Diocese of Salt Lake City Catholic Funeral Rites and Customs

Diocese of Salt Lake City Catholic Funeral Rites and Customs Prepared by The Diocesan Liturgical Rites Committee Office of Liturgy Diocese of Salt Lake City October 2016 1

Diocese of Salt Lake City Catholic Funeral Rites and Customs The Diocesan Liturgical Rites Committee offers the following in the hope that clergy, bereavement teams, liturgy preparation teams, mortuaries and the faithful will find them helpful for preparing and celebrating the three principal funeral rites of the Church. Pre-Funeral Rites What is the anointing of the sick? Is that the same as last rites? Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing that gives health of soul, and sometimes body, by prayer and anointing with blessed oil. The purpose of this sacrament is to confer special grace on those suffering from grave illness, the exhaustion of old age, or on those who are in danger of death for any other reason. Anointing of the Sick gives grace that allows the individual to unite their suffering with the suffering of Christ. Anointing of the Sick is celebrated with its own liturgy. It is not a private act but involves the Church as a whole, whether it takes place in the home, a hospital, or a church. The term is sometimes used to refer to the reception of all of the Last Sacraments, Confession, Holy Communion and the Anointing of the Sick. Prior to Vatican II, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was often known as Extreme Unction or Last Rites. Who administers the Sacrament of Anointing? The sacrament is administered by a priest, who prays and anoints the forehead and hands with the oil of the sick which has been blessed by a bishop. How often may a person receive the rite? The sacrament may be repeated in case of a different illness or injury, or if the same illness becomes more serious. What is Viaticum? Hospice patients and seriously ill may move more quickly than expected toward death. A person who faces death should receive Holy Communion under the form of Viaticum. Viaticum is often translated as food for the journey. Although the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick strengthens us in the face of sickness, the Sacrament of Reconciliation with the Eucharist as viaticum prepares the person for the final journey. A dying person may receive Holy Communion under the form of viaticum every day. What does the Church say about organ donation or donating the body for scientific research? For the person who is donating their body to science or organs for transplant it is considered an act of charity and the Church has no objection in general terms. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains: "Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks to the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient. Organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as an expression of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or his proxy has not given explicit consent. Moreover, it is not morally admissible to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even in order to delay the death of other persons" (CCC #2296). When the body is donated for scientific research or for organ transplantation the body must be treated with respect. The body or cremains should always receive a Christian burial. 2

Planning a Funeral Liturgy Who plans the funeral? Usually the funeral home is contacted first which will then contact the parish to determine possible times and dates for the funeral. Once the family has met with the funeral director and confirmed the date and time they should contact the parish to arrange for a meeting. At this meeting the pastor or parish coordinator will help the family to choose scripture readings, hymns, and other details of the funeral liturgy such as arranging for the viewing/vigil, assisting in setting up for the funeral Mass or liturgy, and assisting with any programs, memorabilia, and other items desired for the visitation or funeral. Should family members and or friends serve as liturgical ministers? In the celebration of the funeral rites laymen and laywomen may serve as readers, musicians, ushers, pall-bearers, altar servers and according to existing norms, as special ministers of the Eucharist. Priests should instill in these ministers an appreciation of how much the reverent exercise of their ministries contributes to the celebration of the funeral rites. Family members should be encouraged to take an active part in these ministries, but they should not be asked to assume any role that their grief or sense of loss may make too burdensome. (OCF #15) What kind of music should we have? Music is integral to the funeral rites. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. The texts of the songs chosen for a particular celebration should express the paschal mystery of the Lord s suffering, death, and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture. (OCF #30) Parishes are pastorally responsible to provide liturgical music at all funeral Masses. A few elements, sung well, should be given priority. Preference should be given to congregational singing of the acclamations, the responsorial psalm, the song of farewell at the final commendation, and appropriate entrance and communion songs. An organist or other instrumentalist, a cantor, and whenever possible, a choir should be present to assist the congregation in singing the songs, responses, and acclamations of the funeral Mass. Recorded music should not replace "live" music, nor should favorite songs of the deceased replace liturgically appropriate music. Music should reflect the themes of the selected readings or Christians' hope in the Risen Christ. (Music for Catholic Funerals: Reflections) May ordained clergy from other faiths participate in the funeral? Clergy from other faith denominations may be invited to participate, according to canonical guidelines, at the discretion of the pastor. A guest priest/deacon other than the main celebrant may be permitted to give the homily, final commendation and lead the service at the cemetery. What are the expenses for a Catholic funeral? In addition to funeral home expenses, there are often usage fees for the use of the church facilities and staff. A small gift for the ministers (altar servers, priest, deacon other ministers) is optional. The parish can provide guidelines on these fees/guidelines. 3

May a funeral be celebrated with the cremated remains of the deceased present? Many Catholics today still believe that the Church forbids cremation. This was true, for a variety of reasons, prior to Vatican II. However, in 1963 the Catholic Church modified its general prohibition of cremation as a burial option. The new directives allow cremation to be chosen provided the choice does not reflect a denial or doubt about the Church s teachings, or traditions about life, death and resurrection. The cremated remains must be treated with the same respect given to the entire body. Cremated remains may be present at the funeral liturgy and, if desired a picture of the deceased. After the funeral they should be reverently buried or entombed in a cemetery or mausoleum. The practices of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent practice that the Church allows. (Cremation Guidelines, Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery) What is the recommended time between death and interment? After death, the loved ones have the choice to embalm, not embalm or cremate their deceased loved one. If the body has been embalmed and kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the body can be maintained for up to three weeks before interment. If the body has not been embalmed, interment should take place much sooner, and the casket should remain closed. If the body has been cremated, there is no time limit on when the interment takes place. Customarily, the internment is about one to one and a half weeks after death. The body or cremains should always receive a Christian burial. Is it possible to have an American flag or personal items placed on the coffin? Only Christian symbols may rest on or be placed near the coffin during the funeral liturgy. Any national flags or the flags or insignia of associations to which the deceased belonged are to be removed from the coffin at the entrance of the church. They may be replaced after the coffin has been taken from the church. (OCF #132) Personal memorabilia, such as pictures or cards, should be placed in the Narthex or Gathering Space so as not to draw attention away from the primary signs and actions of the liturgical worship such as the altar, ambo, and paschal candle. Military honors are reserved for after the Funeral Liturgy, usually at the Rite of Committal. 4

The Vigil What is the vigil and is it the same as a wake? The vigil is celebrated between the time of death and the funeral liturgy, often on the day before or the evening before the funeral Mass. The vigil (wake) is often the first time family, friends and members of the parish community gather in remembrance of the deceased, for prayer and support. The Vigil for the Deceased may provide a chance for those unable to participate in the funeral Mass or Rite of Committal to take part in the funeral rites. Where can it be celebrated? The vigil may be celebrated in the home of the deceased, in the funeral home, or in the church. A priest, deacon, or lay minister may preside at this liturgy. Because the funeral that follows is focused acutely on the word of God, this time is a chance for loved ones to offer more personal words about the deceased. The wake also serves as a time for the family to prepare emotionally for the funeral that follows. A time of visitation with the family may be scheduled before or after the Vigil. What happens at the vigil? The vigil takes the form of the Liturgy of the Word. It centers on readings from sacred Scripture, songs, psalms, and intercessory prayer. A brief homily or reflection by the presider may also be included. The vigil service is the preferred time for family and friends to offer stories, reflections, and eulogies on the life of the deceased. Photos are often displayed. Recorded music may be proper at a vigil service even though it is not proper for the funeral Mass. Can we pray the Rosary at the vigil? Yes, the Rosary or part of it, may be prayed, but should not replace the Vigil. May the deceased remain, overnight in the church? The parish priest, in consultation with the funeral home, decides if the deceased remains can stay in the church overnight. Insurance issues would be one consideration among others. May the deceased remain overnight in the home between the vigil and the funeral? According to Utah civil legislation the body would have to be embalmed to remain in a home overnight between the wake and funeral. 5

The Funeral Mass/Liturgy What does the Funeral Mass include? The Catholic Church teaches that death is a transition from this life to new life. When our earthly dwelling ends in death, we gain an everlasting life. In the Catholic funeral tradition, the purpose of the Funeral Mass is to offer worship to God for Christ s victory over death, to comfort the mourners with prayers, and to pray for the soul of the deceased. The Mass includes the reception of the body (if this has not already taken place), the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the final commendation (unless the commendation will be celebrated at the place of committal). Who is the presider for a Funeral Mass? A priest is the celebrant for the Funeral Mass. Sometimes, for special reasons, a Funeral Liturgy outside Mass (Liturgy of the Word without Liturgy of the Eucharist) can be celebrated either by a deacon or a lay minister. What if there is no body? If it is not possible for the body to be present for the Funeral Mass, pastoral sensitivity must be exercised. Adaptions to the appropriate rite may be made. The Rite of Reception and commendation is omitted. What if the deceased is not Catholic or a non-practicing Catholic? All baptized Catholics are afforded a Funeral Mass, if that is what the deceased or family members wish. At the discretion of the local Ordinary (Bishop), the Church s funeral rites may be celebrated for a baptized member of another Church or ecclesial community provided this would not be contrary to the deceased person s wishes and provided the minister of the deceased person is unavailable. (OCF #18) May a Catholic Mass be celebrated if the deceased committed suicide? The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that we each have responsibility for our own lives, but we should not despair of those who take their own lives. By ways known to God alone, has ways of providing for them, and the Church always holds them, as it does all the deceased, in its prayers. (CCC # 2283) Since Vatican II, the Church has eased restrictions on funeral rites for suicide victims, encouraging a more pastoral approach. Are eulogies given at Catholic funerals? Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God. (OCF #5) Because of the focus of a Catholic funeral is first on God, eulogies do not have a place within the Funeral Mass. The vigil service or at the graveside following the rite of committal are the preferred time for family and friends to offer stories, reflections, and eulogies on the life of the deceased. What is a Memorial Mass/Service? In the most basic sense, the body of the deceased person is present at a Funeral and not at a memorial service. Memorial Masses/services are held after the body has been cremated or buried. Ritual gestures such as blessing with holy water or prayers that presume the presence of human remains are omitted from the Memorial Mass. 6

The Rite of Committal What is the Rite of Committal? The rite concludes the liturgical rites of a Catholic funeral with the burial of the deceased generally following the Rite of Committal. The committal takes place where the body of the deceased is to be buried (committed) or where the remains are to be interred. Does the Rite of Committal always take place immediately after the funeral Mass? The Rite of Committal is used when the final commendation and farewell is celebrated within the funeral liturgy. The Rite of Committal with Final Commendation is used when the commendation is not celebrated with the funeral liturgy; for example, if the funeral is celebrated on a day prior to the committal or in a different community. Who presides at the committal? A priest, deacon or lay minister can preside at the committal. When no funeral liturgy precedes the rite of committal, the rite of committal with final commendation is used and may be adapted. What takes place at the Rite of Committal? The rite consists of Scripture, a prayer over the place of committal, intercessions, the Our Father, a concluding prayer and a prayer over the mourners. It may be celebrated at graveside, crematorium or burial at sea. 7

Bibliography Rev. James Socias, ed. Introduction to Catholicism: A Complete Course, The Didache Series. Downers Grove, IL: Midwest Theological Forum, June 1, 2003. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Fifth Edition. November 17, 2009. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. Pastoral Care of the Sick; Rites of Anointing and Viaticum. New York: Catholic Book Publishing Co., 1983. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Second Edition, 1994. Utah State Board of Embalming. R436-8-3: http://www.rules.utah.gov/index.htm United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Order of Christian Funerals. New Jersey: Catholic Book Publishing Corp., 1998. 8

Appendix Introductory Rites Greeting Liturgy Planning Sheet for the Order of Christian Funerals Vigil for the Deceased (at the family s home or mortuary) 1 Opening Song Invitation to Prayer Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word First Reading Responsorial Psalm Gospel Homily Prayer of Intercession Litany The Lord s Prayer Concluding Prayer [Words of Remembrance] Concluding Rites Blessing [Closing Song] 1 See Order of Christian Funerals, 69. 9

Introductory Rites Greeting Liturgy Planning Sheet for the Order of Christian Funerals Sprinkling with Holy Water [Placing of the Pall] Vigil for the Deceased with Reception of the Body (at the Church) 2 Entrance Procession/Opening Song [Placing of Christian Symbols] Invitation to Prayer Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word First Reading Responsorial Psalm Gospel Homily Prayer of Intercession Litany The Lord s Prayer Concluding Prayer [Words of Remembrance] Concluding Rites Blessing [Closing Song] 2 See Order of Christian Funerals, 82. 10

Liturgy Planning Sheet for the Order of Christian Funerals Funeral Mass with Reception of the Body 3 Introductory Rites Greeting Sprinkling with Holy Water [Placing of the Pall] Entrance Procession [Placing of Christian Symbols] Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word First Reading Responsorial Psalm [Second Reading] Gospel Acclamation Gospel Homily General Intercessions Liturgy of the Eucharist Preparation of the Gifts Service Music of the Eucharistic Prayer: Holy, Holy Memorial Acclamation Great Amen Lamb of God Communion Song 3 See Order of Christian Funerals, 158. 11

Final Commendation Invitation to Prayer Silence [Signs of Farewell] Song of Farewell Prayer of Commendation Procession to the Place of Committal Music during the Procession 12

Liturgy Planning Sheet for the Order of Christian Funerals Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass 4 Introductory Rites Greeting Sprinkling with Holy Water [Placing of the Pall] Entrance Procession [Placing of Christian Symbols] Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word First Reading Responsorial Psalm [Second Reading] Gospel Acclamation Gospel Homily General Intercessions Final Commendation Invitation to Prayer Silence [Signs of Farewell] Song of Farewell Prayer of Commendation Procession to the Place of Committal Music during the Procession 4 See Order of Christian Funerals, 183. 13

Liturgy Planning Sheet for the Order of Christian Funerals Rite of Committal 5 [Music] Invitation Scripture Verse Prayer over the Place of Committal Committal Intercessions The Lord s Prayer Concluding Prayer Prayer over the People [Music] 5 See Order of Christian Funerals, 216. 14

Liturgy Planning Sheet for the Order of Christian Funerals Ministers for the Order of Christian Funerals Vigil Presider (priest, deacon, lay leader of prayer) Lector Cantor Greeter/Ushers Accompanist Funeral Mass Presider [Deacon] Lector(s) Cantor(s) Accompanist Altar Server(s) Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Pall Bearers Rite of Committal Presider [Lector] [Deacon] [Cantor] Christian Symbols Placed on Coffin Pall Cross Bible Other 15