Funerals
The death of someone you love can bring deep sorrow. As Christians, we do not pretend that grief is easy. We grieve with hope, trusting in Jesus Christ, who conquered death through his Resurrection and opened the way to eternal life.
When someone dies, the Church gathers to pray for the deceased and support those who mourn. Through its funeral rites, the Church commends the deceased to God’s mercy and proclaims its hope in the Resurrection. These rites also offer the consolation of prayer and the presence of a community that walks with those who grieve.
At Christ the King, we hold you and your loved one in prayer. We would be honored to accompany your family and help you prepare the funeral rites.
To begin making arrangements, please contact the parish office at 612-920-5030.
"Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended."
—Preface I for the Dead
Getting Started
The first step is to contact the parish office. Parish staff will help coordinate a conversation with the clergy and the appropriate liturgical staff. Together, you will discuss the funeral rites and make selections such as Scripture readings, music, and liturgical ministers. The Church’s guidance encourages involving the family in these preparations and explaining the meaning of the rites.
You may share memories of your loved one with the priest as he prepares the homily. The homily is rooted in the Scripture readings and proclaims God’s love and Christ’s victory over death; it is not a eulogy.
The Catholic Funeral Rites
The funeral rites traditionally include three parts, though circumstances sometimes mean that fewer are celebrated.
- Vigil or Wake: Family and friends gather for prayer and to support one another. The vigil is also a fitting time for personal remembrances.
- Funeral Liturgy: The Church gathers for prayer, Scripture, and music. When celebrated as a Funeral Mass, the Eucharist is central to the Church’s prayer for the deceased and its proclamation of Christ’s death and Resurrection.
- Rite of Committal: At the cemetery or place of interment, the Church offers a final prayer and commends the deceased to God.
Family Participation
Family members are encouraged to participate in planning the liturgy and selecting readings, music, and other appropriate elements of the rites. These may include:
- Placing the funeral pall on the casket
- Proclaiming a Scripture reading or the Prayer of the Faithful
- Presenting the gifts of bread and wine
- Serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, if trained and commissioned
Frequently Asked Questions
May we choose the readings and music?
Yes. Families plan with parish staff to select readings and sacred music suitable for the funeral liturgy. The readings and other choices are made in light of the Church’s rite and the pastoral needs of the family and those attending.
May family members speak during the funeral?
A eulogy is not given during the Funeral Mass. The parish may allow brief, prepared Words of Remembrance at the beginning of Mass, subject to its guidelines and advance review. Personal remembrances are especially suited to the vigil or the luncheon.
Is cremation permitted?
Yes. The Catholic Church permits cremation. The cremated remains should be treated with respect and buried or entombed; scattering them or keeping them permanently at home is not the Church’s practice.
What if the body is not present?
Please speak with parish staff about which funeral liturgy is appropriate for your circumstances, including whether cremated remains will be present. In some circumstances, a Memorial Mass may be celebrated.
Funeral Hospitality
Following the funeral liturgy, families may choose to host a luncheon at Christ the King. Our Funeral Hospitality Ministry offers serving and hospitality so family and friends can gather in comfort and fellowship.
Resources
You do not have to navigate this time alone. We welcome the opportunity to accompany your family in prayer and planning.
To begin funeral planning, please contact the parish office at 612-920-5030.
If you are seeking pastoral care, prayer, or accompaniment, please contact Janell:
pastoralcare@ctkmpls.org or 612-920-5030, ext. 13.
