The Three Rites of A Catholic Funeral

The Vigil (Wake)

The vigil (also called “prayer service” or “wake”) is an occasion for family and friends to gather at the funeral home or a chapel to pray together, grieve together, and remember the life of our loved one. It often includes:

• A viewing of the body or casket when appropriate

• Scripture reading, singing, intercessory prayer such as the Rosary

• Displays of memorabilia and flowers

• Eulogies or sharing of precious memories of the departed

The Funeral Liturgy

The funeral liturgy normally takes the form of a Funeral Mass, which is held at the parish church. It is also possible to celebrate a “Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass” in cases where the pastor and family deem it appropriate not to celebrate a Mass. The funeral liturgy is the place for the following:

• To give thanks and praise to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death.

• To commend the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion.

• To seek strength in the proclamation of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

• To celebrate special ritual moments such as the procession of the casket, the placing of the pall, and the song of farewell, which help us to grieve with hope and support.

The Burial (Committal)

The burial (also called the “committal”), takes place at the cemetery after the funeral liturgy. It may occur immediately after the funeral or at another time. The committal includes:

• Brief prayers, scripture reading, the Lord’s Prayer (“Our Father”), and a blessing of the remains.

• Military honors for veterans.

• Placing flowers or earth on the casket if desired.

• The casket may or may not be lowered into the ground.

• Cremated remains are either buried or entombed in a mausoleum during this ceremony.

Funeral Planning Guide

This 8-page guide is to be used by pastors and parishioners either to plan the funeral of a loved one who has died, or to facilitate a funeral pre-planning workshop hosted by the parish. Includes a fill-in-the-blank planning form.

Funeral Planning Form

This simple fill-in-the-blank form is a resource for priests who are working with families to plan the funeral of a loved one. It is the same form contained at the end of the Funeral Planning Guide.

Editable Funeral Worship Aid

This editable PDF may be downloaded and edited to create a personalized half-legal-sized 8-page worship aid for funerals which can include the name of the deceased, the date, song names and numbers, an obituary, and more!