Readings for Funerals and Weddings

Catholic Funeral Liturgy

The purpose of the Catholic Funeral Liturgy is to offer worship and thanksgiving to God, the author of all life; to pray for the deceased, and to offer support to the bereaved.

The Church encourages us to celebrate the funeral in three main stages, and at different times. When it is not practical to celebrate all three stages the funeral may comprise a single act of worship either in a cemetery chapel or crematorium. 

The Vigil of Prayer, usually the evening before the funeral, sometimes in the church, at the time of the reception of the body; more often at the family home or funeral parlour;

The Funeral Liturgy, which may be a Mass or a Funeral Service;

The Committal at the cemetery or crematorium.

The Vigil of Prayer This Vigil is the first stage of the farewell journey. Its mood is one of quiet support which helps to prepare the bereaved for the final leave-taking. It may be held in the home of the deceased person, in a funeral home or in the church. The body of the deceased may be present or not. The Vigil may be led a priest, but may also be led by others. It will include prayers and readings from scripture. It may include the Rosary, and appropriate liturgical songs and hymns.

The Funeral Liturgy The Funeral Liturgy is often a Funeral Mass, the highest form of Catholic prayer in which the Sacrifice of Christ himself is made present. In offering this Sacrifice, we commend to God the soul of the deceased in union with Christ himself. In some circumstances - for example if the deceased was not active in their faith, or if the majority of those attending are not Catholic or ‘practicing’ , it can be better for the Funeral Liturgy to be a Liturgy of the Word.

Preparing someone’s funeral service can be a difficult thing to face. Help is always available from your local parish.

Funeral Lectionary L24