Funerals in the Catholic Church

What do Catholics do in preparation for death?

When someone in our parish or faith community is dying, the local Church (all members, not just the priest) is called to offer support and consolation to those who are dying or preparing for the death of a loved one. Along with prayers offered for those who are dying, some who visit are Ministers to the Hospitalized or Homebound. Bringing the Word of God and Holy Communion to those who are not able to join the larger Catholic community on Sunday, these ministers are a connection/outreach from the local Church to the homebound or hospitalized, and their families. At some point in time the pastor or one of the parish priests may be called to celebrate the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. It is not a requirement that this celebration of God's love and presence be done only at the time of death. This anointing and prayer can take place before or after major surgery or accident or illness, as well as during convalescence or chronic illness. This sacrament is celebrated as a reminder of God's love and presence to those who are ill. The sacrament of penance (confession) is often celebrated in conjunction with the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, as sacraments of healing.

For the dying or those who are in danger of death these sacraments are best celebrated as part of the person's and family's preparation for eventual death. One cannot presume that a priest will be available at or near the moment of one's death. The focus of this time is preparing/getting ready to meet our loving God.

What does the Church do when someone dies?

After dealing with the initial shock and bewilderment of being with a loved one when they die or upon hearing the news of the death of a loved one, the immediate family begins to notify family and friends. Sometimes the family contacts the parish church immediately upon the death, other times the church contact is made when they begin to make funeral arrangements with a local funeral home. Every effort is made to meet the request of the grieving family, but sometimes other commitments and calendar events may require some flexibility with regards to the date and time of the funeral rites.

The parish priest or someone on the pastoral staff will often meet with the family to offer condolences both personally and on behalf of the parish community, to pray with those who mourn and for the deceased, to talk and to plan the funeral liturgies.

Pre-planning one's funeral liturgy is an option that should be considered by all of us, for it allows us to choose the readings and music not only for the Funeral Mass, which is also called the Mass of Christian Burial, but also for the Vigil Service.

To assist in the planning of a funeral, we offer this pamphlet for information purposes. For more information, contact Fr. Chuck at (614) 291-4674 x103.