MAKING FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

When a death occurs, the family will first contact the funeral home of their choice. It is the funeral home who will then contact the church office and funeral coordinator informing them of the request of funeral rites.

COMPONENTS OF THE RITES OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

"At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.” (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4) 

The Catholic funeral rite is divided into several stations, or parts, each with its own purpose. 

For this reason we recommend following the complete structure and making use of each station. 

VIGIL SERVICE (WAKE / VISITATION) 

"At the vigil, the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer to the God of mercy and finds strength in Christ's presence" (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 56). 

The Vigil Service usually takes place during the period of visitation and viewing at the funeral home. It is a time to remember the life of the deceased and to commend him/her to God. In prayer we ask God to console us in our grief and give us strength to support one another. 

The Vigil Service can take the form of a Service of the Word with readings from Sacred Scripture accompanied by reflection and prayers. It can also take the form of one of the prayers of the Office for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours. The clergy and your funeral director can assist in planning such service. 

It is most appropriate, when family and friends are gathered together for visitation, to offer time for recalling the life of the deceased. 

For this reason, eulogies are usually encouraged to be done at the funeral home, during visitation, or at the Vigil Service.

FUNERAL LITURGY

The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. When one of its members dies, the Church encourages the celebration of the funeral liturgy at a Mass. When Mass cannot be celebrated, a funeral liturgy outside Mass can be celebrated at the church or in the funeral home. 

At the funeral liturgy, the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ's victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God's tender mercy and compassion, and to seek strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery. 

The funeral liturgy, therefore, is an act of worship, and not merely an expression of grief. 

RITE OF COMMITTAL (BURIAL OR INTERMENT) 

The Rite of Committal, the conclusion of the funeral rite, is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. It should normally be celebrated at the place of committal, that is, beside the open grave or place of interment. In committing the body to its resting place, the community expresses the hope that, with all those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, the deceased awaits the glory of the resurrection. 

The Rite of Committal is an expression of the communion that exists between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven: the deceased passes with the farewell prayers of the community of believers into the welcoming company of those who need faith no longer, but see God face-to-face. 

REGARDING CREMATION

The practice of cremation has grown and become more commonplace in the United States, and it is often presented as a more affordable alternative to traditional burial. What is often overlooked is the Church’s teaching regarding the respect and honor due to the human body. 

The Order of Christian Funerals’ Appendix on Cremation states: 

“Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites” (no. 413). 

Ideally, if a family chooses cremation, the cremation would take place at some time after the Funeral Mass, so that there can be an opportunity for the Vigil for the Deceased in the presence of the body (during “visitation” or “viewing” at a church or funeral home). This allows for the appropriate reverence for the sacredness of the body at the Funeral Mass: sprinkling with holy water, the placing of the pall, and honoring it with incense. 

The Rite of Committal then takes place after cremation (see Appendix, nos. 418-421). Funeral homes offer several options in this case. One is the use of “cremation caskets,” which is essentially a rental casket with a cardboard liner that is cremated with the body. Another is a complete casket that is cremated (this casket contains minimal amounts of non-combustible material such as metal handles or latches). 

The rite notes: 

The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains on the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. (no. 417)

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FUNERAL MASS PLANNER DOCUMENTS

Components of the Rites of Christian Burial

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE ST. JOHN PAUL II PASTORATE

EULOGY 

If desired, a eulogy may be given during the following times: 

• During the visitation at the funeral home

• After the committal rites

• At the funeral luncheon or some other place

The eulogy does not take place in the church. 

READINGS

• They must be able to read while maintaining their composure.
• The Readers must be Catholic.
  
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The gift bearers do not need to be Catholic.
• In the Diocese of Madison the primary color used for the funeral is violet (purple). However, black and white can also be used. The priest will choose the color of vestments.