Christian Burials

"The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments." — CCC #1113

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"The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments." — CCC #1113 |

The Rite of Christian Burial

“We shall never be separated, for we live for Christ, and now we are united with Christ as we go toward him. . . we shall all be together in Christ.”

What is a Christian Burial?

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.

Christians celebrate funeral rites to offer worship and thanksgiving to God, the author of all life. We pray for the deceased, and support the bereaved. The model for Catholic funerals is the Easter journey of Jesus Christ from his death to his resurrection.

Every Catholic, unless specifically excluded by the norms of law, is entitled to the Church’s ministry at the time of death.