Funeral mass for non catholic spouse

[jeanine]

question: my family is practicing catholics, loyal and involved with our parish…my husband was raised protestant but has been practicing catholisism w/ the family since we have been married and especially since our children have been born. since our church is our home, can he have his funeral mass at our parish?
thank you.

 

[Catholic_Heart]

I really don’t see why not…My husband’s father was a life long Lutheran, who made sure his kids were raised in the Catholic church that was across the street from their family home (his Mom was a Catholic). He and Fr. K. had a great relationship, and Fr. K. vowed to get R. into the Church one way or another. When DH’s father died, Fr. K. graciously had his funeral Mass in the church…This was in 1957.

**So…No, I don’t have a problem with your husband having a Cathoilc Funeral Mass…After all…He has been attending with yuo for years. Why doesn’t he just join? **

Others may have a different opinion…But, I think it is an OK thing to do…The funeral Mass is really for the grieving family, and I know it would be a comfort to you.

 

[Verbum]

Hi Jeanine,

From Canon Law:

Can. 1183 §1 As far as funeral rites are concerned, catechumens are to be reckoned among Christ’s faithful.
§2 Children whose parents had intended to have them baptised but who died before baptism, may be allowed Church funeral rites by the local Ordinary.

**§3 Provided their own minister is not available, baptised persons belonging to a non-catholic Church or ecclesial community may, in accordance with the prudent judgement of the local Ordinary, be allowed Church funeral rites, unless it is established that they did not wish this. **

So there seems to be an open mind on this.But these things are usually regulated by the local bishop. Consult your parish.

Verbum

 

[Joe_Kelley]

See Canon Law

CHAPTER II.

THOSE TO WHOM ECCLESIASTICAL FUNERALS MUST BE GRANTED OR DENIED

Can. 1183 §1. When it concerns funerals, catechumens must be counted among the Christian faithful.

§2. The local ordinary can permit children whom the parents intended to baptize but who died before baptism to be given ecclesiastical funerals.

§3. In the prudent judgment of the local ordinary, ecclesiastical funerals can be granted to baptized persons who are enrolled in a non-Catholic Church or ecclesial community unless their intention is evidently to the contrary and provided that their own minister is not available.

Can. 1184 §1. Unless they gave some signs of repentance before death, the following must be deprived of ecclesiastical funerals:

1/ notorious apostates, heretics, and schismatics;

2/ those who chose the cremation of their bodies for reasons contrary to Christian faith;

3/ other manifest sinners who cannot be granted ecclesiastical funerals without public scandal of the faithful.

§2. If any doubt occurs, the local ordinary is to be consulted, and his judgment must be followed.

Can. 1185 Any funeral Mass must also be denied a person who is excluded from ecclesiastical funerals.

I think it would usually be permitted if he has been baptized anywhere.

It would probably be wise to discuss this with your pastor now so the procedure and any necessary permissions will be in place.

 

[Verbum]

Hi Joe,

I think we’ve made our point!

Verbum

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Verbum:

Hi Joe,

I think we’ve made our point!

Verbum

Great Minds!

 

[stanley123]

I believe that the Eastern Orthodox Church is quite forgiving and merciful when it comes to burial rites for nonOrthodox. For example, I read that a priest assisted at the burial of Raisa Gorbachev, and also, I read that a Jewish man in Israel was denied a Jewish burial for some reason or another, but an E. O. priest agreed to say prayers for him and allow him to be buried in an E. O. cemetery.