Funerals

Click here to print and fill out our Catholic Funeral Planning Guide.

In the Catholic Church, a Mass of Christian Burial is a three-part celebration that includes: (1) the Vigil (wake) and its related rites and prayers; (2) the Funeral Liturgy: preferably the Mass of Christian Burial or, if this is not possible, the Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass; and (3) the Rite of Committal (burial). Each of these rites emphasizes a particular dimension of the Church’s prayer for the deceased.

The Order of Catholic Funeral Rites

Vigil (Wake)

The vigil for the deceased is the principal rite celebrated by the Christian community following death and before the funeral liturgy, or if there is no funeral liturgy, before the rite of committal” (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 54). A rosary may be recited before or after the vigil service. It should not replace the vigil service, which is the official prayer of the Church. If there is to be a eulogy and/or a time of sharing of memories, this would be done at the vigil. The vigil is normally presided by a deacon.

Funeral Liturgy

There are two types of Funeral Liturgies:

1. Funeral Mass or Mass of Christian Burial - The Church encourages the celebration of a Funeral Mass for the deceased. All Catholics are entitled to a Funeral Mass, which should not be denied them even though family members and friends may not themselves be Catholic. The Funeral Mass should be celebrated in the parish church of the deceased.

2. Funeral Outside of Mass - If, for some reason, it is not possible to celebrate a Funeral Mass, the Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass should be used. This rite is celebrated in the funeral home's chapel. When the Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass is used, a Mass for the deceased should be scheduled after the funeral, at a date and time convenient for the family. When a Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass is chosen, a vigil (wake) the evening before is usually not an option.

Rite of Committal (Burial)

The burial takes place at the cemetery, where the body is interred in sacred ground or in an above-ground burial space (mausoleum).


 
Types of Catholic Funerals

• Vigil with or without Rosary | Mass of Christian Burial | Burial
• Vigil with or without Rosary | Mass of Christian Burial | Cremation | Burial
• Cremation | Vigil with or without Rosary | Mass of Christian Burial | Burial

The Funeral Home

It is a good idea to choose a preferred funeral home and contact them to pre-plan other funeral  arrangements (such as choosing a casket, pallbearers, flowers, etc.).


The Funeral Liturgy

Mass of Christian Burial or Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass

Readings

Click on the highlighted readings below for a list of scripture reading options. You will also need to choose a person to do the First and Second Readings.

First Reading
Old Testament Outside of Easter Time
New Testament During Easter Time

Responsorial Psalm (musicians will sing) 

Second Reading (New Testament)
Gospel Reading (read by priest or deacon)


Music

Click here to select five hymns to be used during the funeral liturgy (see below). The proper order will be arranged by the musicians.

1. Processional 
2. Preparation of Gifts
3. Communion
    Second Communion Song (if needed)
4. Song of Farewell
5. Recessional


Musicians

The Cathedral parish can give you a list of musicians, or you may choose your own. 


Gift Bearers (if requested)

Select two or three people to carry the gifts of bread and wine during the Preparation of Gifts.


Other Special Participation

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (if needed)

Family Member to Carry Cremains

Altar Servers (Will need at least one server from the Cathedral)