Can a non-catholic be given a catholic funeral?

  • Thread starter Thread starter blaskoman
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
B

blaskoman

Guest
I will be attending a catholic funeraral for someone who was non-catholic. His surviving relatives, who are catholic, arranged for the ceremony. Is this permissible?
 
A non-Catholic can have a Catholic funeral in the circumstances outlined in the link posted by TheHolyTrinity. I attended such a funeral once. It was for the non-Catholic father of a priest. The bishop himself was present. So this is permissible if the proper permission has been obtained. I would give the family the benefit of the doubt in this case that the pastor obtained permission.
 
(Pardon me for making a slightly off question comment.)

If you are a Catholic with non-Catholic survivors, you should make very clear that you want a Catholic funeral and burial. In most states, the next of kin can make whatever funeral arrangements they please. This has led to awkward situations where the children arrange a funeral in their traditions, not the deceased Catholic’s.
 
I recall that Lucille Ball had a number of masses said for her after she died even though she was not Catholic.
 
We can have a Mass said for any person, living or deceased. I think a funeral is a different case. Are there any priests out there who can set us straight?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top