PLANNING A CATHOLIC FUNERAL
The Catholic funeral differs in many ways from a funeral in the secular world. While non- Catholics use funerals as opportunities to celebrate the life of the deceased, in a Catholic funeral the Church fulfills the spiritual work of mercy to pray for the dead. We know in faith that our earthly life is not the end, but is merely a preparation for eternal life — a life which we hope to share with Christ Jesus the Lord. For this reason, we have a duty to our deceased loved ones to pray for them and beg for the mercy of God, that all their sins will be forgiven and washed away, and that they will be raised to the eternal joy of heaven.
The elements chosen for a Catholic funeral reflect our belief and aid us by encouraging us to pray for our deceased loved one. The options given below are provided as a guide in selecting appropriate texts for the Catholic funeral Mass.
Funerals at the Basilica:
All Funeral Masses and Services performed at the Basilica are carried out according to the Catholic Funeral Rite. In planning a funeral, families and loved ones should first contact the Basilica Office to ensure that all preparations are in accord with the Catholic ritual and the policies of the Basilica.
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Musical selections and readings are taken from those provided as options within the funeral planning aids provided by the Basilica. A member of the staff will assist you in this process.
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Funerals are difficult moments for families, friends, and loved ones. The Basilica wishes to provide mourners with resources to make this process accessible and respond to the particular needs of the situation, which will also communicate the Church's intentions for a Catholic funeral. Every Catholic has the right to a Catholic funeral celebrated to the full extent of the Church's ritual, and families should be particularly mindful to not deny their loved ones the riches of a Catholic funeral by proposing to introduce secular elements or those which are not provided in the policy of the Basilica.
