Put the Catholic funeral order of service into a program guests can follow
Choose the stations and type of Funeral Liturgy, and the builder starts with the corresponding planning sequence. It then organizes preferred Scripture references, music, and participants into a clear attendee program for parish review.
Built for Catholic structure—not a generic ceremony checklist.
- Live watermarked preview
- Private parish-review link
- Letter and A4 PDFs
- 30 days of corrections
The three stations in the Order of Christian Funerals
The Catholic funeral rites ordinarily unfold through the Vigil, the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal. They may take place in different locations and at different times. The planner can include the stations that form part of the arrangements while keeping each one distinct in the working plan and booklet.
Funeral Mass order
A Funeral Mass is arranged under Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Final Commendation. Music may accompany several different moments, including the Entrance, Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, preparation of the gifts, Eucharistic acclamations, Lamb of God, Communion, Song of Farewell, and procession. The builder keeps any Words of Remembrance subject to parish policy.
Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass order
When Mass is not celebrated, the program includes the Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, intercessions, Lord’s Prayer, and Final Commendation, while omitting the Preparation of the Gifts and Eucharistic Prayer. The Order of Christian Funerals provides for Holy Communion outside Mass in some circumstances, but it is included only when the parish explicitly authorizes it.
Memorial Mass when remains are not present
A Memorial Mass or another Mass for the Dead with no body or cremated remains present is not formatted as though the remains were in the church. The reception of the body, sprinkling of remains, funeral pall, incensation of remains, Song of Farewell, and Final Commendation are omitted. The parish confirms the appropriate title and local form.
Vigil and Rite of Committal
The Vigil normally centers on Scripture, prayer, intercession, and support for the mourners, and it is often the more suitable place for personal remembrances. The Rite of Committal concludes the funeral rites at the place of burial or interment. A Committal with Final Commendation is reserved for circumstances in which that commendation did not occur earlier; the planner does not duplicate it automatically.
What the attendee program prints
The standard output prints section headings, Scripture references, reader and minister names, song titles, service details, and original memorial pages. This provides a useful order without redistributing protected ritual books, Lectionary text, or lyrics.
- Parish-review status on the planning copy
- Clean guest-facing program without planning notes
- Optional obituary and acknowledgment pages
- Home-print and print-shop files
What families ask
Is a Funeral Mass the same as a Memorial Mass?
No. A Funeral Mass normally includes the remains and concludes with the Final Commendation. When no remains are present, a Memorial Mass or another Mass for the Dead omits the body-reception signs and Final Commendation. Ask the parish which title and form apply.
Where do memories or a eulogy go?
Many parishes prefer personal remembrances at the Vigil or reception. A brief Words of Remembrance may be permitted at another point; confirm this locally.
Can favorite secular songs be included?
Music in the funeral liturgy is governed by local Catholic policy. Favorite secular music is often better placed at the Vigil, reception, or another family gathering.
Who approves the final order of service?
The parish or presider. The builder is an independent planning and design tool; it does not speak for the Church, a diocese, or the parish conducting the funeral.