Guidance for Catholic funeral rites at St. Mary’s Cathedral and practical support for families preparing to commend a loved one to God.
Catholic funeral rites give thanks to God for the gift of life, pray for the person who has died, and surround family and friends with the prayer of the Church.
The rites follow the Easter journey of Christ from death to resurrection. When circumstances permit, they unfold in three stages: the Prayer Vigil, Funeral Liturgy and Committal. Different combinations may be used according to pastoral need.
The Cathedral can live stream a funeral for relatives and friends who cannot travel. The source parish guidance suggests a £50 donation towards streaming costs.
Contact the CathedralThe priest, deacon and parish community can help a family choose the arrangement most appropriate to their circumstances.
The Vigil is normally celebrated between the death and the funeral. It may take place at home, in a funeral home, in church or in another suitable setting. The body may be present, but this is not required. The service is commonly a simple Liturgy of the Word or Evening Prayer.
This is the principal celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. It is usually held in the parish church. A Requiem Mass is encouraged where appropriate, but a Catholic funeral liturgy without Mass is also a valid and dignified form of worship.
The Committal is the final act of leave-taking and is normally celebrated at the graveside or crematorium. When cremation takes place, the ashes should later be laid to rest in a suitable final resting place.
If a death is unexpected or occurs in unusual circumstances, the police may also need to be informed. Avoid moving or disturbing anything until advised.
Where the cause of death is clear, a doctor issues the relevant medical documentation so the death can be registered and funeral arrangements can proceed.
If the death is referred for further investigation, funeral arrangements may need to wait until the appropriate authority advises what can proceed.
The source guidance says a death normally needs to be registered within five days unless it has been referred for investigation. Families should follow the current instructions provided with the medical documentation.
Families can choose from approved Scripture readings, prayers and hymns. Personal poems or songs may be more suitable during the Vigil, while brief words of remembrance can often be included near the end of the Funeral Liturgy.
Catholics may choose burial or cremation. Where cremation is chosen, the Church encourages the ashes to be interred in a permanent and dignified resting place.
Families may wish to compare funeral-director estimates. Costs can differ substantially between burial and cremation; burial may also involve continuing grave maintenance. There can also be fees for an organist or other musician.
An offering to the minister or parish is customary but discretionary. When a funeral director is used, an offering may already be included in the account, so it is worth checking.
A priest, deacon or another member of the parish community can help families plan the service and select suitable readings, prayers and music. The Cathedral source page also links to funeral readings, Requiem Mass and funeral-service templates, and a funeral planning guide.
View the Cathedral’s funeral resourcesYes. Although the Eucharist is central to Catholic life and a Requiem Mass is encouraged where suitable, a funeral liturgy outside Mass is a valid Catholic funeral celebration.
There are opportunities for personal material, especially at the Vigil and in words of remembrance. Choices should remain consistent with Christian faith and the sacred character of the funeral rites.
Yes. The Church provides funeral rites for a stillborn child, and pastoral adaptations are also available for families who have suffered miscarriage.
Yes. The Cathedral can provide live streaming where relatives or friends are unable to attend in person. Contact the parish when arranging the funeral.