Order of Christian Funerals
Order of Christian Funerals
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.
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 Committal
Rite of Committal
- Invitation
- Scripture Verse
- Prayer over the Place of Committal
- Committal
- Intercessions
- The Lord's Prayer
Concluding Prayer
Prayer over the People
Reading for a Christian Funeral
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 on the Bible Gateway and enter a bible reference from the tables below to get the verse online.)
