Can my non-Catholic husband be buried through the Church?

[Saber_Mom]

My husband is a baptized non-practicing Lutheran, but is technically a member or our parish (our envelopes say "Mr. and Mrs. Smith). We support the parish financially, I volunteer for the parish in every way I can and both of us volunteer for the Catholic school. We also sent/are sending all three of our kids through the Catholic school - preschool through 12th grade. Most of our friends think he’s Catholic since he volunteers so much at the school, but alas - he’s not (I’m trying).

If my husband were to die before me, could I request him to be buried through my church even though he only attends Mass with us on Christmas and Easter and is not Catholic? I’m assuming the answer is no, but my mother insists he can be. I’d be heartbroken if he can’t, but I understand why.

Also, can he be buried in a Catholic cemetery next to me?

Thank you for your time and God bless.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

Your husband may be buried next to you in a Catholic cemetery. While he does not have a right to be buried with a Catholic Mass as a ;practicing Catholic does, He may be if the bishop approves and the pastor is willing .

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.