Losing someone you love is one of life’s most challenging moments. In times like these, the Church walks with you, offering a place of peace, hope, and healing. This is a sacred time when we honour our departed, celebrate their lives and entrust them to God’s loving care.
When a Christian dies, the community gathers for a funeral. We say farewell to the person who has died. We praise and thank God for the gift of a life which has been returned to its creator. And we remember with joy and sadness what that person has meant to them.
There are three Catholic funeral rites.
- The Vigil for the Deceased may be quite informal. This is when the family and friends of the person who has died pray in the presence of the body in the home, in a chapel at a funeral directors’ premises, or in the parish church on the night before the Funeral Liturgy. The vigil would include prayers and readings and an opportunity for a relative or friend of the deceased person to share some ‘words of remembrance’ about the person who has died.
- The Funeral Liturgy is the central liturgical celebration. It is usually celebrated in the church, and may be a Mass with the final commendation, or a Liturgy of the Word followed by prayers and a final commendation. The funeral liturgy is held whenever is appropriate for family and friends to gather.
- The Rite of Committal is the final act of care for person who has died. It may be held at the cemetery or in a crematorium chapel. This rite may also be used for burial at sea. The Rite of Committal (burial or cremation) usually follows the funeral liturgy.
Your local parish will be pleased to be able to support you and your family as you prepare for this sad occasion. Liturgy Brisbane also has a resource available to help you prepare the funeral liturgy of a loved one. This may also be useful for you if you wish to indicate your wishes for your own funeral.