The Catholic funeral Mass, in order

A Catholic funeral is built around three rites that, taken together, are called the Order of Christian Funerals: the Vigil (sometimes called the wake), the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal at the cemetery. This page walks through what each section is, when guests stand, sit, and kneel, and the variations that come up. Note: practice varies by parish and by region. Always confirm with your parish priest on the specifics for your service.

The Vigil (Wake)

The Vigil is held the evening before the Funeral Mass, usually at the funeral home, though sometimes at the church. It is a quieter, more informal gathering. Guests pay respects to the family, view the body if there is an open casket, and the priest or deacon leads a brief service of prayer and scripture reading. The Rosary is often prayed, especially in older or more traditional parishes.

Many families now choose to have the eulogy at the Vigil rather than at the Funeral Mass. This is the night when family stories and longer speeches are most appropriate. For what to bring, see our piece on what to bring to a wake.

The Funeral Mass

The Mass is the central rite, held in the church the morning after the Vigil. It typically lasts 45 to 75 minutes. The structure follows the standard Catholic Mass with funeral-specific prayers and readings inserted.

1. Reception of the body

The casket is met at the door of the church by the priest, who sprinkles it with holy water and covers it with a white funeral pall (recalling baptism). The casket is then processed up the aisle. The family follows. Guests stand.

2. Introductory rites and opening prayer

The priest greets the assembly. A brief opening prayer is said. Guests stand.

3. Liturgy of the Word

Three readings: one from the Old Testament, a Psalm (usually sung), one from the New Testament, and the Gospel. Family members often read the first two readings. The priest reads the Gospel. Guests sit during the readings, stand for the Gospel.

4. Homily

The priest gives a short reflection on the readings and the person who died. This is not the eulogy. The Catholic homily is scriptural, focused on the resurrection, and rarely longer than ten minutes.

5. Liturgy of the Eucharist

Bread and wine are brought to the altar, often by family members. The priest leads the Eucharistic Prayer. Guests stand, then kneel for the consecration if the parish has kneelers. Communion follows. Per US Catholic teaching, only Catholics in good standing receive communion; non-Catholic guests are welcome to come forward with arms crossed across the chest for a blessing, or remain seated. See our piece on what to wear to a Catholic funeral for more on communion etiquette.

6. Final commendation and farewell

After communion, the priest moves to the casket. The casket is incensed (in many parishes), sprinkled again with holy water, and the song of farewell is sung (often In Paradisum). This is when the eulogy or words of remembrance is most often delivered, if not given at the vigil. Many parishes ask that the eulogy be brief (3 to 5 minutes).

7. Procession out

The casket is processed back down the aisle to a recessional hymn. The family follows. The priest leads. Guests follow at the end.

The Rite of Committal

The graveside rite, held at the cemetery immediately after the Mass or, for cremated remains, days or weeks later. It lasts 10 to 20 minutes. The priest reads scripture, leads prayers, and blesses the grave. The casket is committed to the earth. The family typically offers a final touch before leaving.

The program (printed)

Most Catholic funeral programs follow the order above. For a template, see our piece on funeral program template and what to put on a memorial program.

Common variations

• Traditional Latin Mass parishes follow a different rubric (the 1962 Missal) with Latin throughout. Modesty expectations for dress are stricter.
• Hispanic and Latino parishes often include additional devotions, a longer wake with food, and sometimes a novena following the funeral.
• Vietnamese and Filipino parishes often blend Catholic rites with cultural mourning practices, including extended commemorations at 40 days, 100 days, and the one-year anniversary.
• Eastern Catholic churches (Maronite, Melkite, Ukrainian) follow their own funeral rites, which differ significantly in structure and music from the Roman rite.

For broader cultural context across traditions, see our customs guide and our piece on the non-religious celebration of life script for comparison.

For local Catholic parish options, see places like our Boston funeral planning page or browse the city directory.

Common questions

Do we have to have all three parts?

No. Many families now skip the vigil or hold a brief one at the funeral home.

Can a non-Catholic give the eulogy?

Yes, with the priest's permission, which is almost always given.

Can we have a Catholic funeral after a death by suicide?

Yes. The Catholic Church revised its teaching decades ago.

What about cremation?

Permitted since 1963. Ashes must be buried or entombed; scattering is not permitted.