General Funeral Information

This section of our web site provides an outline on how funerals are handled at Christ the King. If you are reading this information for the first time during a time of loss, please accept our condolences and know that we will do all that we can to help you through this difficult time with a spirit of love and compassion.

Rites of the Church

All baptized individuals are entitled to the full Rite of Christian Burial. You and your family will experience the Rite of Christian Burial in three distinct parts. These are –

• The Wake Service

This will take place during the visiting hours at the funeral home you have chosen. A member of the Clergy will lead this service of prayer and Scripture.

• The Funeral Liturgy

This is the most important part of the celebration of Christian Burial. This is almost always celebrated within a Mass. The bodily remains are honored by being brought to the Church. We celebrate the life of the deceased in the whole context of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

• The Committal

A parish priest will accompany the remains and the family to the cemetery, where the Rite of Christian Burial will conclude with the prayers of Committal and Final Commendation.

Scheduling of the Funeral Liturgy

A funeral may be celebrated on any day of the week except Sundays and Holy Days. There are also some restrictions concerning funerals during Holy Week. The priest will discuss these restrictions as they apply.

Planning the Funeral Liturgy

The funeral liturgy is one of the most beautiful and meaningful celebrations of the Church. Your family has the option of personalizing the Mass by choosing the Scripture readings and by requesting specific hymns.