Catholic Funerals

Catholic funerals have several specific segments during which the mourners offer solemn prayers to the deceased, because Catholic funerals are a time of sorrow, reflection and prayer. Catholic families, especially those that come from European backgrounds, such as Italian and Maltese, usually prefer the traditional type of funeral, which is called a Requiem Mass, however, some Catholic families request to just have Funeral Prayers. Traditionally, Catholic funerals consist of the following:

The Rosary: Catholic funerals are usually preceded by a rosary, which is the prayer service for the deceased that is usually held in the same church as the funeral. The rosary can be held on the evening prior the funeral, or on the same day as the funeral, just before the funeral mass, and it is a tradition amongst many European families for the rosary to be held in the same church on the evening prior the funeral. The family and the mourners, may also be able to view the deceased in the church before the rosary, or even after the rosary if it is held on the evening prior the funeral, however, that depends on the rules of the Parish Priest, because viewings are not always allowed to take place in the church.

The Requiem Mass: This is the main part of a Catholic funeral, and the deceased’s family members are always required to meet with the Priest a few days before the funeral to select Catholic funeral readings for certain segments of the mass, such as the First Reading and the Prayers of the Faithful, also known as the General Intercessions. The General Intercessions allow for the personalised celebration of the deceased, they are then followed by many other segments of the mass which is always concluded with the Final Commendation. During this part of a Catholic funeral service, the congregation welcomes the body. Holy water and incense is then used to symbolise the Baptism of the deceased, and the new life of Christ. Catholic funeral songs are also sung during many parts of a Catholic funeral mass, and the deceased’s family members usually take part in many segments of the mass, such as saying some of the readings and taking the gifts up to the Priest.

The Committal Service: Committing the body to it’s last resting place is the final ceremony of Catholic funerals. The committal service is usually a burial or a cremation, which are both very common amongst many nationalities. Entombment is also another option that is very common amongst the Italian community, and is an option that’s offered by many cemeteries.

The Wake:  The wake is a formal gathering that most families have after the committal service. Wakes are usually held at a cemetery based wake facility, a local R.S.L club, hotel, restaurant, reception centre or even a family home, and a wake is considered to be one of the most appropriate times for family members, relatives and friends to talk about the fond memories that they have of the deceased.