Rite of Committal

The Rite begins when the funeral procession reaches the place of committal.  Often the rite is separated in time from the preceding Funeral Liturgy.  Therefore it commences with a brief invitation to gather the community with hope in the resurrection during this final stage of farewell.  

The Order of Christian Funerals provides a selection of scripture verses such as the following:  ‘Our true home is in heaven, and Jesus Christ whose return we long for will come from heaven to save us.’   (Philippians 3:20)

A variety of prayers dependent on the place of committal is provided.  This recognises different situations where the grave is already blessed or the interment takes place later.  Through the act of committal ‘the community of faith proclaims that the grave or place of interment, once a sign of futility and despair, has been transformed by means of Christ’s own death and resurrection into a sign of hope and promise.’  (OCF 209)

A brief pause for silent prayer may lead into the general intercessions, followed by the Lord’s Prayer.  Many choices are presented for the concluding prayer to suit the situation of person who has died (OCF 408). The rite concludes with a prayer of blessing for the mourners.

Leave-taking customs such as placing earth or flowers in the grave, praying a decade of the rosary, singing the Salve Regina can be incorporated in harmony with the whole celebration.

Adaptation of the Rite

‘Pastoral needs may call for adaptation of this rite.’      (OCF 211)

For instance, the Funeral Liturgy may have been celebrated on a previous day, or in a different community.  In such cases, the minister may add a greeting, song, more readings from scripture, a psalm and a brief homily.  Sometimes the Rite of Final Commendation may have been omitted or there has been no funeral liturgy.  Then ‘the Rite of Committal with Final Commendation may be used and similarly adapted.’   (OCF 211)

If there has been a significant time period between the Funeral Liturgy and the committal then the latter rite could be extended to include more prayers and readings from the Funeral Liturgy.  ‘In the case of a body donated to science, the rite of committal may be celebrated whenever the interment takes place.’  (OCF  212)

When burial is delayed or when ashes are to be interred some time after the cremation, the Rite of Committal may be repeated.

The Time After  

​Though there is no liturgical rite for the time after the Committal the role of the Wake cannot be underestimated. The Wake gives an opportunity, within the presence of the community, to continue the remembrance of the deceased and share memories.  

While the committal is the final care of the body it should not be the final care of the grieving by the community.  The ministry of consolation needs to continue.

Jesus went to his friends in Bethany at the time of the death of Lazarus.  He grieved with them and their community.  As followers of Jesus we too must always be aware of those grieving in our community, and be ready to show care and offer support.

We must be resurrection people who believe in eternal life trusting that God will be faithful to the promise of eternal life in Christ.

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This article was originally published in  ‘Christian Funerals’. ©  Diocese of Parramatta.  2004, 2007. Reprinted with permission.