The funeral rites of the Catholic Church are an expression of God’s love for those who have died and for those who mourn. There are many possible times of communal prayer during these days: at the time of death or shortly thereafter, or when the family gathers in the presence of the body for the first time, or before the family begins the journey with the body to the church. Many people will find comfort in private prayer during this time, especially meditating on Scripture or praying the Rosary. The primary Catholic rites during this time are the Vigil for the Deceased, the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal.

The Funeral Liturgy is the main Catholic ritual for those who have died. It is primarily a proclamation of the Paschal Mystery – the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ- and a reaffirmation that those who are baptized into Christ share in his death and Resurrection. The Death of this one person is placed in the context of the redemption Christ has gained for us. The stories of the past give way to the hope of everlasting life in Christ.

The Funeral Liturgy also calls to mind others who have died in Christ, renewing our hope that they also rest in the peace of Christ. It may also remind us of our own mortality, of God’s presence in our own life, and of our own hope for eternal life. 

The Funeral Liturgy begins much like the celebration of Baptism. The body and accompanying loved ones are greeted at the door of the church by the celebrant and other ministers, one of whom carries a processional cross. On the day of Baptism, the deceased was claimed for Christ by the Sign of the Cross. The celebrant sprinkles the coffin with holy water, a reminder that this person died and rose with Christ in Baptism, and a sign of hope that
they will share eternal life. A large cloth, called a pall, is placed on the coffin as a reminder of the white garment the person was clothed in when they were baptized, a sign of their Christian dignity. Another Christian symbol such as a crucifix may be placed on the coffin. Clothed once again in the signs of their Baptism, the deceased is brought in procession to lie in repose before the altar.

The Paschal candle burns nearby. This candle was first lit on the night of the Easter Vigil and carried into the dark church building as the assembly proclaimed, “Light of Christ! Thanks be to God!” From this candle, many others were lit, gradually overcoming the darkness, just as the light of Christ overcame the darkness of sin and death.  

The Funeral Liturgy is most commonly a celebration of the Eucharist. As at every Eucharist, we give thanks and praise to God the Father for the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Funeral Liturgy may also be a Liturgy of the Word without the celebration of the Eucharist. In either case, the Scripture readings are chosen to focus on the promise of eternal happiness with God fulfilled in Christ, and a homily is given to help the faithful renew their hope in the Resurrection and prepare them to entrust their loved ones to the care of God.