Funeral Liturgy

Ritual Moment II:
Funeral Liturgy

“The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased” (OCF, 128).

“At the funeral liturgy, the assembly, with the bereaved, give thanks for the life of the deceased and for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and then commends the deceased to God” (Smith, Facing Death, 25).

The Funeral Liturgy may be celebrated during Mass or outside of Mass (e.g., on days when a funeral Mass isn’t permitted, such as Solemnities). Either the body or the cremated remains of the deceased are present for the Funeral Liturgy. There may be circumstances which prevent the presence of the body or cremated remains, which can be discussed with the priest or pastoral associate.

If the wake or visitation was not held in the church, the liturgy begins with the Reception of the Body. If there is a period of visitation before the Funeral liturgy, the Reception of the Body takes place when the body or cremated remains arrives at the church. Family, friends, and members of the parish gather for this simple rite.

Rite of Reception
of the Body at Church

[Used before the Funeral Liturgy when there is a period of visitation beforehand]

Greeting
Sprinkling with holy water
[Placing the pall]
Entrance procession
[Placing of Christian Symbols]
Opening Prayer

Funeral Mass

[With the Reception of the Body
and Final Commendation]

Introductory Rites

Greeting
(at the door of the church)

Sprinkling with Holy Water
[Placing the Pall]
Entrance Procession
[Placing of Christian Symbols]
Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading
Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading
Gospel Acclamation
Gospel
Homily
General Intercessions

Liturgy
of the Eucharist

Final Commendation

Invitation to Prayer
Silence
[Signs of Farewell]

(if sprinkled at the beginning, the coffin is not sprinkled again)

Song of Farewell
Prayer of Commendation
Procession to the Place of Committal