Cathedral of St. Patrick
Guidelines for Funerals

GUIDELINES FOR FUNERALS AND CREMATION
DIOCESE OF NORWICH

For your faithful people, Lord, life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven. (Preface I, Masses for the Dead)

In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life. As Christians, we rejoice in our belief that Jesus Christ, by his death and resurrection, has won this eternal life for us.

Because of this faith which we share, when a Christian dies there is no greater source of comfort for those who mourn than to proclaim belief in the resurrection, and to celebrate the life of the one who has died in the Lord.

The liturgy of our Church, in the Order of Christian Funerals, presents three rituals to guide both this proclamation of faith and the celebration of life. It is my hope that this brochure, which reviews these great rituals, will be a source of comfort and hope for all in the face of loss.

In times of grief, let us keep before our minds and hearts the words of Jesus:

I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:25-26)

It is my hope that these diocesan guidelines for funerals and cremation will assist you in your preparation and celebration of funeral rites for your loved ones.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in his love and care, Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Bishop of Norwich

EXPLANATION OF THE RITES

The Order of Christian Funerals is divided into three groups of rites which correspond to the three principal times in Christian funerals: the Vigil or Wake Service, the Funeral Liturgy and the Burial or Committal Service. Those making the arrangements for the funeral of a deceased loved one may have a celebration of all three rites, or may choose one or two of them, depending on circumstances.

The Vigil or Wake Service

The Vigil or Wake Service, when used, takes place before the day of the Funeral Liturgy, usually at the funeral home where the wake is held. The rite consists of a short Scripture-based prayer service, as provided in the Order of Christian Funerals. Within the context of this prayer service, short eulogies or personal remembrances recalling the life and faith of the deceased person may be shared by family and friends. Either a priest, a deacon or other parish minister can lead this service.

The Funeral Liturgy

For Catholics, this is the most familiar part of the Order of Christian Funerals, and the central of the three rites. Friends and loved ones gather together in the parish church to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, both for the benefit of the deceased and in thanksgiving for his or her life of faith. The celebration is greatly enhanced by the participation of the family. For instance, in addition to singing responses and hymns during the Mass, family members may place the pall on the casket, select Scripture readings, serve as readers or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

Since the homily is part of the liturgy itself, and speaks of the mysteries of death and resurrection within the context of the Scripture readings, it is given only by a priest or deacon. Following the prayer after communion, one or two family members may speak in remembrance of the deceased person. Such eulogies are not more than two or three minutes in length. They are to be written out beforehand and read at the appropriate time.

There are a few times during the year when the funeral Mass is not permitted: Solemnities of Obligation, Holy Thursday and Easter Triduum. At these times, funerals may still be held, but the rite for the ÒFuneral Liturgy Outside MassÓ is used.

The Committal or Burial Service

This last stage of the Order of Christian Funerals is celebrated at the place where the body of the deceased will be buried, usually the consecrated ground of a Catholic cemetery. It is here, at the cemetery, where the faithful proclaim again belief in the resurrection for themselves and for the one who has died. The service consists of a short prayer, a reading from Scripture and prayers of intercession. Either a priest, a deacon or another parish minister can lead this prayer.

PART III: CREMATION

In recent years, it has become more common for families to choose cremation of a deceased loved one rather than burial of the body. This is always a legitimate choice, as long as cremation is not chosen as a means of denying belief in the resurrection of the body.

The Church clearly prefers that the body of the deceased is present for the funeral rites. The body uniquely represents our belief that the human body is, in Christ, a temple of the Holy Spirit and destined for future glory at the resurrection of the dead.

For this reason, when the choice has been made to cremate the body, it is strongly recommended that the cremation takes place after the Funeral Liturgy. In this case, the Vigil and the Funeral Liturgy are celebrated, and the Committal Service may take place before or after the cremation.

When it is necessary to cremate the body before the Funeral Liturgy, the Mass may be celebrated in the presence of the cremated remains. The remains are placed in an appropriate container, and put on a table or stand in the place normally occupied by the casket. The remains may be carried to their place during or before the entrance procession. The container is not to be covered by a pall. The Easter Candle may be placed next to the cremated remains, as it would be placed next to the body. The prayers of the funeral Mass are adapted appropriately.

The cremated remains are to be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they came. This includes the use of a suitably dignified urn to contain the ashes, and reverent respect in transporting them to their final resting place. Nothing should be done with the ashes that would not be done with the body.

The cremated remains should be buried in their entirety in a grave, mausoleum, columbarium or even at sea. The scattering of the cremated remains in any circumstance, whether at sea, from the air or on the ground, or keeping the remains in one's home, does not constitute the reverent disposition which the Church requires.

Office for Worship
Diocese of Norwich
March 2006
860-848-2237x203
worship@norwichdiocese.net