After-Death Rites in the Roman Catholic Church 

In the Catholic Church, funeral rites have three stations: the visitation (wake), funeral mass, and burial. In the past, the Vigil for the Deceased, also called a wake by many, was often held at home, but now it is most often done at a funeral home. 

The Vigil

During the Vigil, family and friends gather around the deceased’s body to pray and mourn. The rosary may be said at the request of family members. A Holy Card, with the deceased’s name and photo is often used for remembrance.

The casket can be open or closed and candles are lit. A crucifix is placed near the casket and the deceased usually holds a rosary. The body, prepared for burial in the funeral home, can wear what is chosen by the family. 

The Funeral

There is no rule as to what day and what time a Catholic funeral is held, with the exception of Days of Obligation (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Sundays during Lent, Advent, and Easter). The date and time are arranged with the funeral director and priest, taking into account the availability of the family and, if they are living far away, how long it will take them to return for the service. 

If a Vigil for the Deceased is to be held, this can be scheduled at any time before the funeral. 

The Mass

When it is time for the funeral, if the casket was open, it is closed and the body is moved, by hearse, from the funeral home to the church where the funeral mass will be held. The casket is met at the doorway of the church by the priest or celebrant of the funeral mass. 

The casket is sprinkled with holy water and brought to the altar where it will rest during the mass. The mass is held, with prayers for the deceased, readings from the bible, and eulogies. At the conclusion of the mass, a hymn, a song of farewell, is sung and the casket is then escorted out of the church after a prayer of commendation from the priest or celebrant. 

Burial

Following the mass is the burial of the deceased, where the final rite of committal will be held. With family and friends gathered at the graveside or the place of internment, the priest or celebrant recites a verse from the Scripture, the prayer of committal, intercessions, the Lord’s Prayer, and a blessing. 

At this moment, members of the family often place flowers on the casket as it is lowered into the grave. Cremation is permitted by the Catholic Church. However, the ashes, in their entirety, should be buried and not scattered or kept inside a home.