Can a layperson preside at a Catholic funeral?

[psposite]

Once again I am having a debate with my friend who is the director of religious education at my parish. She used to preside over funeral vigils, but, now that we have a deacon, she is not asked anymore by our parish priest. She feels this is sexist, and I feel it is Church law that the the deacon must perform this task if available. Can you please help me clarify this? And I correct or is she?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

The Order of Christian Funerals states:

Priests, as teachers of faith and ministers of comfort, preside at the funeral rites, especially the Mass; the celebration of the funeral liturgy is especially entrusted to pastors and associate pastors. When no priest is available, deacons, as ministers of the word, of the altar, and of charity, preside at funeral rites. When no priest or deacon is available for the vigil and related rites or the rite of committal, a layperson presides (OCF 14).

So, while a layperson can preside at a funeral outside of Mass, clearly the Church envisions that this only be done when no priest or deacon is available to do so. That your friend is no longer asked to preside now that your parish has sufficient clergy is not because she is a woman but because she is not ordained.

Recommended reading:

Catholic Funeral Rites: Common Questions by CUF