The Catholic Way of Death and Burial
"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
— John 11:25
Catholic funeral rites reflect the Church's profound faith in the Resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of the body. They are an expression of hope rooted in the Paschal Mystery — that through death, we pass into eternal life.
If you have experienced a death in your family, please contact a funeral home first. Generally, all funeral arrangements — including the scheduling of the Funeral Mass — will be made through the funeral home with the parish. A Funeral Mass or burial cannot be scheduled without the parish priest being involved in the process.
The Six Steps
The Church encourages families to plan ahead so that decisions can be made thoughtfully, rather than during a time of acute grief.
Before Death
Meet with your parish priest to discuss the sacraments, funeral preferences, and burial wishes. Address any desires regarding cremation — the Church emphasizes that "the presence of the body most clearly brings to mind the life and death of the person" and strongly prefers the body be present for funeral rites.
At Death
Contact your parish priest immediately, followed by a funeral director and a Catholic cemeterian. Work with the parish to plan either a Mass of Christian Burial or a Memorial Mass, selecting readings, responses, and music. At the funeral home, choose a casket and plan the vigil, and at the cemetery select a burial location.
The Vigil
The vigil is held at the funeral home, a private residence, or the parish church for one or two days. It includes the Liturgy of the Word and traditionally the Rosary. The Church describes this as the time when "the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer."
The Funeral
The Mass of Christian Burial, with the deceased's body present, is the preferred form. It emphasizes the Eucharistic sacrifice and Christ's Resurrection. A Memorial Mass without the body is an alternative. Eulogies take place after Mass, before the final blessing.
The Burial
Conducted at a Catholic cemetery following the Funeral Mass. The priest or deacon leads graveside prayers and blesses the grave. Cremated remains should be buried in sacred ground and are never to be scattered.
Remembrance
The connection with those who have died continues through prayer, participation in the life of the Church, and cemetery visits. Catholic cemeteries offer monthly Masses for the deceased and special memorial services throughout the year.
Contact the Parish
Parish Office
Fax: (910) 483-4185
Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Friday: By appointment