Catholic funeral customs
A Catholic funeral has three parts: a vigil, the funeral Mass and the burial. Here is what to expect, for the family arranging the funeral and for guests.
Timing
Agree on the date of the Funeral Mass with the parish and the funeral home.
Preparing the body
The Church recommends burying the body in a cemetery or other sacred place.
Cremation is allowed for legitimate reasons. The ashes must then be laid to rest in a sacred place, such as a cemetery. They may not be kept at home except in grave and exceptional cases with permission, divided among family members, scattered, or kept in jewelry or other mementos.
The service
In the dioceses of the United States the main rites are the Vigil for the Deceased, the Funeral Mass and the burial.
The vigil is often the first time family, friends and the parish gather to pray, with readings from Scripture, psalms, prayer and song. A priest, a deacon or a trained lay minister may lead it.
The Funeral Mass is the central rite of a Catholic funeral.
Mourning
Praying for the person who died is part of the funeral rites. Ask the parish about having a Mass offered for them later, such as on the anniversary.
For guests
If you are not sure what is expected, ask someone close to the family. Plain, dark clothes are a safe choice unless the family asks otherwise.
Questions to ask a funeral home
- Can the vigil be held at your funeral home with the body present?
- Will you coordinate the date of the Funeral Mass with our parish?
- Do you work with the Catholic cemetery?
- If we choose cremation, can the urn be present at the Mass, and where will the ashes be interred?
Common questions
- Does the Catholic Church allow cremation?
- Yes, for legitimate reasons, though it recommends burial of the body. The ashes must be laid to rest in a sacred place such as a cemetery, not scattered or divided.
- Can Catholics keep ashes at home?
- Not as a rule. The Church allows it only in grave and exceptional cases with permission.
- What are the parts of a Catholic funeral?
- The Vigil for the Deceased, the Funeral Mass and the burial.
Funeral homes near you
Call two or three homes and compare their written price lists.