How to Select Catholic Funeral Prayers
Catholic funeral prayers are a central part of Catholic funeral rites. The first part of Catholic funerals rites is the vigil or "wake" which usually takes place at a church, a private home, or a funeral home. The wake is a simple liturgy and includes prayers for the deceased. Then, a funeral mass or funeral liturgy is said for the deceased. Finally, the committal is a short liturgical ceremony where the body of the departed is laid to rest. The vigil generally happens a day or two before the funeral liturgy, and the committal immediately follows the funeral liturgy.
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Instructions
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During the vigil, a special rosary is said for the deceased. During the rosary prayer at the vigil, the "eternal rest" prayer can replace the (optional) Fatima prayer at the end of each decade of Hail Marys: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen."
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Consider ordering prayer cards for the vigil. These can often be purchased through the funeral home or from a Catholic supply store online. Generally, a funeral prayer card will have a Catholic image on one side, and a special commemorative prayer for the deceased person on the back. Any appropriate prayer can be chosen. The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is an excellent choice, as are prayers related to any specific saint to whom the deceased may have had a special devotion.
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During the funeral mass, the priest will recite prayers from the approved liturgy taken from the Order of Christian Funerals. The family can choose readings for the funeral mass, with one each chosen from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Gospels. The psalms themselves are prayers, and choosing a fitting reading from the psalms can be a good way to personalize Catholic funeral prayers.
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The full text of Catholic funeral prayers are only available in the Order of Christian Funerals and are not published online. However, your priest may be able to loan you a copy or work with you where appropriate to choose prayers during the vigil, funeral liturgy, and committal.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Joachim Bar
