A funeral Mass, or Requiem Mass, is a Christian service held for someone who has died. Celebrated especially in Catholic and Anglican communities, it combines the reading of Scripture, prayers for the deceased, a sermon or eulogy, the Eucharist or Holy Communion, and the church’s final commendation of the deceased.
What Is a Funeral Mass?
The word “Mass” identifies a Eucharistic celebration. In Catholic usage, a Funeral Mass is the principal worship service for the deceased; it may be celebrated before or after the committal, depending on local custom and circumstances. The deceased may be present in a coffin or urn, and family members may take part in the service.
Other Christians may use different names for a funeral worship service, including memorial service or celebration of life, but those names do not necessarily indicate the same liturgical form.
Where Is the Term Used?
Roman Catholic parishes regularly celebrate funeral Masses. The Roman Rite uses the name “Funeral Liturgy” within its official Order of Christian Funerals, while “Funeral Mass” and “Requiem Mass” are common in ordinary speech. In Episcopal and other Anglican churches, a Requiem may likewise refer to a Eucharistic funeral service. Some Lutheran churches also use Requiem for a Eucharistic funeral liturgy, although “funeral service” or “memorial service” is more common.
Orthodox Christians usually speak of a memorial or funeral service rather than a Requiem Mass. Other traditions reserve the word “Mass” specifically for the Eucharist and use broader funeral labels.
What Happens During the Service?
In the Roman Catholic Order of Christian Funerals, the Funeral Liturgy normally follows this pattern:
- Liturgy of the Word: Scripture, prayers, and a homily; the family may offer a eulogy.
- Liturgy of the Eucharist: a priest or deacon presides, bread and wine are consecrated, and Communion follows.
- Final Commendation: the community asks God to receive the deceased; any committal is a separate rite.
Incense, candles, a crucifix, holy water, and the sprinkling of the coffin or urn are common features, although their use varies by parish. The congregation ordinarily receives Eucharist.
How Does It Differ from a Memorial Service?
A Funeral Mass centers on the death of a particular person and includes the Eucharist. A memorial service may be held after the funeral or burial and may focus on the person’s life rather than a funeral rite; it may or may not include Communion. A Catholic funeral may also include a wake and a graveside committal service, so those terms can describe different parts of the same overall funeral.
What Should I Expect When Attending?
The service is usually solemn and may include music, candles, incense, and a casket or urn. Guests typically sit quietly, follow the congregation’s responses, and may receive Communion. They do not need to take part beyond what they are comfortable doing. Before attending, ask the church or funeral home about dress, seating, Communion practice, and whether children are welcome.
For more help, read our guide to planning a church funeral. To locate a parish, use churches near you.