The funeral Mass is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. Through the Holy Spirit the community is joined together in faith as the one Body in Christ to reaffirm in sign and symbol, word and gesture that each believer, through baptism, shares in Christ’s death and resurrection and can look to the day when all the elect will be raised up and united in the kingdom of light and peace. (OCF #129)
For this reason, unless exceptional circumstances prevail, the funeral Mass should never be omitted. In rare instances, when for example, the family members of the deceased are not Catholic or no longer practice the Catholic faith, it may be pastorally inadvisable to celebrate the Mass. In such cases the option for the “Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass” (found in the Order of Christian Funerals) should be celebrated.
Even if the funeral liturgy is celebrated outside the context of the Mass, this second station should nonetheless be kept at the parish church or chapel rather than the funeral home. This is to recognize the church building (itself a symbol of the baptized) and the worshiping community that regularly gathers there as significant elements in the faith life of the deceased.
Funeral Masses are normally celebrated in the morning after the wake. In some places it is customary to celebrate the funeral Mass in the evening thereby allowing more people to attend who might otherwise be prevented from doing so due to work schedules. In these situations the wake is normally conducted in the afternoon prior to the Mass while the burial takes place either the next morning or at a later time.
It is most desirable for representatives of the family to meet beforehand with the priest and ifpossible the parish liturgy/music director to discuss the funeral Mass and make appropriate suggestions for scripture readings and music. Popular or secular songs, no matter how meaningful to the deceased (or the deceased’s family), are inappropriate and not permitted in the funeral Mass. The same applies to recorded music which should never be substituted for the active participation of the assembly. If the family requests a pre-recorded song (sacred or secular) as part of the funeral experience, it may be played at the wake provided it is respectful of the occasion.
Non-biblical readings may not replace the scriptural texts in the funeral Mass or the wake service. Provided they are appropriate, such readings could be used elsewhere as part of the homily or as a meditation during the time of visitation.
Frequently, family members or friends of the deceased are asked to function in various liturgical roles as lectors, altar servers, communion ministers or cantors. Although their participation is both fitting and consoling, care should be taken to assure that those selected for these liturgical tasks are prepared and experienced in these ministries.
The funeral Mass itself is arranged in stations the first of which begins at the church doors where the casket is received and blessed with holy water, a symbol of baptism. In churches that have an ample gathering area the casket is then covered with the white funeral pall, another baptismal symbol reminding those present that all who are baptized are clothed with Christ. In smaller churches where this covering cannot be done at the entrance, it may take place once the casket is brought to the front of the church. In either case family and/or friends of the deceased, rather than funeral home personnel should be invited to cover the casket in a reverent and loving manner.
After the casket is in place, the Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. As a symbol of honor, incense may be used at the proclamation of the Gospel and at the Preparation of the Gifts. If used at the Preparation of the Gifts, the casket may also be incensed to symbolize the link between Christ’s sacrifice and the life of the deceased.
Only the elements of bread and wine are to be brought in procession at the Preparation of the Gifts. Other symbols or tokens representing the life of the deceased may not be presented at this time, nor may they be placed near the casket in the funeral liturgy. The primary Christian symbols of the white pall, Paschal Candle, or if desired, a Bible, Gospel Book or Cross, must be given a visibility that is unencumbered by personal objects of sentiment. The latter may be appropriately displayed at the funeral home during the wake service.
After the post communion prayer the Rite of Final Commendation occurs. During this farewell rite, the assembly is invited to pray momentarily in silence and then sing a hymn or acclamation which calls upon the angels and saints to lead the deceased to their heavenly home. During this song the body may be honored with incense.
After the Final Commendation, the blessing is omitted (a ritual indicator that the funeral liturgy is not yet complete) and the body is escorted from the church to the third and final station. A recessional hymn or instrumental music may accompany the procession out of the church. It is customary and fitting to toll the church bell at this time.