In this guide, you’ll learn what a Catholic funeral includes:

• Traditional elements
• Duration of service
• EtiquetteDress code guidelines
• Appropriate keepsakes, and more

With this knowledge, attending or planning a Catholic funeral will become easier and less stressful for everyone involved.

What Is a Catholic Funeral

In traditional Catholic belief, once a person passes away their body enters a state of waiting until the Resurrection of the Dead at the Time of Judgment.

During this time, funeral rites help the soul rest in peace by providing comfort to those left behind. From burial services to rituals, prayers, and blessings, the Catholic funeral traditions help families feel connected to their loved one even after death.

Additionally, many burial ceremonies are intended to signify the end of intense mourning. They provide finality in closure for those attending and participating.

Ultimately, traditional Catholic funeral rites offer comfort while recognizing the importance of life after death.

Elements of a Catholic Funeral  

Catholic funerals are an integral part of the faith, with a number of time-honored traditions. The traditional elements include the following:

1. During the ceremony, Catholic mourners light candles in honor of their beloved departed.
2. A Catholic Mass is usually held in remembrance of the deceased, along with traditional readings from scripture and prayers recited by members of the clergy or family.
3. At Catholic funerals, it is also traditional to have a brief eulogy or homily reflecting on the deceased’s life, concluding with a solemn benediction.
4. The ceremony comes to an end with all those present accompanying the casket as it leaves the church before moving to its final resting place.

Remember:

1. The funeral should be held as soon as possible after death.
2. The funeral should be held at a Catholic church.
3. The body or ashes should be present for the funeral Mass.
4. Clergy traditionally wear black vestments, but since 1970 some choose to wear white as a representation of hope and a celebration of Christ.
5. The readings should be from the Scriptures.
6. The homily should focus on the hope of the resurrection.
7. Prayers should be said for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
8. Our Father and Hail Mary should be recited.
9. The Sign of the Cross should be made over the casket at the end of the Mass.
10. A committal service should be held at the cemetery.

The Wake

A wake is a vigil held shortly after the death of a person, where family and friends have time to bid them farewell.

• It is usually organized by the bereaved family and often held in their home.
• Wakes may also be held at funeral homes or other venues, depending on local customs and preferences.

In some cultures, Catholic wakes are most often an integral part of the traditional funeral ceremonies, offering a formalized way to commemorate the deceased.

• The length of Catholic wakes varies according to ethnic background and denomination.
• Traditionally they are held for three days, but contemporary wakes tend to last only one day.

Meanwhile, in Ireland, there is a unique culture of celebrating wakes known as ‘Irish Wakes’.

• These celebrations can involve holding a night-long wake attended by dozens or even hundreds of people singing, drinking, and telling stories about the deceased.
• Irish funeral traditions and wakes are very often held at pubs or homes…and however long it takes for all the stories to be told.

The Funeral Mass (or Requiem Mass)

What is a funeral Mass?

• A traditional Catholic Requiem Mass is a ceremony held in a Church or chapel, conducted by a priest.
• During the ceremony, people will say prayers, share readings from scripture or prayers recited, and light candles in honor of the person who passed away.
• The Mass ends with a benediction, and everyone follows the casket to its final resting place.

These traditional elements provide comfort to those mourning while recognizing the importance of life after death.

The Burial

A Catholic burial typically takes place at a Catholic cemetery.

• Usually, a priest conducts the graveside service and offers words of comfort to those in attendance.
• At the graveside service, sacred scriptures may be read, eulogies given and prayers said.
• Members of the funeral party may also reminisce about their loved one with stories or readings that celebrate their life.
• The presence of nature often lends comfort during this time. It gives those attending the Catholic burial ceremony a way to commemorate their loved one with dignity, while comforting them in the knowledge that death is an intrinsic part of life’s cycle.

Following the burial, the current mourning period in the Catholic faith is typically between three and nine days after the funeral.

The 3 main elements of the Catholic funeral:

1. The Wake
2. The Funeral Mass (or Requiem Mass)
3. The burial

The Order of Service of Catholic Funeral Mass

The Catholic Church encourages people to celebrate the funeral in three main stages:

1. The Vigil of Prayer, usually the evening before the funeral
2. The Funeral Liturgy, (a Mass, Requiem Mass or Funeral Service)
3. The Committal at the cemetery or crematorium

Discussing what is most appropriate and practical with your local priest, they can guide you with the best options for you and your family. That may comprise all three stages or a single act of worship at a cemetery chapel or crematorium. 

Stage 1: The Vigil

The Vigil of Prayer is the first stage of saying goodbye. It supports the bereaved and can take place in the home of the deceased, a funeral home, or a church, with or without the presence of the body. Led by a priest or others, it includes scripture readings, prayers, and liturgical songs, and may feature the Rosary.

Stage 2: The Funeral Liturgy

The Funeral Liturgy is typically a Mass that offers the highest form of prayer, where the soul of the deceased is commended to God in union with Christ.  It typically includes Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist (or the prayer of intercession), and a Concluding Rite.

Elements to consider and discuss with your priest:

• In some cases, a Liturgy of the Word may be appropriate instead of a Mass.
• Friends and family members of the deceased may assist in various ways during the Funeral Liturgy, such as placing Christian symbols on the coffin or reading scripture passages and intercessions.
• A family member or friend may briefly speak about the deceased before or after the opening greeting, using a written text approved by the priest or deacon.
• The Funeral Liturgy is usually held in a parish church but may take place in a cemetery or crematorium chapel in certain circumstances.

Introductory Rites

Typically held at the start, to provide comfort to those in attendance while honoring the life of their loved one who has passed away.

1. Sprinkling of Holy Water — casket or urn is brought to the baptismal font and blessed.
2. A Greeting — the celebrant exhorts those gathered to faith and hope in Jesus Christ, and invites anyone present who has recently rejoined the Church to stand for recognition.
3. Placing of the Pall — if a casket is present, a large white cloth is placed reminding us of our baptism
4. The Opening Prayer — launches Mass with invocations to God for comfort and peace.

Liturgy of the Word

Often three readings: one from the Old Testament, then a Psalm (sung by a cantor), and one from the New Testament. It can also include:

1. Gospel Acclamation
2. Creed
3. Homily – delivered by either a priest or deacon that takes its cue from some element in one of the scripture passages.
4. Prayer of the Faithful

Liturgy of the Eucharist (or the prayer of intercession)

There are many elements at the heart of the Mass. This list doesn’t exhaust every possible option, but they traditionally include:

1. Presentation of Gifts — bread and wine is prepared at the altar
2. Eucharistic Prayer — this is the heart of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and typically includes 4 or 5 chief elements 
3. Lord’s Prayer
4. Sign of Peace
5. Lamb of God
6. Holy Communion and Breaking of the Bread
7. Eulogy
8. Prayer

Concluding Rites

1. Closing Prayers — offered on behalf of all assembled
2. Final Blessing — everyone stands to receive the final blessing
3. Song of Farewell
4. Dismissal

If you’ve never attended a Catholic Funeral Mass, and you’re unsure what to say or what to avoid saying at a funeral, remember that it is ultimately a prayer-service focused on giving the deceased person peace.

That’s why it’s important to avoid making remarks or statements that might disrupt or overshadow the reverence of the service.

It is not appropriate to make jokes or to tell stories that may disrupt the ceremony. Additionally, avoid making inappropriate or irreverent comments about the deceased.

Duration of a Traditional Funeral Service

Traditional funerals typically last for about an hour and fifteen minutes. If you are having a full Catholic service, however, the duration can be longer. The typical Catholic ceremonies include a Requiem Mass which adds an extra hour or two.

• At a longer Catholic service, the added time may provide consolation to mourners. More prayers and Bible verses can be read in order to honor the deceased as well as uplift those gathered for support.
• Usually, if the funeral service is shorter it will consist of a brief eulogy. A few prayers are said, and some readings offer comfort to those in attendance and allow them to pay their respects. Music may or may not be incorporated.
• Then the loved one’s body is committed to the ground.

Funeral Service without a Mass

A Catholic funeral without a Requiem Mass is still considered to be an important part of the grieving process.

• The service may include songs, prayers, and eulogies that celebrate the life of the deceased. These can take place while honoring any special requests made by the deceased prior to their death.
• Depending on local customs and regulations, burial or cremation follows the service.
• In either case, additional ceremonies could be included such as the Biblical readings of Psalms and Ecclesiastes. They are called a Monastic Rite for Interment.
• It may be a Catholic funeral without a Mass service but certainly not without piety and tradition.

Catholic Funeral Etiquette

Catholic funeral services are typically observed in a somber, quiet, and reflective manner.

• During the service, there is a time for personal prayers and meditations, when those in attendance may bow their heads in respect or place hands over hearts as a sign of mourning.
• Quiet conversations between family and friends should be kept to a minimum to maintain an atmosphere of reverence for the deceased.
• Family members and close friends are certainly invited to share memories or read scriptures. However, it is generally expected that visitors remain mute during most of the service.

These etiquette considerations help create an environment that appropriately celebrates and honors the life of the departed. If you’re not sure what to say at a funeral, check out our guide on the matter.

What to Wear to a Catholic Funeral

It is customary for Catholic funeral attire to be conservative, and dark in color.

Men should typically wear trousers and a collared shirt with a tie, while women should wear a dress, skirt, or trousers and a top.

This traditional attire is meant to be respectful and reflective of the somber occasion.

Since the 1970s, wearing white to celebrate the life of the deceased and as a symbol of hope has become acceptable in many places. This is by no means a universally adopted tradition, though. It is best to check with the family of the deceased whether they follow it.

Etiquette for Non-Catholics

Non-Catholics can also attend a Catholic church funeral, though it is important to familiarize yourself with the traditional customs and etiquette beforehand.

Generally speaking, non-Catholics should dress conservatively, preferably in dark-colored clothing. Guests should stay quiet during the service and should avoid making disruptive noise.

Non-Catholics don’t participate in Communion.

Acceptable Gifts

Catholic funerals are a dignified way of saying goodbye and sympathy gifts are an integral part of that process.

A variety of white flowers such as lilies, roses, and carnations can be used to decorate the service, the casket or simply conveyed to the family in a sympathy basket.

Additionally, holy symbols like crucifixes, prayer cards, religious statues, icon jewelry, and memorial candles also are appropriate Catholic memorial gifts.

These items are usually displayed with great care around the altar or close to a picture of the deceased. All are suitable ways of indicating respect from friends and family members.

In summary, the main points to remember regarding Catholic funeral etiquette:

1. The funeral Mass is the central Liturgical Rite in the Catholic Church for commemorating the life of a deceased person. 
2. The funeral Mass should be celebrated in the parish church where the deceased person was a registered member, if at all possible. 
3. The funeral Mass may be celebrated in another church if it is more convenient for the family or if the parish church is not available. 
4. All Catholics are encouraged to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion at every funeral Mass. 
5. Non-Catholics are welcome to attend the funeral Mass but should refrain from receiving Holy Communion.

Roman Catholics and Cremation

Over the past decades, the Roman Catholic Church has embraced cremation as a viable option for memorial services after one’s death.

• However, the Church still holds fast to one of its key beliefs: that the earthly remains should be kept in a sacred place such as a cemetery or mausoleum.
• Catholic beliefs dictate that when Christ returns during the Second Coming, all who have gone before can rise from their graves and join Him in Heaven.
• By keeping ashes in this way, Catholics ensure their beloved ones can have eternity with God.
• The cremation process can follow the same steps as the traditional Catholic funeral outlined above or it can be a direct cremation.
• If you are unfamiliar with what direct cremation is, in brief, it is a type of funeral service without traditional viewing or visitation. The deceased is cremated immediately after their death.
• The ashes are then returned to the family. Then, they can decide how and when they would like to hold a traditional memorial or celebration of life service.

This type of funeral service offers convenience and cost savings for individuals seeking an alternative option to traditional burial.

Conclusion

Catholic funeral traditions date back centuries and are heavily intertwined with the Catholic faith.

It’s important to remember that Catholic funerals not only offer grieving families time for closure and prayer but also provide comfort for one another through mutual support in sorrowful times.

For people who plan to follow Catholic funeral etiquette, it is wise to prepare ahead of time for end-of-life scenarios. In doing so they can go the way they want and won’t burden family and loved ones with organizational stress during their time of grief.

FAQ

How long after death should a Catholic be buried? 

Generally, traditional Catholic funerals should be held within a week of the death. This is due to traditional beliefs that the soul of the deceased should not be kept from entering eternal rest for any longer than necessary.

What is a Catholic vigil?

A traditional Catholic vigil is a service that takes place the night before the funeral. It is an opportunity to celebrate and remember the life of the departed, as well as offer comfort and support to those in mourning. During the vigil, traditional prayers are recited, such as the Hail Mary and Our Father. Friends and family may also share stories about the deceased or read Bible passages.

What should I wear to a traditional Catholic funeral?

It is customary for individuals attending traditional Catholic funerals to dress in conservative, dark-colored attire. Men should typically wear trousers and a collared shirt with a tie, while women should wear a dress, skirt, or trousers and a top. This traditional attire is meant to be respectful and reflective of the somber occasion.

What is the rite of committal?

The rite of committal is the traditional Catholic funeral’s final act of reverence for the deceased. It is typically held at the cemetery, gravesite, or another place of burial. During this service, a prayer is said to honor the deceased, and the ground in which they are being laid to rest is blessed. This can be traditional prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer and traditional hymns.

Can a Catholic funeral be held on a sunday?

While traditional Catholic funerals are usually held during the week, a funeral can be held on a Sunday. However, certain rituals should be modified to comply with traditional Church teachings. For example, the Mass should not be celebrated during most of the Lent season.

Can Catholics donate organs?

Yes, Catholics can donate their organs after death as it is firmly rooted in the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church. Organ donation is seen as an act of charity and reverence for life, as it allows a person to continue living on through another human being.

Additional Resources:

1. The Catholic Church in England and Wales: their official website often provides detailed guidance on various aspects of Catholic life, including funerals.
2. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): it includes additional guidelines on funeral etiquette, the order of a funeral Mass, and how to offer condolences in a manner respectful to Catholic traditions.