There are three parts to a Catholic Funeral: The Vigil/Rosary, the Mass of Christian Burial, and Rite of Committal. Below you will find information explaining each of these parts, as well as frequently asked questions.
You may choose to have a luncheon after the funeral in our parish hall. Please contact our parish offices to coordinate the meal.
Click here to visit Catholic Cemetaries Associated of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
Catholic Funeral Rites - Common Questions
Vigil for the Deceased (Wake)
The Catholic vigil is a prayer service, usually held the evening before the funeral. The community of friends and family will usually gather for a service at the funeral home. In some cases (if many people are expected) , the vigil can be held in the church. The vigil includes the rosary, scripture readings, homily and prayer for both the deceased and the grieving family. Also, a eulogy may be read at the vigil instead of at the funeral service.
It is good to make a collage and/or a display of pictures. Some peole make a video now to show at the funeral home.
It is important for us to see the body and honor the person. This is a time of great support for everyone and gives friends an opportunity to express their comfort and offer their prayers. Spending time in the presence of the deceased person's body is important for our grieving and our statement that it mattered that this person lived.
The Mass of Christian Burial
The core of the Catholic funeral celebration is the Mass. The Eucharist is the center of the Catholic faith - the celebration of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scripture readings and prayer also play a prominent role in the Catholic funeral service, along with songs, hymns, and a brief homily.
Our parish staff is here to assist the family in planning the funeral liturgy. Please contact our offices as soon as possible.
Internment
In the Catholic faith, there is great respect for the body. Catholics believe that the body is "the temple of the Lord" and that at the End of Days, there will be a Resurrection of the body. The internment takes place at the cemetary.
We visit the grave often to pray for the deceased and we decorate the graves regularly, especially on November 2, All Souls Day.
More Common Questions:
What about miscarried or stillborn babies? Please click here.
What about cremation? Please click here.
What about Holy Masses for the deceased? It is normal to have a Mass offered as soon as possible for the deceased. Most people leave provision for this in their wills. When possible, a Mass on the one month annivesary and then on other anniversaries is a good practice. Pray regularly for the faithful departed, especially on November 2 - All Souls Day.
May a non-Catholic have a Catholic funeral? Yes, if the person had no objections and the family desires a Mass of Christian burial and there are no impediments.
What are the fees for the Priest and the Church? There are no fees, but there are recommnended honorariums, please contact the parish office for more information.
Who provides Holy Cards? Normally, the funeral home has a service for this.
What about pictures? You may place pictures on a table or easel in the Church gathering space. This is often very helpful in the grieving process.
