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WHAT TO EXPECT

What to Expect at a Catholic Funeral & Burial

If Catholic worship is unfamiliar to you, please know that you are most welcome. This guide gives a quick overview of the prayers, gestures, and traditions you may encounter as we gather to entrust Dolores to God and comfort one another in hope.

A place for grief, prayer, and hope

A place for grief, prayer, and hope

A place for grief, prayer, and hope

A Catholic funeral is both an expression of sorrow and an act of worship. We grieve honestly, pray for the person who has died, and place our hope in the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. You do not need to be Catholic to attend, to pray with us, or simply to be present.

A Catholic funeral is both an expression of sorrow and an act of worship. We grieve honestly, pray for the person who has died, and place our hope in the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. You do not need to be Catholic to attend, to pray with us, or simply to be present.

The Funeral Mass

The funeral Mass is the central prayer of the Catholic funeral rites. It unfolds in four movements, each helping the Church remember, pray, and entrust Dolores to God.

01

Gathering and welcome

Gathering and welcome

As the casket is received, it may be blessed with holy water as a reminder of Baptism and covered with a white funeral pall. The opening prayers gather everyone around the family and the promise of life in Christ.

As the casket is received, it may be blessed with holy water as a reminder of Baptism and covered with a white funeral pall. The opening prayers gather everyone around the family and the promise of life in Christ.

02

The Liturgy of the Word

The Liturgy of the Word

Readings from Scripture, a psalm, the Gospel, a homily, and prayers turn our hearts toward God’s faithfulness and the Christian hope of resurrection.

Readings from Scripture, a psalm, the Gospel, a homily, and prayers turn our hearts toward God’s faithfulness and the Christian hope of resurrection.

03

The Eucharist

The Eucharist

Bread and wine are brought to the altar and consecrated as the Body and Blood of Christ. The Church offers the Mass for Dolores and prays that God will receive her into the fullness of eternal life.

Bread and wine are brought to the altar and consecrated as the Body and Blood of Christ. The Church offers the Mass for Dolores and prays that God will receive her into the fullness of eternal life.

04

The final commendation

The final commendation

Near the close of Mass, the priest leads a final prayer entrusting Dolores to God. Incense may be used as a sign of honor for her body and of our prayers rising to heaven.

Near the close of Mass, the priest leads a final prayer entrusting Dolores to God. Incense may be used as a sign of honor for her body and of our prayers rising to heaven.

A gentle note about Holy Communion

A gentle note about Holy Communion

Catholics believe that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and a visible sign of full communion with the Catholic Church. For that reason, reception of Holy Communion is ordinarily reserved to Catholics who are prepared to receive.

If you are not Catholic—or if you are Catholic and will not be receiving—you are welcome to remain seated during Communion. This is common and completely respectful. You may use the time for quiet prayer for Dolores and her family.

How you may participate

There is no expectation that you know the prayers or gestures. You are welcome to take part as you feel comfortable.

Standing, sitting, and kneeling

You may follow the congregation’s posture if you wish. If you are uncertain or unable, remaining seated is perfectly appropriate.

Prayers and hymns

A worship aid may provide the words. You are welcome to respond and sing, or simply listen and pray quietly.

The Sign of Peace

People nearby may offer a handshake or a gentle nod and say, “Peace be with you.” You may return the same greeting.

AT THE CEMETERY

The Rite of Committal

The Rite of Committal

The burial concludes the Catholic funeral rites. At the graveside, the priest or deacon reads a short passage from Scripture, leads the community in prayer, and blesses the place of burial before Dolores’s body is committed to its resting place.

The burial concludes the Catholic funeral rites. At the graveside, the priest or deacon reads a short passage from Scripture, leads the community in prayer, and blesses the place of burial before Dolores’s body is committed to its resting place.

Catholics bury the body with reverence and in hope of the resurrection. The committal is a solemn farewell, but it is also a profession of faith that death does not have the final word.

Catholics bury the body with reverence and in hope of the resurrection. The committal is a solemn farewell, but it is also a profession of faith that death does not have the final word.

Your presence is enough.

Your presence is enough.

Your presence is enough.

No one expects guests to know every word or gesture. Being there, praying in your own way, and surrounding our family with love are beautiful ways to honor Dolores.