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Funeral Rights Rites

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Funeral Rights Rites

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    1. Funeral Rights & Rites Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D. John Carroll University 19 July 2006

    2. The Place & Rôle of Law in the Church The place of law In the Church of Christ Where our redemption is enacted The rôle of law To assist Christians In the reception of God’s saving mysteries And actively living the Christian way of life

    3. Rules for Interpretation Read canons & terms in context (c. 17) Ecclesial Historical Literary Theological

    4. Rules for Interpretation Restrictive canons interpreted strictly (c. 18) Permissive canons to be interpreted broadly Custom is the best interpreter (c. 27) Faith, hope, & charity come before the law

    5. Key Canonical & Theological Terms Body Canon Indult Ius canonici Ordinary Parish Resurrection “We believe in … the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the Body, and the life everlasting.” (Apostle’s Creed) Sacred Space “We believe in … the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the Body, and the life everlasting.” (Apostle’s Creed)“We believe in … the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the Body, and the life everlasting.” (Apostle’s Creed)

    6. Catholic Burial Rights Those who have lived in Christ should be buried in Christ Baptized Catholics Catechumens Un-baptized children whose parents intended Baptism Baptized non-Catholics In pastoral need If not against her/his conscience THE CODE OF CANON LAW in English translation Prepared by The Canon Law Society Of Great Britain And Ireland In Association With The Canon Law Society Of Australia And New Zealand And The Canadian Canon Law Society (English translation copyright ©1983 The Canon Law Society Trust) BOOK IV: THE SANCTIFYING OFFICE OF THE CHURCH TITLE III: CHURCH FUNERALS Can. 1176 §1 Christ’s faithful who have died are to be given a Church funeral according to the norms of law. §2 Church funerals are to be celebrated according to the norms of the liturgical books. In these funeral rites the Church prays for the spiritual support of the dead, it honours their bodies, and at the same time it brings to the living the comfort of hope. §3 The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching. CHAPTER I : THE CELEBRATION OF FUNERALS Can. 1177 §1 The funeral of any deceased member of the faithful should normally be celebrated in the church of that person’s proper parish. §2 However, any member of the faithful, or those in charge of the deceased person’s funeral, may choose another church; this requires the consent of whoever is in charge of that church and a notification to the proper parish priest of the deceased. §3 When death has occurred outside the person’s proper parish, and the body is not returned there, and another church has not been chosen, the funeral rites are to be celebrated in the church of the parish where the death occurred, unless another church is determined by particular law. Can. 1178 The funeral ceremonies of a diocesan Bishop are to be celebrated in his own cathedral church, unless he himself has chosen another church. Can. 1179 Normally, the funerals of religious or of members of a society of apostolic life are to be celebrated in their proper church or oratory: by the Superior, if the institute or society is a clerical one; otherwise, by the chaplain. Can. 1180 §1 If a parish has its own cemetery, the deceased faithful are to be buried there, unless another cemetery has lawfully been chosen by the deceased person, or by those in charge of that person’s burial. §2 All may, however, choose their cemetery of burial unless prohibited by law from doing so. Can. 1181 The provisions of Can. 1264 are to be observed in whatever concerns the offerings made on the occasion of funerals. Moreover, care is to be taken that at funerals there is to be no preference of persons, and that the poor are not deprived of proper funeral rites. [Can. 1264 Unless the law prescribes otherwise, it is for the provincial Bishops’ meeting to …2° determine the offerings on the occasion of the administration of the sacraments and sacramentals.] Can. 1182 After the burial an entry is to be made in the register of the dead, in accordance with particular law. CHAPTER II : THOSE TO WHOM CHURCH FUNERALS ARE TO BE ALLOWED OR DENIED Can. 1183 §1 As far as funeral rites are concerned, catechumens are to be reckoned among Christ’s faithful. §2 Children whose parents had intended to have them baptised but who died before baptism, may be allowed Church funeral rites by the local Ordinary. §3 Provided their own minister is not available, baptised persons belonging to a non catholic Church or ecclesial community may, in accordance with the prudent judgement of the local Ordinary, be allowed Church funeral rites, unless it is established that they did not wish this. Can. 1184 §1 Church funeral rites are to be denied to the following, unless they gave some signs of repentance before death: 1° notorious apostates, heretics and schismatics; 2° those who for anti Christian motives chose that their bodies be cremated; 3° other manifest sinners to whom a Church funeral could not be granted without public scandal to the faithful. §2 If any doubt occurs, the local Ordinary is to be consulted and his judgement followed. Can. 1185 Any form of funeral Mass is also to be denied to a person who has been excluded from a Church funeral. CHAPTER V : CEMETERIES Can. 1240 §1 Where possible, the Church is to have its own cemeteries, or at least an area in public cemeteries which is duly blessed and reserved for the deceased faithful. §2 If, however, this is not possible, then individual graves are to be blessed in due form on each occasion. Can. 1241 §1 Parishes and religious institutes may each have their own cemetery. §2 Other juridical persons or families may each have their own special cemetery or burial place which, if the local Ordinary judges accordingly, is to be blessed. Can. 1242 Bodies are not to be buried in churches, unless it is a question of the Roman Pontiff or of Cardinals or, in their proper Churches, of diocesan Bishops even retired. Can. 1243 Appropriate norms are to be enacted by particular law for the management of cemeteries, especially in what concerns the protection and the fostering of their sacred character. Cremation is not encouraged, although it is permitted. The Church sees the burial of the body as better signifying the hope of the resurrection of the body. A Mass of Christian Burial requires the presence of the body (not ashes). If circumstances require that the body be cremated before the burial rite, a Memorial Mass may be celebrated instead (with or without the ashes present). The local ordinary can grant an ecclesiastical funeral to a baptized member of another Christian denomination whose minister is not available (as long as this would not be contrary to the will of the deceased).THE CODE OF CANON LAW in English translation Prepared by The Canon Law Society Of Great Britain And Ireland In Association With The Canon Law Society Of Australia And New Zealand And The Canadian Canon Law Society (English translation copyright ©1983 The Canon Law Society Trust) BOOK IV: THE SANCTIFYING OFFICE OF THE CHURCH TITLE III: CHURCH FUNERALS Can. 1176 §1 Christ’s faithful who have died are to be given a Church funeral according to the norms of law.§2 Church funerals are to be celebrated according to the norms of the liturgical books. In these funeral rites the Church prays for the spiritual support of the dead, it honours their bodies, and at the same time it brings to the living the comfort of hope.§3 The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching. CHAPTER I : THE CELEBRATION OF FUNERALS Can. 1177 §1 The funeral of any deceased member of the faithful should normally be celebrated in the church of that person’s proper parish.§2 However, any member of the faithful, or those in charge of the deceased person’s funeral, may choose another church; this requires the consent of whoever is in charge of that church and a notification to the proper parish priest of the deceased.§3 When death has occurred outside the person’s proper parish, and the body is not returned there, and another church has not been chosen, the funeral rites are to be celebrated in the church of the parish where the death occurred, unless another church is determined by particular law. Can. 1178 The funeral ceremonies of a diocesan Bishop are to be celebrated in his own cathedral church, unless he himself has chosen another church. Can. 1179 Normally, the funerals of religious or of members of a society of apostolic life are to be celebrated in their proper church or oratory: by the Superior, if the institute or society is a clerical one; otherwise, by the chaplain. Can. 1180 §1 If a parish has its own cemetery, the deceased faithful are to be buried there, unless another cemetery has lawfully been chosen by the deceased person, or by those in charge of that person’s burial.§2 All may, however, choose their cemetery of burial unless prohibited by law from doing so. Can. 1181 The provisions of Can. 1264 are to be observed in whatever concerns the offerings made on the occasion of funerals. Moreover, care is to be taken that at funerals there is to be no preference of persons, and that the poor are not deprived of proper funeral rites. [Can. 1264 Unless the law prescribes otherwise, it is for the provincial Bishops’ meeting to …2° determine the offerings on the occasion of the administration of the sacraments and sacramentals.] Can. 1182 After the burial an entry is to be made in the register of the dead, in accordance with particular law. CHAPTER II : THOSE TO WHOM CHURCH FUNERALS ARE TO BE ALLOWED OR DENIED Can. 1183 §1 As far as funeral rites are concerned, catechumens are to be reckoned among Christ’s faithful.§2 Children whose parents had intended to have them baptised but who died before baptism, may be allowed Church funeral rites by the local Ordinary.§3 Provided their own minister is not available, baptised persons belonging to a non catholic Church or ecclesial community may, in accordance with the prudent judgement of the local Ordinary, be allowed Church funeral rites, unless it is established that they did not wish this. Can. 1184 §1 Church funeral rites are to be denied to the following, unless they gave some signs of repentance before death:1° notorious apostates, heretics and schismatics;2° those who for anti Christian motives chose that their bodies be cremated;3° other manifest sinners to whom a Church funeral could not be granted without public scandal to the faithful.§2 If any doubt occurs, the local Ordinary is to be consulted and his judgement followed. Can. 1185 Any form of funeral Mass is also to be denied to a person who has been excluded from a Church funeral. CHAPTER V : CEMETERIES Can. 1240 §1 Where possible, the Church is to have its own cemeteries, or at least an area in public cemeteries which is duly blessed and reserved for the deceased faithful.§2 If, however, this is not possible, then individual graves are to be blessed in due form on each occasion. Can. 1241 §1 Parishes and religious institutes may each have their own cemetery.§2 Other juridical persons or families may each have their own special cemetery or burial place which, if the local Ordinary judges accordingly, is to be blessed. Can. 1242 Bodies are not to be buried in churches, unless it is a question of the Roman Pontiff or of Cardinals or, in their proper Churches, of diocesan Bishops even retired. Can. 1243 Appropriate norms are to be enacted by particular law for the management of cemeteries, especially in what concerns the protection and the fostering of their sacred character. Cremation is not encouraged, although it is permitted. The Church sees the burial of the body as better signifying the hope of the resurrection of the body. A Mass of Christian Burial requires the presence of the body (not ashes). If circumstances require that the body be cremated before the burial rite, a Memorial Mass may be celebrated instead (with or without the ashes present). The local ordinary can grant an ecclesiastical funeral to a baptized member of another Christian denomination whose minister is not available (as long as this would not be contrary to the will of the deceased).

    7. Christian Understanding of Death But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. … The dead in Christ will rise … and so we will be with the Lord forever. [1  Thess  4:13–14, 18]

    8. Christian Understanding of Death Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. … Amen, I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes the One who sent me has eternal life…. [John  5:21, 24a ] Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and those who live and believe in me will never die. [John 11:25–26]

    9. Christian Understanding of Death We have been buried with Christ by baptism into his death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might … be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Rom  6:4,   5b)

    10. Why Funeral Rites? The Christian’s Last Passover Celebrate “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of God’s Faithful ones.” (Pss  116:15) Pray “All then blessed the ways of the Lord … and gave themselves to prayer, begging that the sin committed might be completely forgiven. … After this [Judas Maccabaeus] took a collection from them individually, amounting to nearly two thousand drachmas, and sent it to Jerusalem to have a sacrifice for sin offered, an action altogether fine and noble, prompted by his belief in the resurrection. For had he not expected the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead, whereas if he had in view the splendid recompense reserved for those who make a pious end, the thought was holy and devout. Hence, he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead, so that they might be released from their sin. [2 Macc 12:41a, 42a, 43–45] Comfort The dead in Christ will rise … and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. [1  Thess  4:13–14, 18] Console “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. … The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 6:9, 23b) Why do we celebrate the funeral rites? In the funeral rites we pray for the deceased, entrusting them to God's mercy and care.  We honor the body.  We comfort the living in their grief. We celebrate the funeral rites not only for the dead but also for the living. Is cremation permitted by the Catholic Church? Since 1963, the Church has permitted cremation as long as the Church's teaching on the resurrection of the body is upheld. How are the rites celebrated for someone who chooses cremation? The Church prefers that the body be present for the Funeral Liturgy and cremated following the Final Commendation of the Liturgy.  If there is a serious reason, it may be possible to celebrate the Funeral Liturgy in the presence of cremated remains. What rites can be used for miscarried or stillborn infants? "Funeral Rites may be celebrated for children whose parents intended them to be Baptized but who died before Baptism.  In these celebrations the Christian community entrusts the child to God's all-embracing love." (Order of Christian Funeral #237) What rites can be used for a suicide victim? This person is entrusted to God's love and mercy and is therefore entitled to the usual Funeral Rites. What is done for a lapsed Catholic? By virtue of Baptism this person is entitled to the prayers of the Church including the Funeral Rites. What is the proper place for the Funeral Rites? The Vigil service is celebrated in the presence of the body either in the funeral home or the Parish Church the night before.  The Funeral Mass is always celebrated in the Church.  The Committal Rite is preferably celebrated at the grave or the tomb. Why do we recommend viewing in the Church before the funeral? Gathering at the Church before the Funeral Mass begins allows family and friends a time to console one another, to say final goodbyes, and to enter into the spirit of prayer. Why do we celebrate the funeral rites? In the funeral rites we pray for the deceased, entrusting them to God's mercy and care.  We honor the body.  We comfort the living in their grief. We celebrate the funeral rites not only for the dead but also for the living. Is cremation permitted by the Catholic Church? Since 1963, the Church has permitted cremation as long as the Church's teaching on the resurrection of the body is upheld. How are the rites celebrated for someone who chooses cremation? The Church prefers that the body be present for the Funeral Liturgy and cremated following the Final Commendation of the Liturgy.  If there is a serious reason, it may be possible to celebrate the Funeral Liturgy in the presence of cremated remains. What rites can be used for miscarried or stillborn infants?"Funeral Rites may be celebrated for children whose parents intended them to be Baptized but who died before Baptism.  In these celebrations the Christian community entrusts the child to God's all-embracing love." (Order of Christian Funeral #237) What rites can be used for a suicide victim?This person is entrusted to God's love and mercy and is therefore entitled to the usual Funeral Rites. What is done for a lapsed Catholic? By virtue of Baptism this person is entitled to the prayers of the Church including the Funeral Rites. What is the proper place for the Funeral Rites?The Vigil service is celebrated in the presence of the body either in the funeral home or the Parish Church the night before.  The Funeral Mass is always celebrated in the Church.  The Committal Rite is preferably celebrated at the grave or the tomb. Why do we recommend viewing in the Church before the funeral? Gathering at the Church before the Funeral Mass begins allows family and friends a time to console one another, to say final goodbyes, and to enter into the spirit of prayer.

    11. Ministry of Consolation Recall God’s mercy and judgment Meet human need to turn to God in crisis Body of Christ—when one suffers, all suffer [1 Cor 12:26] “Bear with one another” [Col 3:13] CELEBRATING Christian funerals: "In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity. Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just.“ PRAYING for our beloved departed: "The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God's merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins. At the funeral rites, especially at the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice, the Christian community affirms and expresses the union of the Church on earth with the Church in heaven in the one communion of saints. Though separated from the living, the dead are still one with community of believers on earth and benefit from their prayers and intercession.  At the rite of final commendation and farewell, the community acknowledges the reality of separation and commends the deceased to God.  In this way it recognizes the spiritual bond that still exists between the living and the dead and proclaims its belief that all the faithful will be raised up and reunited in the new heavens and a new earth, where death will be no more.“ COMFORTING mourners: "The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living.  While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God's mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis... 'If one member suffers in the body of Christ which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member' (I Corinthians 12:26). For this reason, those who are baptized into Christ and nourished at the same table of the Lord are responsible for one another .... when a member of Christ's body dies, the faithful are called to a ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss of one whom they love .... The Church calls each member of Christ's Body -- priest, deacon, layperson -- to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn.“ SHOULDERING our responsibilities: "Members of the community should console the mourners with words of faith and support and with acts of kindness, for example, assisting them with some of the routine tasks of daily living.  The community's principal involvement in the ministry of consolation is expressed in its active participation in the celebration of the funeral rites, particularly the vigil for the deceased, the funeral liturgy, and the rite of committal.  In the celebration of the funeral rites, laymen and laywomen may serve as readers, musicians, ushers, pallbearers and, according to existing norms, as special ministers of the Eucharist. The quotes above are from the Order of Christian Funerals, approved for use in the United States by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and confirmed by the Apostolic See. 0 1989,1985, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL). All rights reserved. Used with permission.CELEBRATING Christian funerals: "In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity. Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just.“ PRAYING for our beloved departed: "The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God's merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins. At the funeral rites, especially at the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice, the Christian community affirms and expresses the union of the Church on earth with the Church in heaven in the one communion of saints. Though separated from the living, the dead are still one with community of believers on earth and benefit from their prayers and intercession.  At the rite of final commendation and farewell, the community acknowledges the reality of separation and commends the deceased to God.  In this way it recognizes the spiritual bond that still exists between the living and the dead and proclaims its belief that all the faithful will be raised up and reunited in the new heavens and a new earth, where death will be no more.“ COMFORTING mourners: "The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living.  While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God's mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis... 'If one member suffers in the body of Christ which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member' (I Corinthians 12:26). For this reason, those who are baptized into Christ and nourished at the same table of the Lord are responsible for one another .... when a member of Christ's body dies, the faithful are called to a ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss of one whom they love .... The Church calls each member of Christ's Body -- priest, deacon, layperson -- to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn.“ SHOULDERING our responsibilities: "Members of the community should console the mourners with words of faith and support and with acts of kindness, for example, assisting them with some of the routine tasks of daily living.  The community's principal involvement in the ministry of consolation is expressed in its active participation in the celebration of the funeral rites, particularly the vigil for the deceased, the funeral liturgy, and the rite of committal.  In the celebration of the funeral rites, laymen and laywomen may serve as readers, musicians, ushers, pallbearers and, according to existing norms, as special ministers of the Eucharist. The quotes above are from the Order of Christian Funerals, approved for use in the United States by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and confirmed by the Apostolic See. 0 1989,1985, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL). All rights reserved. Used with permission.

    12. Order of Christian Funerals (Ordo exsequiarum) Vigil and related rites Funeral Liturgy Norms: The Mass of Christian Burial In parish church Permitted: Cremation after Funeral Mass Another church by consent & notification Rite of Committal In blessed grave/tomb Pref. in parish cemetery THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS has three principal parts: the Vigil for the Deceased; the Funeral Mass or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass; the Rite of Committal.THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS has three principal parts: the Vigil for the Deceased; the Funeral Mass or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass; the Rite of Committal.

    13. 1. The Vigil or “Wake” “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide….” 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 prayerVIGIL 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 INTERCESSIONLitany The Lord’s Prayer Concluding Prayer (A family member or friend may speak in remembrance of the deceased.) CONCLUDING RITEBlessing Song and/or a few minutes of silent prayer

    14. 2. Mass of Christian Burial INTRODUCTORY RITES Greeting & Sprinkling with Holy Water Placing of the Pall (and Christian Symbols) Entrance Procession Song Opening Prayer LITURGY OF THE WORD Old Testament Reading Responsorial Psalm Epistle Gospel Acclamation Gospel Reading 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 PLACE OF COMMITTAL Appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals for Cremation On August 22, 1997, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, President, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, announced that the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments had confirmed the appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals for the celebration of the Funeral Liturgy in the presence of the cremated remains of a body. These texts, which were approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on November 13,1996, were submitted to the Congregation on April 21, 1997, following reception of an indult from the Congregation permitting the presence of the cremated remains of a body at the Funeral Liturgy (March 21, 1997: Prot. 1589/96/L). The Appendix was confirmed in a Decree dated July 30, 1997.Appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals for Cremation On August 22, 1997, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, President, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, announced that the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments had confirmed the appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals for the celebration of the Funeral Liturgy in the presence of the cremated remains of a body. These texts, which were approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on November 13,1996, were submitted to the Congregation on April 21, 1997, following reception of an indult from the Congregation permitting the presence of the cremated remains of a body at the Funeral Liturgy (March 21, 1997: Prot. 1589/96/L). The Appendix was confirmed in a Decree dated July 30, 1997.

    15. The Last Farewell: “May the Angels Lead You Into Paradise” CHANTS FOR THE LAST FAREWELL: Sung as the body is being carried from the church to the cemetery, and during the burial/committal. Eulogies A eulogy, or tribute to the deceased, has in the past often been inserted into the funeral Mass, but current liturgical guidelines strongly discourage this practice. The Order of Christian Funerals (the Catholic Church document governing Catholic funerals) is quite clear that a brief homily should be given at the funeral liturgy, but never is any kind of eulogy to replace the homily (OCF #141). This does not mean that the deceased cannot be spoken about in the homily, but that the Word of God must be primary. The homilist (priest or deacon) speaks the scriptural word that helps the assembly understand that the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus is operative in the life and death of the deceased. In certain cases, a remembrance by a family member or friend during the funeral Mass may be allowed, either at the beginning of Mass or after communion. This must be arranged with the priest a day or two ahead of time, not minutes before Mass. If permission is granted for a remembrance or eulogy to be given a Mass, the following guidelines MUST be observed: Only one person may speak (unless translation to another language is needed for the benefit of the assembly) The remembrance must be brief: no more than 5 minutes The remembrance should be well prepared in advance so that it is focused and stays within the 5-minute time limit. If possible, a copy should be given to the priest in time to review it before the liturgy. These guidelines are not meant to squelch remembrance or tribute, but past experience had taught that eulogies are the "wild card" most prone to disaster, with some rambling on for 45 minutes or more, some nearly unintelligible through tears or mumbling, and others used more as a soap box for cult theology than a remembrance of the dead. (All of these cases have indeed happened in the past, and nobody wants them to happen to you!) A eulogy or eulogies are much more appropriate and successful when presented at the prayer vigil the evening before the funeral, not at the Mass itself. Families are strongly encouraged to utilize this option.CHANTS FOR THE LAST FAREWELL: Sung as the body is being carried from the church to the cemetery, and during the burial/committal. Eulogies A eulogy, or tribute to the deceased, has in the past often been inserted into the funeral Mass, but current liturgical guidelines strongly discourage this practice. The Order of Christian Funerals (the Catholic Church document governing Catholic funerals) is quite clear that a brief homily should be given at the funeral liturgy, but never is any kind of eulogy to replace the homily (OCF #141). This does not mean that the deceased cannot be spoken about in the homily, but that the Word of God must be primary. The homilist (priest or deacon) speaks the scriptural word that helps the assembly understand that the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus is operative in the life and death of the deceased. In certain cases, a remembrance by a family member or friend during the funeral Mass may be allowed, either at the beginning of Mass or after communion. This must be arranged with the priest a day or two ahead of time, not minutes before Mass. If permission is granted for a remembrance or eulogy to be given a Mass, the following guidelines MUST be observed: Only one person may speak (unless translation to another language is needed for the benefit of the assembly) The remembrance must be brief: no more than 5 minutes The remembrance should be well prepared in advance so that it is focused and stays within the 5-minute time limit. If possible, a copy should be given to the priest in time to review it before the liturgy. These guidelines are not meant to squelch remembrance or tribute, but past experience had taught that eulogies are the "wild card" most prone to disaster, with some rambling on for 45 minutes or more, some nearly unintelligible through tears or mumbling, and others used more as a soap box for cult theology than a remembrance of the dead. (All of these cases have indeed happened in the past, and nobody wants them to happen to you!) A eulogy or eulogies are much more appropriate and successful when presented at the prayer vigil the evening before the funeral, not at the Mass itself. Families are strongly encouraged to utilize this option.

    16. 3. The Rite of Committal Procession to the Place of Committal I.e., the grave or tomb itself Rite of Committal Invitatory Scripture verse Prayer over the Place of Committal Committal Intercessions The Lord's Prayer Concluding Prayer Prayer over the people/final blessing Dismissal Closing song (opt.) Sign or gesture of leave-taking (opt.) What is the Rite of Committal? The Rite of Committal is the third station of the Catholic funeral liturgy, after the Vigil (usually the day or night before the funeral) and the Funeral Mass (or Funeral Liturgy outside Mass). It is normally celebrated at the site of burial. The rite begins with an Invitation to prayer, followed by a Scripture Verse, for which there are several options. Then comes the Prayer over the Place of Committal, with seven text options.  Next comes the Committal itself, for which there are also seven text options. Then come the Intercessions (four text options), the Lord's Prayer, a Concluding Prayer (five), the Prayer over the People, with two forms of the final blessing, depending on whether the minister is a cleric or not, and a dismissal. A song may conclude the rite. Where it is the custom, some sign or gesture of leave-taking may be made. Why is the grave or tomb the preferred site for the Rite of Committal? The grave or tomb is preferred because the prayers from the ritual express clearly the finality of placing the body in the ground or in the tomb.What is the Rite of Committal?The Rite of Committal is the third station of the Catholic funeral liturgy, after the Vigil (usually the day or night before the funeral) and the Funeral Mass (or Funeral Liturgy outside Mass). It is normally celebrated at the site of burial. The rite begins with an Invitation to prayer, followed by a Scripture Verse, for which there are several options. Then comes the Prayer over the Place of Committal, with seven text options.  Next comes the Committal itself, for which there are also seven text options. Then come the Intercessions (four text options), the Lord's Prayer, a Concluding Prayer (five), the Prayer over the People, with two forms of the final blessing, depending on whether the minister is a cleric or not, and a dismissal. A song may conclude the rite. Where it is the custom, some sign or gesture of leave-taking may be made. Why is the grave or tomb the preferred site for the Rite of Committal? The grave or tomb is preferred because the prayers from the ritual express clearly the finality of placing the body in the ground or in the tomb.

    17. Ecclesial Rôle of Catholic Cemeterians Catholic cemeterians are in a unique position to evangelize bereaved Catholics who are alienated or separated from the Church This ministry challenges the secular tendencies to remove death from our life experience through quick disposition without mourning or prayer. Corporal works of mercy: Comfort the sorrowful Bury the dead. As the Creed of the National Catholic Cemetery Conference states: The Catholic cemetery was established to carry out the sacred religious function of the burial and care of the resting place of the deceased who even in death remain a part of the whole Christian community. Presently, there are a number of forces, both within and without, which are eroding this concept. The freedom and license of our day are adversely affecting the thinking of many Catholics, indicating a need for re-affirmation of the Church's position through appropriate catechesis. Established more than 50 years ago by a group of dedicated clergy and laity, the National Catholic Cemetery Conference provides services to the more than 7,000 Catholic cemeteries throughout the United States and Canada. The Conference recognizes the deep religious significance of the Corporal Work of Mercy, and is dedicated to the respectful care of the deceased and the sacredness of the cemeteries in which their bodies rest. Mission and Ministry From the beginning of the Church, Catholic cemeteries have been an important and integral part of the Church's beliefs and rites. The sensus fidelium was to be buried together because they worshipped together in life. Thus, in the early days there is evidence of many Churches with a cemetery on the parish grounds. Catholic cemeteries exist, from a doctrinal point of view, because of our belief in the resurrection of the body in some new shape or form at the end of time. conversely, if there were no promise of resurrection and eternal life, there would be no need of Catholic cemeteries. Canon Law designates two scared places, a church and a cemetery. Church teaching and tradition recognizes Christian burial as a sacrament. The Church in her wisdom provides cemeteries to carry out the sacred religious ministry of the burial of the dead and the care of the resting-places of the faithful departed. For Catholics, burial in other than a Catholic cemetery is only allowed by way of an exception. The Catholic cemetery has a special status as a holy place where religious ceremonies are held, where people pray in a special way for those buried therein, and where the living find the consolation of faith in eternal life with God.As the Creed of the National Catholic Cemetery Conference states: The Catholic cemetery was established to carry out the sacred religious function of the burial and care of the resting place of the deceased who even in death remain a part of the whole Christian community. Presently, there are a number of forces, both within and without, which are eroding this concept. The freedom and license of our day are adversely affecting the thinking of many Catholics, indicating a need for re-affirmation of the Church's position through appropriate catechesis.

    18. Additional Resources Beal, John P., et al., eds. New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. New York/Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist, 2000. Coriden, James A. An Introduction to Canon Law. New York/Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist, 2004. Huels, John M, The Pastoral Companion, Third Edition. A Canon Law Handbook for Catholic Ministry . Quincy, Ill.: Franciscan, 2003. McKenna, Kevin E. A Concise Guide to Canon Law: A Practical Handbook for Pastoral Ministers . Notre Dame, Ind.: Ave Maria Press, 2000. Örsy, Ladislas M. Theology and Canon Law: New Horizons for Legislation and Interpretation. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1992. http://www.jcu.edu/bible/480/Readings/Texts.htm http://www.jcu.edu/bible/480/Readings/

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