RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

“I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” – The Nicene Creed

In the Rite of Christian Burial, the Catholic Church offers a variety of prayers and liturgical rites for the deceased.  If you have any questions about what is or is not permitted, please call the parish office for more information.

The Vigil for the Deceased

  • Also commonly known as a “wake,” this is a time for the family to gather, grieve, and support each other.  

  • A deacon from the parish will attend the wake and offer the prayers of the Church. 

The Funeral Mass

  • The Catholic Funeral Mass includes the celebration of the Eucharist and prayers for the deceased in the presence of the body of the deceased.  

  • The Mass concludes with the “Final Commendation,” as the priest entrusts the soul of the deceased to the mercy of Almighty God. 

The Rite of Internment:

  • A deacon from the parish will accompany you in the funeral procession to the cemetery to offer the prayers of the Church as your loved one is laid to rest. 

Cremation

  • A funeral Mass can be celebrated with the cremated remains of the deceased. 

  • The Catholic Church teaches that “The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains on the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.” 

  • If you happen to have the cremated remains of a loved one at home, a deacon of the parish will be happy to accompany you to the cemetery for the Rite of Burial. 

  • More Information on cremation (https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/bereavement-and-funerals/cremation-and-funerals) 

Planning the Funeral Mass

  • After the Funeral Home contacts the parish to make arrangements, a member of our Bereavement Ministry will reach out to the family directly to help prepare for the Mass. 

  • The Church offers a variety of readings from Sacred Scripture that can help express the faith of your loved one.  Please see a list of readings here (LINK) 

  • If a member of your family would like to assist as a lector at Mass, please inform the bereavement team.  If not, someone from the parish will assist. 

  • If you have any specific hymns you would like to request, please let the bereavement minister know.  (Please note that only church music is allowed at the Funeral Mass.  It may be appropriate to play other kinds of tribute music at the Funeral Home during the wake.) 

Support for Families

  • Grief Support and Meetings: We provide ongoing support through grief counseling and support groups, helping families navigate the emotional journey of loss. Meetings are held on the first Friday of the month at 10:30AM in San Clemente.

  • Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed: In the Catholic Church, All Souls’ Day is celebrated each year on November 2nd. This is an opportunity each year for the entire Church to pray for all of those who have died.  Here, at Our Lady of Mercy, all those who celebrated a funeral in the past year will receive a special invitation to join us for Mass that day as the names of the deceased are read and candles are lighted in their memory.  This is often a powerful moment of healing for those who have suffered loss. 

With any questions, please contact the parish office directly at 773-588-2620