Funerals
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Our Deepest SympathiesIf you are viewing this page because you have lost a beloved friend or family member, please be assured of our prayers of support and consolation for you during this time. -
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The Catholic Church differs from many other Christian traditions its teaching on death and salvation.
First, human nature is viewed as a composite of body and soul. The body is not simply an “empty shell,” but is part of the deceased person – a part that all of the dead will recover in a transfigured way at the end of time. For this reason, bodies must continue to be treated with dignity and respect even after death, as was our Incarnate Lord’s body when it was tenderly placed in the tomb.
Second, salvation is to be determined at Judgment. Judgment will be based not only on one’s baptism and confession of the Christian faith, but also on the fruit of that faith shown over one’s life. Our Lord is a merciful judge; He knows our hearts, our thoughts, our frailty, and our need for his infinite mercy.
Third, the prayers of the living are of assistance to the dead. In those souls who are judged as saved by their acceptance and life of faith, but still bearing the consequent effects of sins already forgiven, the deceased endure a state of purification (purgatory) by which their souls and their love of God is purified. The reason for this is that nothing imperfect can enter into the presence of God. The funeral rites, especially the sacrifice of the Mass, are offered in hopes that by the merit of our prayers, made in union with Christ and received by God in his mercy, our loved one might be given a special outpouring of grace to surrender more completely to the perfect love of God, and enter more swiftly into paradise.
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A Catholic Funeral rite traditionally consists of three parts.
I. Vigil for the Deceased (Funeral home)
The Funeral Vigil is a preparatory "night-watch" preceding the liturgical celebration on the following day. Held at the funeral home or occasionally in a family home or church, it coincides with viewing the deceased, paying respects, and private prayer. The Vigil is a liturgical prayer service, often featuring readings from scripture, optional music, the recitation of the Rosary, and prayers for the deceased and those mourning. Eulogies, if given, are preferred during the Vigil rather than the Funeral Mass.
II. Funeral Mass / Funeral outside of Mass (Church)
The Funeral Mass begins with the arrival of the procession from the funeral home to the church. The procession, with the ministers leading the casket to the sanctuary and the assembly following behind, begins the liturgy. Then the Liturgy of the Word takes place, with a homily (which is not a eulogy) focused on God's love and the hope of salvation. Mass proceeds with the Prayers of the Faithful and, if the service is a Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist for those in full communion with the Church. The liturgy concludes with the commendation of the deceased to God's mercy and an invitation to the place of committal.
III. Committal / Burial (Cemetery)
The final piece of the Funeral Rite occurs at the burial site. The funeral procession makes its way to the cemetery, where the grace of God is again invoked for the salvation of the deceased, and for the consolation of the family and friends in mourning. The burial place is blessed, followed by intercessions and the Lord's Prayer, and concludes with a blessing and dismissal.
Even if the deceased is to be cremated, it is preferred by the Church that the body be present at the funeral liturgy. If the committal does not immediately follow the funeral, it should be as soon as possible.
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Guidance and Considerations
One of the first calls should be made to the funeral home of your choice, who will usher you through the whole process. Almost every funeral home is familiar to some degree with the traditions and requirements of the Catholic Church, and with laws that come into play when someone dies. The funeral home will then contact the church.
It is possible, and often a good investment, to pre-plan and/or pre-pay for your funeral. It can solve a lot of problems for your family when they’re trying to figure out what you would have wanted. Pre-paying also allows you to lock in current prices against inflation on many aspects of a funeral. Be sure to let your family know that you have arrangements already made, and with which funeral home.
U.S. Military & Veterans
If the deceased has served in the U.S. Military, the casket can be draped with the American Flag. However, during the Funeral Mass (or Funeral outside of Mass), the flag is replaced by the white pall. The funeral home can also make arrangements for military honors to be presented at the cemetery.
CremationCremation was previously forbidden by the Catholic Church because it was introduced, in large part, as a statement of rejection of the resurrection of the body. Recently, cremation in the Diocese of Harrisburg is permitted, on the condition that it is not being done as such a statement of rejection. The guiding principle with regard to cremation is that the cremated remains are to be treated with similar dignity as an uncremated body, most especially that the funeral and burial should be as soon as reasonably possible, and the cremated remains are to be buried in a single, dignified container in hallowed ground (or columbarium or mausoleum crypt), not scattered or separated.
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