Funeral

Catholic funeral rites normally include three moments of prayer: the Vigil for the Deceased, the Funeral Mass or funeral liturgy, and the Rite of Committal. Together, these rites help the family and community pray for the deceased and support one another in Christian hope.

Vigil for the Deceased

The vigil is often celebrated at a funeral home, parish church, or another appropriate place before the funeral liturgy. It is a time for family and friends to gather, hear the Word of God, pray for the deceased, and share memories in a setting of faith and consolation.

Funeral Mass or Funeral Liturgy

The funeral liturgy is ordinarily celebrated in the parish church. When the body is present, a white pall may be placed over the casket as a reminder of baptism and the promise of eternal life in Christ. The Church prefers that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral liturgy whenever possible.

Rite of Committal

The Rite of Committal normally takes place at the cemetery or another sacred place of burial. In this final act of care, the Church entrusts the deceased to God and commits the body or cremated remains to a place of rest until the resurrection of the dead.

What if Cremation is Chosen?

The Catholic Church permits cremation, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to the Catholic faith. When cremation is chosen, the Church recommends that the funeral rites take place with the body present and that cremation occur afterward. If cremation has already taken place, the funeral liturgy may be celebrated in the presence of the cremated remains, which must be treated with the same reverence given to the body.

For more detailed information, please see the Cremation Guidance page.

Additional Resources

The Catholic Cemetery Conference offers educational materials on Catholic burial traditions at www.catholicburialtraditions.org.