The Catholic funeral celebration has three parts. All
three are beautiful rites, combined to honor the deceased, give comfort
to friends and family, and most importantly, to pray in the hope of
resurrection.
1) An evening Vigil for the Deceased is usually held at the mortuary following shared memories of the departed. It is sometimes followed by a devotional, such as prayer of the Rosary.
2) The Funeral Mass is usually held the following day. When
one of it's members dies, the Church encourages the celebration of the
Funeral Mass where the body of the departed is present, either in a
closed casket, or in the form of cremated remains. In the proclamation
of the Scriptures, the saving word of God - through the power of the
Spirit - becomes living and active in the minds and hearts of the
community. Eucharist nourishes the community and expresses its unity.
Confident in Jesus' presence among them in the living word, the living
sacrifice, and the living meal, those present in union with the whole Church
offer prayers and petitions for the deceased, whom they entrust to
God's merciful love.
3) Committal, interment or inurnment of the remains, usually occurs immediately after the funeral Mass. The Commital marks the separation in this life of the mourners from the deceased, and through it the community expresses the communion that exists between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven: the deceased passes with the farewell prayers of the community of believers into the welcoming company of those who need faith no longer but see God face to face.
Points to consider
Cremation is accepted in the Church today. But cremated remains are expected to be treated as if they were the intact body in a casket. This means that cremated remains should not be divided nor combined, nor kept in the home for any extended period of time. Scattering of cremated remains, whether at sea or on land is not consistent with the Church's teachings on the treatment of human remains. Burial of cremated remains at sea (not scattering) is permitted by the Church, but requires permission of the proper civil authorities.
Military honors, including gun salutes and the flag ceremony, are generally performed at the place of burial, though an honor guard may be present during the Mass.
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