What to Expect at a Catholic Funeral in Northern Kentucky
A Catholic funeral has three parts: the vigil, the funeral Mass, and the committal. Each has its own purpose and its own prayers. Here is what happens at each one, for Catholic families in the Diocese of Covington and for the friends who come to pray with them.
The vigil
The vigil is a time of prayer for your loved one. It usually takes place during the visitation the evening before the funeral, at the Bentley House in Ludlow or at your church. A priest, a deacon, or a lay minister leads it, and many families pray the Rosary together.
The vigil is also the best time for family and friends to share stories and memories.
The funeral Mass
The funeral Mass is celebrated at your parish church and usually lasts about an hour. Your loved one is welcomed at the church door with holy water and covered with a white pall, both reminders of baptism.
Family members can serve as readers, bring up the gifts, and choose the readings and music with the parish. Before the procession leaves, the priest leads the final commendation, the Church's farewell.
The committal
The committal is the Church's final prayer for your loved one, said at the graveside or at a mausoleum or columbarium (a wall of small niches for urns). Many Catholic families here are laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery or St. John Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, both run by the Diocese of Covington, or at Mother of God Cemetery in Fort Wright.
Can a family member speak?
The vigil is the best time for stories and memories. At the funeral Mass, the priest's homily is about the Scripture readings and the hope of the resurrection, not a eulogy. It depends on the parish, but most allow a family member to give a eulogy of about 10 minutes before the funeral Mass begins. We will ask your parish what it allows.
If you choose cremation
The Church permits cremation, though it prefers that the body be present for the funeral Mass, with cremation afterward. If cremation comes first, a Mass can still be celebrated with the urn present, as your parish allows.
The Church asks that the remains be buried in a grave or placed in a mausoleum or columbarium, not scattered or kept at home.
For guests who aren't Catholic
Everyone is welcome. Dress as you would for church, in dark or muted colors. You can stand, sit, and kneel with the congregation, as you are able. Catholics receive Holy Communion, and guests who aren't Catholic are welcome to stay in the pew.
Making it personal
Families choose the readings and music with their parish, and a Bible or a cross can be placed on the casket at the start of Mass. Photos and favorite songs fit best at the visitation, where there is room for them.
How we help
Since 1935, Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home has helped Catholic families across Northern Kentucky with all three parts of the funeral. We work often with parishes such as St. Pius X in Edgewood, Blessed Sacrament in Fort Mitchell, St. Barbara in Erlanger, and St. Timothy in Union, and we arrange the burial with the cemetery.
Call 859-431-0072 any time, day or night, or read more on our Catholic funerals page.
