Right of Christian Burial
Your Christian Burial Rites… Vigil, Liturgy, and Committal
The Vigil (Wake Service), the Funeral Liturgy (Mass), and the Committal (Burial/Entombment) each have distinct purposes in the journey to healing and wholeness. The Vigil, the Funeral Liturgy and the Committal set us on a path to healing, wholeness and peace. We don’t have to face it alone, nor should we, our church will be there for us, for that we are truly thankful.
The Vigil – (Wake Service)
The rite celebrated by the Christian community in the time following death and before the funeral liturgy. It is a time when loved ones show their respect and greet the family and friends of the deceased. It is also the most ideal time to share their memories of the deceased through a eulogy or video tribute, usually held at the funeral home the day before the Funeral Mass.
Funeral Liturgy – (Mass)
This is the central liturgical celebration held with the deceased body present at a parish. Part of Catholic belief is that that those who follow the way of Jesus shall forever be in Heaven, body and soul, in the presence of God. We believe in the bodily resurrection. Also the Church honors the body because it has been the temple of the Holy Spirit. It was the body that was baptized beginning our relationship with God. Therefore the Church says that the body should be present at the Funeral Rites. If cremation is selected it should follow the Funeral Rites.
Rite of Committal – (Burial/Entombment)
At the conclusion of the funeral rites, it is the final act of caring for the body of the deceased member of the church held at the final resting place. This is the final act of faith for the deceased, regardless if they are cremated or not. The Church encourages all Catholics to seek out a Catholic Cemetery that has been blessed and consecrated for a final resting place.
Our counselors work closely with funeral homes to make sure that all phases of the Christian Rite of Burial are handled respectfully, compassionately, and reverently.