Catholic Funeral Services

What is Involved With a Catholic Funeral Service?
A Catholic funeral, or a Roman Catholic funeral, is a religious ceremony that commemorates the life of a deceased individual within the context of Catholic beliefs. Traditionally, there are three separate rites that comprise the Catholic funeral rites, these include: The Vigil, The Liturgy, and The Committal, and each of these Catholic funeral rites serve a purpose to assist family and members of the church on the path to healing.
A Catholic funeral may include the following rites and traditions:
- Vigil/Rosary for the Deceased
- Prayer service is held the evening before the funeral, however, it can be held before the funeral mass/service, often at a funeral home and can include scripture readings, prayers for the deceased, and eulogies.
- Funeral Mass/Service
- A celebration within the church, involving liturgical readings, prayers, homilies, and offering of the Eucharist for the deceased’s soul.
- Family
- The family is reserved the first few rows and pews at a Catholic funeral. Gifts of flowers can be sent to either the family home or directly to the funeral home.
- Holy Communion
- an integral part of the Catholic faith with the belief that bread, and wine are the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Non-Catholic mourners are welcome to receive a blessing instead.
- Committal Rite
- The final rite at the cemetery or burial site which involves prayers, scripture readings and blessings as the body is interred, symbolising the deceased’s entrance into eternal life.
- Wake
- Following the funeral, friends and family usually gather to remember, honour and celebrate the life of the deceased.
Bowra & O’Dea’s Catholic Funeral & Memorial Services
At Bowra & O’Dea, our funeral directors take extra care and pride in helping you organise and plan a Catholic funeral, cremation, or specific arrangements, with our quality services respectfully tailored to your specific religious needs and traditions. Our team will ensure every detail has been included to allow for a beautiful, seamless memorial for your loved one, from the personal details to the Holy Communion and the arrangement of the mass, you won’t need to worry about a thing.
Contact Us
Our experienced team are here to help and support you during this time. If you’d like more information about our Catholic funeral services, or want to know how we can assist further, please contact our team today on (08) 9231 5199.