Catholic Funerals in Canada — Vigil, Mass, and Committal

Last updated July 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
The Catholic funeral rite has three parts — the Vigil (also called wake or rosary, evening before the funeral Mass), the Funeral Mass (or Funeral Liturgy outside Mass), and the Rite of Committal (at the cemetery or crematorium). Catholic funerals require coordination with the parish priest. Cremation is now permitted (since 1963 reform) with specific requirements — ashes interred in consecrated ground or columbarium, not scattered or kept at home. Burial is traditional and remains common. The whole service spans 2 days typically.

The Catholic funeral rite is one of the oldest continuous funeral liturgies in Christian practice. For Canadian Catholic families, the structure is well-established and the parish priest provides the central coordination. This guide covers the three parts of the rite and what families can expect.

The three-part rite

1. Vigil (Wake or Rosary)

Usually the evening before the Funeral Mass. At the funeral home or parish church. Includes:

  • Reception of the body (or urn)
  • Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings)
  • Often the Rosary or other devotional prayers
  • Time for family and friends to view the body, pray, and gather
  • Sometimes a brief homily or eulogy

Length: 1-2 hours typical. Open to all.

2. Funeral Mass (or Liturgy outside Mass)

The central rite. At the parish church. Led by a Catholic priest. Includes:

  • Reception of the body at the church entrance
  • Liturgy of the Word (Old Testament reading, Psalm, New Testament reading, Gospel)
  • Homily — the priest reflects on the readings and the life of the deceased
  • Liturgy of the Eucharist (the Mass)
  • Communion (Catholics in good standing receive; others come forward for blessing)
  • Final commendation
  • Procession out of the church

Length: 60-90 minutes typical.

Alternative: "Funeral Liturgy outside Mass" omits the Eucharistic portion, used in some specific circumstances. Same basic structure.

3. Rite of Committal

At the cemetery, mausoleum, or crematorium. Led by the priest (or a deacon, or lay minister in some situations). Includes:

  • Procession to the gravesite
  • Brief committal liturgy
  • Blessing of the grave
  • Burial or interment

Length: 15-30 minutes.

Cremation in Catholic practice

The Catholic Church permitted cremation in 1963 (lifting an earlier prohibition). The 2016 Vatican instruction Ad resurgendum cum Christo clarified current practice:

  • Cremation is permitted
  • Cremated remains must be kept in a sacred place (cemetery, columbarium in a church)
  • Scattering of ashes is NOT permitted
  • Keeping ashes at home is NOT permitted (with some pastoral exceptions)
  • Dividing ashes among family members is NOT permitted

These rules apply to Catholics; non-Catholic family members may make different choices for non-Catholic deceased.

Music

Traditional Catholic funeral music includes:

  • Requiem hymns
  • Ave Maria
  • Pie Jesu
  • In Paradisum
  • Be Not Afraid
  • On Eagle's Wings
  • Amazing Grace
  • How Great Thou Art

The parish music director or organist guides selection within Catholic liturgical requirements.

Practical planning

  1. Contact the parish priest (typically the deceased's parish or family's parish)
  2. Schedule the Vigil, Mass, and Committal times
  3. Choose readings (priest provides options from the funeral liturgy)
  4. Choose music with the parish music director
  5. Coordinate with funeral home for body care and transport
  6. Plan post-funeral reception

The parish priest guides families through each step. First-time funeral arrangers don't need to know everything in advance.

What we focus on at It's Simple Will

The Funeral Pre-Planner captures religious tradition preferences. For Catholic families, documenting parish, preferred priest, music preferences, and cemetery selection gives the family clear direction.

Citations & sources

  1. [1]Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops — Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
  2. [2]Vatican — Instruction Ad resurgendum cum Christo (2016 cremation guidance) — Vatican

Frequently asked questions

What is the Vigil?

An evening prayer service at the funeral home or parish church, typically the evening before the Funeral Mass. Includes readings, prayers, often the Rosary, and time for family and friends to gather. Sometimes called a wake. Open to all attendees, not just Catholics.

What is the Funeral Mass?

A full Catholic Mass celebrated by a priest, with specific funeral liturgy. Includes scripture readings, homily, Eucharistic prayer, communion, and committal prayers. Typically 60-90 minutes. Held at the deceased's parish church or another church of family choice.

Does the Catholic Church allow cremation?

Yes, since 1963 (Vatican lifted the prohibition). Specific requirements — cremated remains must be interred in consecrated ground or a columbarium, not scattered or kept at home. The funeral liturgy can be celebrated with the casket or with the urn of ashes (varies by parish preference and timing of cremation).

Can non-Catholics attend or receive communion?

Yes — Catholic funerals are open to all attendees regardless of faith. Communion is typically restricted to Catholics in good standing per Church teaching (non-Catholics may come forward with arms crossed for a blessing instead). The priest typically explains this.

What does a Catholic funeral cost?

Catholic parishes typically charge a modest offering for the priest's services ($200-$500 typical) plus any musician fees. Funeral home charges are separate. Total Catholic funeral cost similar to other Canadian Christian funerals — $5,000-$15,000+ depending on choices.

What about Catholics who died outside the faith?

Most parishes have generous pastoral practice — celebrating funerals for baptized Catholics who fell away, those who died by suicide (specifically permitted in modern Catholic teaching), those in irregular family situations. Discuss with the parish priest.

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