Is the Christian Funeral the end of sacramental life?

-Catechism of the Catholic Church:

(1681) The Christian meaning of death is revealed in the light of the Paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ in whom resides our only hope. The Christian who dies in Christ Jesus is “away from the body and at home with the Lord.”(1.)

(1682) For the Christian the day of death inaugurates, at the end of his sacramental life, the fulfillment of his new birth begun at Baptism.

1. (Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed)

Is the funeral for the living or the deceased?

Primarily for the deceased.

CCC 1684 The Christian funeral is a liturgical celebration of the church.

• Expressing effective communion with the deceased

• Participation in the communion of the community gathered for the funeral

• Proclamation of eternal life to the community

Order of Christian Funerals

-The Vigil

-The Mass of Christian Burial

-The Rite of Committal (Interment)

Celebrating the Paschal Mystery in one grand rite

-Church

-Funeral Home

-Catholic Cemeteries

All three determine the date/time, subject to availability with priest, space, and cemetery staffing.

Important Items to Consider:

-Saturdays, Holidays and Holy Days of Obligation

-Words of Remembrance vs. Eulogy

-Other times for people to speak of the dead

-Family members music/reading participation

Cremation:

Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites.

- Order of Christian Funerals, 413

More info on this in Understanding Catholic Funerals

Catholic Burial Traditions:

Coping with the Death of Your Loved One

Scripture Readings

Understanding Catholic Funerals

Understanding Symbols in the Catholic Mass

ADW:

Mass of Christian Burial (Cremation, Planning for the Rites)

Jesus the Good Shepherd Music Selections

Funeral Hymn Choices 2025-2026

Funeral Info Form

Words of Remembrance Guidelines

Words of Rememberance

The most appropriate times for family members and friends to offer remarks about the deceased is at the wake, before the funeral Mass begins or after the funeral Mass, such as at a reception. If a eulogy is offered during the funeral Mass, the remarks should be read from a brief, written script. All remarks must be reverent and express the Christian hope of Christ’s victory over death.

- Archdiocese of Washington Tri-fold brochure on Funeral Planning

May the angels lead you into paradise

May the martyrs receive you and lead you to the holy city,

the new and eternal, Jerusalem.

May the choirs of angels lead you, and with Lazarus,

Take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.