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Catholic Funeral Order of Service

A Catholic funeral usually takes the form of a Requiem Mass, celebrated by a priest and centred on the Eucharist, through which the Church prays for the soul of the deceased and entrusts them to God's mercy. It follows the structure of the Order of Christian Funerals and the rhythm of the Mass, so much of the order is fixed by the liturgy. The parish priest or funeral coordinator will guide your family on the readings and music you may choose. A full Requiem Mass typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes; where there is no Mass, a shorter Liturgy of the Word may be used instead.

Programme / order of events

  1. Reception of the body at the church door — The priest greets the coffin and the family at the entrance. The coffin is sprinkled with holy water and may be covered with a white funeral pall, recalling the white garment of baptism.
  2. Entrance procession — The priest, servers and coffin process to the front as the congregation stands and an entrance hymn is sung. The Paschal (Easter) candle, symbolising the risen Christ, stands near the coffin.
  3. Placing of Christian symbols (optional) — A family member may place a Bible, crucifix or other Christian symbol on the coffin while saying a few words.
  4. Opening prayer (Collect) — The priest leads the Penitential Rite and prays the opening prayer for the deceased and the mourners.
  5. Liturgy of the Word - First Reading — Usually an Old Testament reading, or from Acts/Revelation in Easter season, read by a family member or friend.
  6. Responsorial Psalm — A psalm, often Psalm 23 ('The Lord is my shepherd'), sung or said with the congregation responding.
  7. Second Reading — A New Testament reading, frequently from Romans, 1 Corinthians or Revelation, on hope and resurrection.
  8. Gospel Acclamation and Gospel — The congregation stands for the Alleluia (or a Lenten acclamation) and the priest or deacon reads the Gospel.
  9. Homily — The priest preaches on Christian hope and the resurrection, rather than delivering a personal eulogy.
  10. Prayers of the Faithful (Intercessions) — Petitions for the deceased, the bereaved, and all the faithful departed, with the congregation responding 'Lord, hear our prayer'.
  11. Liturgy of the Eucharist — The offertory, Eucharistic Prayer and consecration. Catholics present receive Holy Communion; others are welcome to come forward for a blessing with arms crossed.
  12. Eulogy or words of remembrance (if permitted) — Many parishes allow one brief tribute, usually after Communion and before the Final Commendation. Check length and placement with the priest, as practice varies between parishes.
  13. Final Commendation and Farewell — The priest incenses and sprinkles the coffin with holy water, and the congregation sings a song of farewell, commending the soul to God.
  14. Procession to the place of committal — The coffin is carried out as a recessional hymn is sung. The family follows, then the congregation.
  15. Rite of Committal at the cemetery or crematorium — At the grave or crematorium the priest blesses the place of rest, prays the committal and the coffin is lowered or the cremation farewell given.
  16. Reception or refreshments — Families often gather afterwards for a meal. Details are usually given in the programme or announced at the end of Mass.

Notes

The Mass structure is largely set by the Church, so the main choices your family makes are the readings, the psalm, the music and (where allowed) a short eulogy. Speak to your parish priest early; some parishes ask that personal tributes be kept brief or given at the vigil or graveside rather than during Mass. A Rosary or Vigil for the Deceased is commonly prayed the evening before. If the deceased was not a practising Catholic or the family wishes, a Funeral Liturgy outside Mass (Liturgy of the Word only) is also permitted. Stipends or offerings to the parish, organist and servers vary by parish and are usually modest; the funeral home handles the larger costs (coffin, cemetery or crematorium fees, catering). Printed Mass booklets that include the responses help non-Catholic guests follow along and are a thoughtful touch.

A general, adaptable template — adjust the readings, hymns and tributes to your family and faith.