Catholic Funeral Traditions: The Order of Christian Funerals Explained

Catholic funeral practices follow a specific, well-established structure, though individual parishes and families bring their own personal touches within it.

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.

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 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 takes place at the graveside or place of interment, with final prayers marking the actual burial or entombment.

Is cremation allowed in the Catholic Church?

Yes. 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.

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.

What should I tell my family?

If cremation is being considered, it’s worth knowing in advance that the Church asks for the remains to be buried or entombed rather than scattered or kept at home - deciding on a cemetery or columbarium niche ahead of time can spare a family that decision during an already difficult week. If you’re attending a Catholic funeral and are unfamiliar with the liturgy, dress modestly and conservatively, and follow the lead of those around you for standing, sitting, and kneeling cues - that’s completely appropriate. Organ donation is a separate decision worth documenting too - see our guide on can Catholics donate their organs for the Church’s generally supportive position.

Add this to your Final Day Plan: your preference between burial and cremation, and if cremation, where you’d want the remains interred - this is one of the more consequential decisions the Church asks families to make, and one that’s much easier to make in advance than in the moment.

For community-specific customs, see Filipino funeral and wake traditions, Latino funeral traditions, and Vietnamese funeral and remembrance traditions.

For the bishops’ 2023 statement on newer methods, see What do different faiths say about human composting and water cremation?.

For the Church’s teaching on end-of-life choices, see aid in dying and faith.

For how Chamorro families in Guam observe the rosary and wake, see Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian funeral traditions.

Practices vary by parish and family. Everendium provides general guidance and encourages families to consult their parish priest for specifics.