Funeral Mass

[RachelJayne]

No one in my family is Catholic and should I ever marry I consider the onus to be on me to ensure they know that they are not to receive communion. Whilst they may not believe as they do I will request that they respect my beliefs and not put a dampner on my day by accepting communion.

For the vigil mass that I entered the church a few members of my family came, and again I made sure they were all aware that they were not to accept communion. They all realised this, but I felt it best to be safe than sorry.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

I am unaware of a rubric that allows for a “communion inclusion/exclusion announcement.” Thus those who are in favor of a strict “do the red, say the black” should be opposed to such a thing…

 

[MarkThompson]

I am unaware of a rubric that allows for a “communion inclusion/exclusion announcement.” Thus those who are in favor of a strict “do the red, say the black” should be opposed to such a thing…

I realize you’re being a bit humorous, but obviously any announcement can be made before Mass, and the announcement would also fit under GIRM 50: “After the greeting of the people, the priest, the deacon, or a lay minister may very briefly introduce the faithful to the Mass of the day.”

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

I realize you’re being a bit humorous, but obviously any announcement can be made before Mass, and the announcement would also fit under GIRM 50: “After the greeting of the people, the priest, the deacon, or a lay minister may very briefly introduce the faithful to the Mass of the day.”

Before Mass, yes, but then you’re also missing a sizable chunk of people (even at funerals). But it doesn’t really fit under GIRM 50 since that’s not really introducing the Mass of the day.
The point is, it seems people are searching for justification to do what they prefer. While they are interested in having the rubrics follow, they are really more interested in finding justification to get the priest to do what they want.

 

[Moscati]

Before Mass, yes, but then you’re also missing a sizable chunk of people (even at funerals). But it doesn’t really fit under GIRM 50 since that’s not really introducing the Mass of the day.
The point is, it seems people are searching for justification to do what they prefer. While they are interested in having the rubrics follow, they are really more interested in finding justification to get the priest to do what they want.

At our parish, Mass pretty much always starts at least ten minutes late, so most everyone hears it. It’s never an actual part of the Mass.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

At our parish, Mass pretty much always starts at least ten minutes late, so most everyone hears it. It’s never an actual part of the Mass.

And, of course, we should remember that a blessing in lieu of communion is not allowed. Either the person receives the Eucharist or they stay in their place.

 

[benedictgal]

A simple announcement would help. At my Parish "Those who are not Catholic, or in a state of Grace need to simply, cross your arms and bow in respect to the Body of Christ and the Priest will bestow a blessing.
As many have posted it is not done in a confrontational manner. Just an FYI type of announcement.

Jerry, this, too, is ilicit. The priest is taking it upon himself to do something that is beyond his authority. As there is a moratorium on the topic, please check the sticky on “moratoria” and read why this should not be done.

 

[johnnykins]

And, of course, we should remember that a blessing in lieu of communion is not allowed. Either the person receives the Eucharist or they stay in their place.

I am unaware of a rubric that allows for a “communion inclusion/exclusion announcement.” Thus those who are in favor of a strict “do the red, say the black” should be opposed to such a thing…

Before Mass, yes…

No doubt you’ll be surprised, but I agree with you. The announcement should be made before Mass.

The last funeral I went to was for a practicing Catholic whose widower is a practicing Catholic and whose child is a practicing Catholic. There was a sizable non-Catholic contingent, but not excessively so (as if that would matter). The priest invited everyone to communion. He told everyone to sit for the Eucharistic Prayer - parts of which he ad libbed. He said the Our Father in the common Protestant version rather than as in the Missal. He was vested in a stole with no chasuble.

I for one would have been thrilled for him to say the black and do the red…
Oddly, in a fit of hubris under the pretext of being welcoming he failed in his duty to the decedent, her family and the Catholics present.

And some folks wonder why some of us no longer believe namby-pamby requests for a licit and valid Mass work!

 

[benedictgal]

Here is what Redemptionis Sacramentum states on the matter:

[84.] Furthermore when Holy Mass is celebrated for a large crowd – for example, in large cities – care should be taken lest out of ignorance non-Catholics or even non-Christians come forward for Holy Communion, without taking into account the Church’s Magisterium in matters pertaining to doctrine and discipline. It is the duty of Pastors at an opportune moment to inform those present of the authenticity and the discipline that are strictly to be observed.

The opportune moment could be, at the beginning of the Mass when the rubrics give the celebrant and/or deacon the opportunity to make such remarks, or, even at the end of the homily.

Now, a funeral Mass is tricky because the liturgy begins with the reception of the body. It’s kind of hard to make an announcement at that time. Often, as is the case down here, the mourners will accompany the funeral cortege to the church for the Mass. In area, some of the celebrants will make the announcement prior to the distribution of Holy Communion. It may not seem ideal, but, it is in keeping with the prescriptions found in the section of RS that I quoted.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

Here is what Redemptionis Sacramentum states on the matter:
[84.] Furthermore when Holy Mass is celebrated for a large crowd – for example, in large cities – care should be taken lest out of ignorance non-Catholics or even non-Christians come forward for Holy Communion, without taking into account the Church’s Magisterium in matters pertaining to doctrine and discipline. It is the duty of Pastors at an opportune moment to inform those present of the authenticity and the discipline that are strictly to be observed.

some of the celebrants will make the announcement prior to the distribution of Holy Communion. It may not seem ideal, but, it is in keeping with the prescriptions found in the section of RS that I quoted.

Technically, according to RS, it would depend on the size of the funeral. A small funeral would not be a “large crowd.” And it only speaks of informing non-Catholics and non-Christians of Church doctrine and discipline. It says nothing of making announcements reminding Catholics to be in a state of grace. Just sayin’, technically…