Order of Christian Funerals III: The Rite of Committal

By: S.Francesconi, editor | Last Updated: 07/28/2010 11:52

The rite of committal is the third major ritual of the Christian community as it accompanies the body of the deceased to its final resting place. The word “final” is all too appropriate for this difficult time of leave-taking. The stark reality of bidding farewell to someone we have loved looms in the moments ahead. The church surrounds the mourners with hope and belief in the power of the resurrection precisely when they most need to hear that message. In no way does faith deny the very painful reality of death and grief; instead it embraces that grief while standing firm in the hope of eternal life. The rite of committal frequently follows the funeral liturgy. It is to take place whenever possible at the site itself. Note that this does not mean in the cemetery chapel, but at the open grave, in the mausoleum or at the crematorium. This face-to-face encounter with the place of interment goes against our American tendencies to avoid such direct reminders of the reality of death and to express our grief in private. Here at the grave or place of interment, the intense emotions of the mourners may be expressed, secure in the knowledge that the support of the church and family and friends is close at hand. Of course, severe weather or the infirmity of the primary mourners may necessitate that the rite of committal take place in the cemetery chapel. But these —not the convenience of cemetery workers or pastoral leaders— should be the real reason for such an exception. The rite of committal expresses the communion between the church on earth and the church in heaven as the mourners surrender the body of their loved one into the welcoming embrace of the angels and saints. Accompanied by words of scripture and blessing, the actual interment of the body may take place in the presence of the mourners. This is the core of what we have come to do. In this way the church invites us to see the grave not as a place of despair, but as a sign of hope and promise. A simple gesture such as placing a flower or soil upon the casket, or kissing or sprinkling the casket with holy water may conclude the ritual, serving as the final farewell of the assembly and each person in it.

©1997 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 N Hermitage Ave, Chicago IL 60622; 1.800.933.1800. Text: Kathy Luty.

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