Catholic
Funeral Services

How a Catholic funeral unfolds depends on the type of service chosen: Funeral Mass or funeral liturgy.

A Catholic funeral Mass is led by a priest in celebration of the deceased’s life and the embodiment of Jesus Christ. This Mass traditionally includes a Eucharistic Prayer as well as the giving of the Sacrament and Holy Communion.

During the Holy Communion, those of the Catholic faith proceed to the front of the church to receive their communion and the sacrament (a communion wafer and the priest sipping from the chalice of wine, symbolizing the blood and body of Christ). Non-Catholic mourners are encouraged to rise and join the procession but receive a blessing rather than Communion. This is the part that’s considered a celebration.

A Catholic funeral liturgy, on the other hand, does not include the celebration of the Holy Communion. This is usually because Mass is restricted to certain days depending on the priest’s availability as they are the only individuals that can perform the celebration. In the event that a deacon is available, however, a sermon will still be given.

During both types of services, faith-based music will be played, and family members and friends can request certain psalms, hymns, and readings to honor the deceased. Because this is a time to ask for mercy, many prayers will be said during the main service.

Once the main service has concluded, the Rite of Committal will take place where the deceased is to be buried. During this time, the priest or deacon will bless the site before leading mourners in one last prayer – usually the Lord’s Prayer.

It should be noted that while Catholics do not have a specific mourning period, it is common for memorial services to proceed up to six months after the death, as well as on the anniversary of the death.

Mourning guests should dress in black, semi-formal clothing. For women, this would include long dresses, skirts or pantsuits and for men, this would include a suit and tie or a sport coat with a tie.

If black is unavailable, the next darkest colour is acceptable. Formal hats are acceptable as well (and traditional for women), although men should take their hats off before entering the church.

During prayer, it’s acceptable to bow your head, remain seated, or kneel. During hymns, the congregation may be asked to rise, and it is expected that they do so if physically able.

Mourning guests should dress in black, semi-formal clothing. For women, this would include long dresses, skirts or pantsuits and for men, this would include a suit and tie or a sport coat with a tie.

If black is unavailable, the next darkest colour is acceptable. Formal hats are acceptable as well (and traditional for women), although men should take their hats off before entering the church.

During prayer, it’s acceptable to bow your head, remain seated, or kneel. During hymns, the congregation may be asked to rise, and it is expected that they do so if physically able.