What to Expect When Attending a Catholic funeral

Do you have a Catholic funeral to attend? Are you wondering about the traditions that are observed or the etiquette that must be followed at a Catholic funeral service? We put together this guide to help you be prepared and know what to expect at a Catholic funeral service to best pay your respects.

Understanding a Catholic Funeral

A Catholic funeral is a religious ceremony held for a deceased person of the Catholic faith. Catholics, unlike all Christians, believe in three destinations for the soul: Hell, Heaven, and Purgatory. While it is believed that souls will end up in Heaven or Hell, depending on how righteous a life they lived, Purgatory is for souls who have committed forgivable sins and may eventually end up in Heaven.

A Catholic funeral is a time to appeal to God to be merciful to the deceased’s soul in order to encourage such forgiveness. You can expect a lot of prayers to be said at the Catholic funeral you attend.

What Happens at a Prayer Vigil?

Before the funeral, the deceased’s family may hold a prayer vigil. It usually takes place at the church where the funeral is being held or at the family home. Mourners are encouraged to pray for the person who died. These gatherings are usually led by a priest or a deacon. The family of the deceased may request eulogies and other tributes to be delivered at the vigil.

Key Catholic Funeral Traditions

Catholic funerals are held in a Catholic Church most of the time. However, they may also be held at a funeral home. The service is led by a priest, usually ordained, who delivers a sermon and a eulogy for the deceased. There are more rites performed at a Catholic service compared to other Christian funerals. The funeral may include a Requiem Mass, which symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. Religious music is played throughout the ceremony as well.

How Does the Ceremony Proceed?

Typically, a ceremony without a Requiem Mass is about 40 minutes long, while one with a Mass may take around an hour. A Mass includes a Eucharistic Prayer and Holy Communion. Although a Requiem Mass is not required, it is encouraged by the Church.

The coffin is usually received by the Church the evening before the funeral. However, if it doesn’t happen then, it will be greeted at the door by the priest, who sprinkles it with holy water and leads it into the church. The coffin is then placed on a catafalque at the altar and covered with a pall, a special cloth. This is followed by a family liturgy. At a family liturgy, one text from the Old Testament and the Psalm is read by family, friends, or the priest.

Next, the priest will read a passage from the Gospel, deliver a homily, and give a eulogy for the deceased.

Mourners, if they are Catholic, will receive the Holy Communion. If they are not Catholic, they will simply receive a blessing from the priest. During the funeral, bread and wine are placed at the altar for the Holy Communion. Holy Communion can only be performed by an ordained priest, and if one is not available, the funeral will not include the Mass.

After the Holy Communion, the Final Commendation (special prayers) will be performed. Sometimes, there is another eulogy before the Final Commendation.

Lastly, the coffin is sprinkled with more holy water, and family and friends are given a chance to say their final goodbye to their loved one.

Catholic Burial and Cremation Practices

While Catholic burials are preferred to cremation, both are performed around the world. The ashes should not be scattered and should be kept in an urn at home. The ceremony starts with the Catholic Rite of Committal, a committal service, at the graveyard or mausoleum. This is led by a priest who blesses the site, leads the mourners in prayer, and then the burial or cremation is performed.

Catholics do not have a prescribed mourning period. Some families may decide to have a memorial service either up to six months after the death or on the anniversary.

What Should You Bring to a Catholic Funeral?

When it comes to funeral gifts, appropriate Catholic funeral gifts include baked goods, assorted chocolates, or a sympathy card. You can also choose to have a gift basket delivered to the home of the mourning family. One common Catholic funeral gift you’ll likely notice displayed around the casket is a flower crown containing a condolence note.

Music at a Catholic Funeral

Music at Catholic funerals includes Catholic funeral hymns and sacred music. Composers such as Wolfgang Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, Gabriel Fauré, and modern artist Sarah Brightman have all written pieces of music titled Requiem Mass.

Etiquette for Attending a Catholic Funeral

As the atmosphere at a Catholic funeral is respectful and somber, one should dress accordingly. The dress code is black, semi-formal clothing. Men should wear a suit and tie, while women should wear a black skirt, dress, or pantsuit.

If black is not available, attendees should try to wear the darkest, semi-formal clothes they own. While it is not required for women to wear hats anymore, some still do. Men should not wear a hat at the church. Sending flowers is appreciated, but you should choose an arrangement that befits the somber church atmosphere.

If you are not Catholic, you don’t have to take part in the Holy Communion, though you are welcome to. Should you not receive communion, you are still welcome to receive a blessing from the priest.

For further guidance on Catholic funerals, consider checking out our detailed guide on Catholic funeral practices. If you’re looking to locate an obituary, visit our article on How to Find an Obituary for a Specific Person.

FAQ Section

What should you wear to a Catholic funeral?

Dress in respectful and somber attire, typically black or dark, semi-formal clothing. Men should wear suits and ties, and women should wear skirts, dresses, or pantsuits.

Can non-Catholics participate in a Catholic funeral?

Non-Catholics are welcome to attend and receive a blessing but do not participate in Holy Communion.

What is a Requiem Mass?

A Requiem Mass is a Catholic Mass for the deceased, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ. It includes special prayers and music.

Are gifts appropriate at a Catholic funeral?

Yes, appropriate gifts include baked goods, chocolates, sympathy cards, or flower arrangements with condolence notes.

Is cremation allowed in the Catholic Church?

Yes, cremation is allowed, but the ashes should be kept in an urn and not scattered.