Funerals
Brian Lambert, Music Director | (702) 503-5285 | music@thomascenter.org
Preparing a Catholic Funeral
A guide for families as they accompany a loved one from death to Christian burial—with prayer, dignity, and hope in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
You do not have to plan this alone.
The Church accompanies the family with prayer and pastoral care. A funeral is not simply a memorial service: it is the Church's liturgical proclamation of Christ's victory over death and our hope of the resurrection.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§1680–1690
Read the Catechism
The Christian's Last Passover
Christian death is understood in the light of the death and Resurrection of Christ. The Church does not deny grief; she enters into it with the family while proclaiming the greater hope of eternal life.
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1681
Three moments of prayer
Vigil for the Deceased
Often held during the visitation, the Vigil gathers family and friends in prayer. It may include Scripture, psalms, prayers, and a reflection.
OCF, General Introduction
Funeral Liturgy
The central liturgical celebration. When celebrated as a Funeral Mass, the Eucharist stands at the heart of the Church's prayer for the deceased.
CCC 1688–1689
Rite of Committal
The community accompanies the deceased to the place of burial or interment and entrusts the body to God while awaiting the resurrection.
CCC 1690
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”
John 11:25What we will plan together
Choosing the readings
Scripture is central to the Church's funeral rites. The readings proclaim God's promises and illuminate Christian death through the Paschal Mystery.
Old Testament
Examples include Wisdom 3:1–9, Isaiah 25:6–9, and Lamentations 3:17–26.
New Testament
Examples include Romans 5:5–11, Romans 6:3–9, Romans 8:31–35, 37–39, and 1 Corinthians 15:51–57.
Gospel
Examples include John 6:37–40, John 11:17–27, John 14:1–6, and John 20:1–9.
Note: Actual choices should be made from the approved lectionary for the Order of Christian Funerals and according to diocesan and parish norms.
Music for the funeral liturgy
Music at a Catholic funeral should serve the liturgy and express the Church's faith in Christ's death and Resurrection. Sacred texts rooted in Scripture and the Church's prayer are ordinarily the best choices.
Entrance
Music of hope, baptism, and the Paschal Mystery can accompany the procession and gathering.
Psalm & Gospel
The Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation are integral parts of the Liturgy of the Word and should be sung when possible.
Eucharistic / Closing
Selections should lead the assembly toward prayer, communion, commendation, and the hope of resurrection.
Burial and cremation
The Catholic Church permits cremation, while continuing to teach the dignity of the human body and the importance of Christian burial. The Church ordinarily prefers that the body be present for the funeral rites when circumstances permit.
Questions families often ask
Does a Catholic funeral have to include Mass?
No. The Church provides both a Funeral Mass and a funeral liturgy outside Mass. The parish priest or deacon can help determine the appropriate form.
Can non-Catholics attend?
Yes. Catholic funerals welcome family and friends regardless of religious background. Particular liturgical roles are governed by Church norms and should be discussed with the parish.
Can we choose our own readings?
Readings are selected from the approved funeral lectionary. Families normally choose among permitted options with guidance from the parish.
Can we have a eulogy at Mass?
Practices vary by diocese and parish. The Church distinguishes the homily from a eulogy; ask the pastor about the parish's particular policy.
What if the person was not a practicing Catholic?
Speak with the pastor. The Church's law provides for ecclesiastical funerals for Catholic faithful and addresses several other circumstances. The parish can help the family understand what is possible.
We are here to help.
In the midst of grief, you do not need to know all the answers. Contact the parish office and we will walk with your family through the funeral rites.
Contact the Parish