When someone dies
We are sorry for your loss. These are the first steps.
- Call a priest: If the person is close to death, call the parish so that a priest can anoint them and pray with them.
- Tell the parish: After the death, call or visit the parish office, or use the form on this page, before fixing any date.
- Plan together: Meet the priest to agree the vigil, the funeral Mass and the burial, and to choose the readings and hymns.
- Keep praying: Have Masses offered for the repose of the soul of the one who has died, especially on the anniversary.
Eternal rest
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
What the Church teaches
“The Christian meaning of death is revealed in the light of the Paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ in whom resides our only hope.”
“All the sacraments, and principally those of Christian initiation, have as their goal the last Passover of the child of God which, through death, leads him into the life of the Kingdom.”
“The Christian funeral is a liturgical celebration of the Church.”
When the funeral takes place in church, the Eucharist is at its heart: the Church offers the sacrifice of Christ for the one who has died.
John 11:25-26 Jesus tells Martha that he is the resurrection and the life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 We do not grieve as people without hope, for God will raise those who have died in Jesus.
Romans 14:8 Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
2 Maccabees 12:43-46 Judas Maccabeus has prayers and a sacrifice offered for the dead.
Catechism §1681 · Catechism §1680 · Catechism §1684 · Catechism §1689 · John 11:25-26 · 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 · Romans 14:8 · 2 Maccabees 12:43-46
What is needed
Every baptised Catholic may be given a Church funeral. Speak to the parish before fixing the funeral date, so the Mass can be planned with you.
Requirements
- Tell the parish office as soon as possible after the death, before announcing a date.
- Agree the date and time of the funeral Mass and the burial with the priest.
- Choose the readings and hymns with the priest or the funeral team.
- Arrange the wake keeping or vigil prayers with the parish, if the family wishes.
Documents to bring
- The full name of the deceased, with the date of birth and the date and place of death.
- The medical certificate of the cause of death or a hospital report, where available.
- The Baptism details of the deceased, and the marriage details if they were married.
- Proof of parish membership, such as a parish membership card, if the parish asks for it.
- The place and time of burial.
Questions people ask
Can there be a funeral Mass for someone who rarely came to church?
Speak to the priest. The Church prays for all her baptised children, and the priest will talk with the family about what is fitting.
Can we hold the funeral on a Sunday?
Usually not. A funeral Mass is not celebrated on the Sundays of Advent, Lent and Easter, on holy days of obligation, on Holy Thursday or in the Easter Triduum. The parish will help you choose a day.
Does the Church allow cremation?
The Church prefers burial, but permits cremation when it is not chosen for reasons against the Christian faith (CCC 2301). The ashes are buried or placed in a sacred place, not scattered or kept at home.
Can we have a Mass for our loved one later?
Yes. Request a Mass for the repose of their soul at any time, especially on the anniversary of their death.
Will the death be announced in the parish?
With the family's agreement, the parish can announce the death and the funeral arrangements at Mass and in its notices.