Can a Catholic speak at a non-Catholic funeral?

[JulianN]

Interesting. I’ve not only had the priest talk about the deceased in his homily—but usually family members get up to speak as well.

 

[poche]

I knew a Catholic Priest who said that he was occasionaly asked to officiate at funerals for non Catholics. He said that he always gave them a Catholic funeral.

 

[Wannano]

I knew a Catholic Priest who said that he was occasionaly asked to officiate at funerals for non Catholics. He said that he always gave them a Catholic funeral.

What do you think that really means for sure?

 

[poche]

It means two things. First it means that that priest was a priest for all the people. Second the hope is that if the deceased is not in Heaven then if he is in Purgatory then that his time in Purgatory be shortened.

 

[PeterT]

To be more accurate, I haven’t heard what is considered a eulogy, but the priests’ homilies have always included some mention of the decedents, briefly describing who they were, what they were like, and how they reflected Christ in their lives, and how the readings, the Gospel, the Funeral Mass itself are relevant to all of us.

The fact is, it’s not a normal Mass, and people are there specifically to celebrate that person’s passing from this life to the next.

This has been my experience as well when the priest knew the decedent well. It also has been my experience when our bishop has been the presider at the funeral Mass and gave the homily.

 

[PeterT]

The priest in our local community does not allow a Eulogy but does allow the family to share some memories!

That’s what my pastor does also. Up to three people get to share their memories of the decedent after the rite of Holy Communion, but no formal eulogy.

 

[Wannano]

I did not mean to be taking a cheap shot at the Church. I was interested in the fact that there are different directives between what is acceptable practice between the US and Canada when it comes to the Funeral Mass and what is and what is not allowed to accompany it that comprises the funeral.

Looking back I can recognize I could have worded it better.

 

[Wannano]

It means two things. First it means that that priest was a priest for all the people. Second the hope is that if the deceased is not in Heaven then if he is in Purgatory then that his time in Purgatory be shortened.

I am going to respond and hope that I am not misunderstood. I appreciate that the Priest would be wiling to be a Priest for all people. I personally know a couple of priests like that . On the second point, I am assuming that a Mass would not be celebrated for a non-Catholic but rather that the Priest would have performed a “Word Service?” In all sincerity I am asking if the presiding of a Catholic Priest at a Word Service funeral of a non-Catholic would in any way contribute a determining factor on the destination of the soul of the departed?

 

[poche]

I do not know. If we pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and that person is in Purgatory then we can hope that God will shorten its time in Purgatory.