The Three Parts of the Rite
The Catholic Church teaches that the human body is sacred — a temple of the Holy Spirit, created in the image of God, and destined for resurrection. This teaching flows from the fundamental truths of our faith: the dignity of every human person, the significance of Baptism, the reality of Christ’s resurrection, his promise of eternal life, and the Eucharist as the great act of thanksgiving for our redemption.
Within this understanding, the death and burial of a Catholic Christian is not simply managed — it is celebrated. The Church provides the Order of Christian Funerals, made up of three distinct parts.
The Vigil
The
Vigil
Often observed as a wake at the funeral home, the Vigil is the Church’s first opportunity to gather in prayer with the family and commend the deceased to God.
The Funeral Mass
The
Funeral Mass
Celebrated at the parish church in the presence of the deceased, the Mass of Christian Burial unites family, friends, and the parish community in the Eucharist — the same table where the deceased was nourished throughout their life of faith.
The Committal Rite
The
Committal Rite
Following the funeral Mass, the Committal Rite and final farewell take place at the cemetery, where the deceased is laid to rest among others of the same faith community — all professing the same conviction that one day the body will be reunited with the soul to rise in glory.
A People of “Now and Not Yet”
Why the Cemetery Matters
The Church’s practice of maintaining cemeteries flows from both theology and history. At death, our focus turns to Baptism and to the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, nourished throughout life at the Eucharistic table. Just as death is rightly mourned at the parish church — the place of Baptism and Eucharist — burial is rightly completed among the faithful who came before us.
For the Present & Still to Come
Our cemeteries reflect the Church’s understanding of the Kingdom of God as both present and still to come. We are a people of history — redeemed, yet still living with grief and sorrow. In the fullness of time, we will know the promise of eternal life fully realized. This is why we pray, as Jesus taught us, “thy Kingdom come.”
Our cemeteries remind us of our history, our beliefs, and our community as members of the parishes of the Diocese of Springfield — yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Even in the silence of the grave, we continue, together, to profess what we believe.
Grounded in Faith to guide us home
What the Church Asks of Us
Respect & Dignity
The body (or cremated remains) of the deceased should be treated with respect and dignity.
Sacred Rest
Burial in a Catholic cemetery, or another sacred place blessed for this purpose, is the Church’s preferred practice.
Celebrating Life
The Rite of Christian Burial should be celebrated whenever possible, uniting the family’s grief with the hope of the Resurrection.
Prepare for the Future
Reach Out to Start a Conversation
Whether you have questions about burial options, need to reach a specific cemetery, or are ready to begin pre-need planning — we’re here. Reach out by phone or use our contact form and we’ll connect you with the right person.