Part of Everendium's Faith, Culture & Traditions guides.
Catholic Funeral Traditions: The Order of Christian Funerals Explained
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Catholic funerals generally follow the Order of Christian Funerals: a vigil (wake) with prayers, a funeral Mass including the Eucharist, and a committal service at the burial site. Cremation is permitted but the Church asks that remains be buried or entombed rather than scattered or kept at home.
Catholic funeral practices follow a specific, well-established structure, though individual parishes and families bring their own personal touches within it.
The vigil (wake)
The vigil, often called a wake, typically includes prayers, readings, and time for family and friends to gather and offer condolences — sometimes with the body present for viewing.
The funeral Mass
The funeral Mass is the central liturgical event, including scripture readings, a homily reflecting on the person’s life and the Christian understanding of death and resurrection, and the Eucharist. The Mass follows the broader structure of a regular Catholic Mass, adapted specifically for the funeral context.
The committal service
Vigil (Wake)
Prayer, readings, visitation
Funeral Mass
Scripture, homily, Eucharist
Committal
Final prayers at burial or entombment
The Order of Christian Funerals — individual parishes add their own personal touches within this structure.
The committal service takes place at the graveside or place of interment, with final prayers marking the actual burial or entombment.
Cremation and the Church’s guidance
The Catholic Church permits cremation, though it has traditionally preferred burial. If a family chooses cremation, the Church specifically asks that the cremated remains be buried or entombed in a cemetery, rather than scattered or kept at home — reflecting continued respect for the body as part of Catholic teaching on the resurrection.
What to expect if you’re attending
Dress modestly and conservatively. Standing, sitting, and kneeling cues will be given throughout the Mass — following the lead of those around you is completely appropriate if you’re unfamiliar with Catholic liturgy.
Practices vary by parish and family. Everendium provides general guidance and encourages families to consult their parish priest for specifics.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three main parts of a Catholic funeral?+
The vigil (wake), the funeral Mass, and the committal service at the burial site — together known as the Order of Christian Funerals.
Is cremation allowed in the Catholic Church?+
Yes, the Church permits cremation, though it traditionally prefers burial. If cremation is chosen, the Church asks that cremated remains be buried or entombed in a cemetery rather than scattered or kept at home.
Can a funeral Mass happen without the body present?+
Yes — if cremation has already occurred, a funeral Mass can still be celebrated, sometimes with the urn present in place of a casket.
What is a novena?+
A nine-day period of prayer, sometimes observed by Catholic families after a death, though this varies by family and community rather than being a universal requirement.
Sources
Related glossary terms
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