Catholic funerals

Catholic beliefs about death

Catholics believe death is the last Passover of the child of God, leading into the life of the Kingdom. Each person is judged immediately after death and receives eternal recompense in their soul.

Those who die in God’s grace but are still imperfectly purified undergo a purification before entering the joy of heaven. This is why prayer for the dead is central to a Catholic funeral in a way it is not in most other Christian traditions: the Church prays not only for the comfort of the living but for the person who has died. The funeral rites also express that the dead remain at one with the community of believers on earth, and that death does not break the bonds formed in life.

Catholic funeral ceremonies

The Order of Christian Funerals sets out three stages. The first is the vigil and its related prayers, held between the death and the funeral. The second is the funeral liturgy, normally a Mass in the parish church of the person who has died. The third is the rite of committal, at the graveside or the crematorium.

A priest presides at the Mass. Where no priest is available, a deacon may lead a funeral liturgy outside Mass, and a lay person may lead the vigil or the committal. Family members are encouraged to read, to serve as pallbearers, and to take part.

A Catholic funeral is a liturgy, and it has its own conventions. Here's what to expect:

• Order of Christian Funerals: The Catholic funeral ritual book used in England and Wales, setting out the vigil, the funeral liturgy and the committal.
• Vigil for the deceased: The principal rite between the death and the funeral, held in a home, church, hospital chapel or chapel of rest.
• Reception of the body: The rite of receiving the coffin at the church, usually the evening before the funeral.
• Funeral Mass: The funeral liturgy celebrated with the Eucharist. Also called a Requiem Mass, from the opening words of the Introit.
• Funeral liturgy outside Mass: The funeral liturgy without the Eucharist, led by a deacon or a lay person when no priest is available.
• Rite of committal: The final stage at the graveside or crematorium.
• Final commendation: The community’s last farewell before burial, with holy water and incense.
• Pall: The plain white cloth placed over the coffin, recalling the baptismal garment.
• Paschal candle: The Easter candle placed near the coffin, representing Christ’s victory over death.
• Month’s mind: A gathering about a month after the death. In England and Wales the burial of ashes often serves as one.

The cost of a Catholic funeral in the UK depends on the funeral director, the church, and the cemetery or crematorium you choose. Most Catholic families choose a vigil the evening before, a funeral Mass in their own parish church, and a committal at a cemetery or crematorium. Church offerings and cemetery or crematorium fees are set separately from our own and vary by location. Remember that where there is a cremation, the burial of ashes comes later and should be planned for. Your local Dignity funeral director can talk you through everything that is included, and the costs.

At Dignity, we’re here to support people of all religions and none. We can arrange Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Quaker, Orthodox, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Sikh funerals. Call your local funeral director today to talk about your needs.