Resources

THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS has three principal parts:

• the Vigil for the Deceased
• the Funeral Mass or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass
• the Rite of Committal

INTRODUCTORY RITES
Greeting
Opening Song
Invitation to Prayer
Opening Prayer

LITURGY OF THE WORD
Scripture Readings with Responsorial Psalm
Homily

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Litany
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayer (A family member or friend may speak in remembrance of the deceased.)

CONCLUDING RITE
Blessing
Song and/or a few minutes of silent prayer

INTRODUCTORY RITES
Greeting & Sprinkling with Holy Water
Placing of the Pall (and Christian Symbols)
Entrance Procession
Song
Opening Prayer

LITURGY OF THE WORD
Scripture Readings with Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation
Homily
General Intercessions

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer
Communion Rite

FINAL COMMENDATION
Invitation to Prayer
Song of Farewell and Incense
Prayer of Commendation

PROCESSION TO THE PLACE OF COMMITAL

Invitation

Scripture Verse

Prayer over the Place of Committal

Committal

Intercessions

The Lord’s Prayer

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Prayer over the People

These Readings are suggested in the Order of Christian Funerals. At a funeral, one reading from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament and a Gospel are proclaimed.  (Click HERE for these Readings)