Understanding our Faith

Funeral Mass

The Funeral Mass naturally has all the standard parts of the Mass: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  Each of these have their own particular flavour in accord with the celebration of the person’s death in the light of the death and resurrection of Jesus.  So there is a selection of readings appropriate to the celebration of death, there are also fitting prayers and there are five Prefaces, one of which can be used as part of the Eucharistic Prayer.  The Prayer of the Faithful can also be formulated for the occasion.

The beginning and the end of the Funeral Mass are different in accord with the particular character of the Mass for the deceased.  The Paschal Candle is lit and stands near the place where the coffin will be.  The coffin may already be in place when the priest and ministers enter, or the priest may lead the coffin into the Church with the mourners following.  The entrance song is sung to accompany the procession whichever way it is done.

A Pall may be placed over the coffin in memory of the white garment with which the person was clothed at their baptism.  There may also be other symbols placed on or near the coffin. 

The coffin is sprinkled with holy water – again in memory of the person’s baptism. 

It is sometimes the custom that a eulogy or words of remembrance is given at the beginning.

Then follows the Opening Prayer and Mass continues as usual.

At the end of Mass, there is the Final Commendation, which follows the Prayer after Communion.  The Eulogy of Words of Remembrance may also take place after Communion and before the Final Commendation.

The Final Commendation consists in an invitation from the priest to this final moment of prayer in the Church.  It is followed by a time of silence for all to pray.  The coffin is then sprinkled with holy water and is incensed.

There then follows the Song of Farewell which may be sung or prayed.  There is the usual form of this prayer which begins “Saints of God, come to his/her aid!”.  There are other options for this prayer given at the back of the ritual.

Then follows the Prayer of Commendation and the Procession to the Place of Committal, which the priest begins by saying “In peace let us take our brother/ sister to his/her place of rest.”

The priest and ministers then precede the coffin out of the Church.  This may be accompanied by song.

By Fr Frank O’Loughlin