Order of Christian Funerals

THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS has three principal parts:

• Vigil for the Deceased
• Funeral Mass or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass
• Rite of Committal

VIGIL FOR THE DECEASED

INTRODUCTORY RITES 
Greeting 
Opening Song 
Invitation to Prayer 
Opening Prayer

LITURGY OF THE WORD 
Scripture Readings with Responsorial Psalm 
Homily

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Litany 
The Lord’s Prayer 
Concluding Prayer (A family member or friend may speak in remembrance of the deceased.)

CONCLUDING RITE
Blessing 
Song and/or a few minutes of silent prayer

FUNERAL MASS

INTRODUCTORY RITES 
Greeting & Sprinkling with Holy Water 
Placing of the Pall (and Christian Symbols)
Entrance Procession
Song 
Opening Prayer

LITURGY OF THE WORD 
Scripture Readings with Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation 
Homily 
General Intercessions

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST 
Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts 
Eucharistic Prayer
Communion Rite

FINAL COMMENDATION 
Invitation to Prayer
Song of Farewell and Incense 
Prayer of Commendation

PROCESSION TO THE PLACE OF COMMITTAL

RITE OF COMMITTAL
Invitation 
Scripture Verse 
Prayer over the Place of Committal
Committal 
Intercessions 
The Lord's Prayer
Concluding Prayer 
Prayer over the People