Catholic Funerals have three principal parts: the Vigil for the Deceased; the Funeral Mass or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass; the Rite of Committal.

VIGIL FOR THE DECEASED

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

FUNERAL MASS

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

RITE OF COMMITTAL

Invitation
Scripture Verse
Prayer over the Place of Committal
Committal
Intercessions
The Lord's Prayer

Concluding Prayer

Prayer over the People

CEREMONIAL BURIAL:
Before Christianity developed and spread throughout the Mediterranean world, cremation was the most common mode of disposal in the Roman Empire, but older patterns of corpse burial persisted in many areas, especially in Egypt and the Middle East. Christianity arose among Jews, who buried their dead, and when Christ died and was reborn, the practice of Ceremonial Burial became widespread.

TO CONTEMPLATE GOD’S PLAN…
It’s common in times of distress to ponder God’s purpose in taking the life of someone whom, in our humble opinion, deserved a better, longer life. The family and friends of the deceased remain behind to suffer the loss and contemplate their own existence. Why oh why did our beloved friend pass on? How can this be His justice and part of His plan? Does God care?

I’ve always believed that suffering breeds character, and from the forge of great anguish comes the most remarkable, well rounded and compassionate people. Perhaps our own lives will be enriched by the experiencing the agony of our friend’s and family member’s death – perhaps we are part of the plan. The great writers and artists of our time have almost always experienced the death of close friends and family. It’s usually just these kinds of people that accomplish so much later in life and make God’s plan relevant again. Let’s face it - nothing great ever happens to those among us that have been happy and content their whole lives. Indeed the kitten that ‘has his wits about him’ usually comes from the alley or the barn.

‘More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance’
ROMANS 5:3

RESIST DABBLING IN THE OCCULT
Experimenting with ‘black magic’ or any representation of the occult is never an acceptable alternative to prayer or meditation. Seeking to divine God’s plan through fortune-telling, Ouija boards, horoscopes, psychic friends, etc. can open the door to evil and fear. We can give away elements of our faith that will ultimately weaken our lives and create a damaging force that will bring harm to ourselves or others as we fool ourselves into thinking that such ‘third party agents’ might help us. God is the one who is all-powerful. He is infinitely more powerful than us or any of the evil we encounter. Jesus died and rose in order to show us how powerful God is, and how He conquered the powers of sin and death.

GOD’S POWER LIES IN JARS OF CLAY
No matter how the outward circumstances may appear, Christians are always being led "in triumphal procession in Christ"; they always manifest the "sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Christ" to those who are being saved, while to those who are perishing they are "the smell of death"; they are always acceptable in the sight of God because of Christ; they are always "competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit". Because of these realities in their lives they have boldness, transparency, Christ likeness, and freedom to minister in the Spirit without veils, without masks. Further, Paul wrote, Christians "do not preach themselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, for God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." As Christians proclaim Christ, many times his word will break through the darkness and change lives of those with whom they come in contact.

Prayer at the Death of a Loved One
Lord, the death of _____ has hit me hard. Ours was a relationship built slowly, over years of shared experiences. A friendship of that depth is beyond value, and I find memories of him in many places. This death has made me aware of my own mortality and has challenged my faith. Yet, I hope in you. Your power over death and the rewards of your promised kingdom are the only consolations I can find at this difficult time. Keep my faith and the faith of all who cared for Jeremy strong. Let us always be a source of support and comfort to one another.

Prayer at the Death of a Child
Lord Jesus, I place myself in your hands. Be with me and my family and friends as we mourn the death of the son we so loved.
Help us to stay close to you and to one another as we struggle each day to accept the challenge of living without Jeremy. May he be always at your side to share in the light and glory of your eternal life, happiness and peace.
Psalm 41 Prayer (Proper 7B).

Remember us, gracious God when we are lonely and depressed and support us in the dark night of grief and despair, for your love is faithful and you do not forget your broken ones. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.