Catholic Funerals
Posted 01 Jun 2023
in Cultural Ceremonies
A Catholic funeral is a religious ceremony that commemorates the life of a deceased individual within the context of Catholic beliefs.
A Catholic funeral can include
- Vigil/Rosary for the Deceased
- Prayer service is held the evening before the funeral, however, it can be held before the funeral mass/service, often at a funeral home and can include scripture readings, prayers for the deceased, and eulogies.
- Funeral Mass/Service
- A celebration within the church, involving liturgical readings, prayers, homilies, and offering of the Eucharist for the deceased’s soul.
- Family
- The family is reserved the first few rows and pews at a Catholic funeral. Gifts of flowers can be sent to either the family home or directly to the funeral home.
- Holy Communion
- an integral part of the Catholic faith with the belief that bread and wine are the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Non-catholic mourners are welcome to receive a blessing instead.
- Committal Rite
- The final rite at the cemetery or burial site which involves prayers, scripture readings and blessings as the body is interred, symbolising the deceased’s entrance into eternal life.
- Wake
- Following the funeral, friends and family usually gather to remember, honour and celebrate the life of the deceased.
The information provided is a brief summary only and may not include all aspects of traditional funeral rites.
