Catholic Funeral Mass: the order of the service
The structure of the Funeral Mass in the Order of Christian Funerals. The ritual words belong to the Church’s copyrighted liturgical books, so only the outline is given here. Your parish priest or musician confirms every choice.
Structure only15 partsStart a program from it
- Reception of the body
At the church door the priest greets the family, sprinkles the coffin with holy water and the pall is placed over it.
- Entrance hymn
- Opening prayer
Said by the priest.
- First reading
From the Old Testament (in the Easter season, it may come from Acts or Revelation). Read by a family member or friend.
- Responsorial psalm
Usually sung by the cantor.
- Second reading
From the New Testament. Read by a family member or friend.
- Gospel
Read by the priest or deacon.
- Homily
Given by the priest or deacon. The Church asks that it not be a eulogy.
- Prayer of the faithful
Often read by a family member.
- Preparation of the gifts
Family members may bring up the bread and wine.
- Communion hymn
- Words of remembrance (if your parish allows)
Many parishes allow one short remembrance by a family member before the final commendation; others ask that it be given at the vigil or the reception. Ask your parish.
- Final commendation and song of farewell
The coffin is incensed while the song of farewell is sung.
- Recessional hymn
- Rite of committal
At the cemetery or mausoleum.
Source: Order of Christian Funerals (ICEL, 1989; US edition). The Church’s ritual texts are copyrighted and are not reproduced. Your priest or deacon leads the rite; your parish confirms every choice.