Internment

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whipp711

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Other than schedule conflicts or lack of time, is there any reason for a Priest to refuse to preside over an internment after a Memorial Mass. Specific incident, our Priest refused to do so, ordered his assistant Priest not to do so, and sent a Deacon instead. I know all our Priests are hard pressed on time and being short handed, but this appear to be rather draconian decision making, as there was no schedule conflicts.

On a side note, I’m been to a couple of internments, and a retired Priest conducted the ceremonies. Just curious about the situation.
 
Many deacons do the Rite of Committal (with Final Commendation). And, usually, it is a matter of scheduling. The priest/pastor and associate have many other commitments. The deacon is asked to pray the Rite. It is also possible for a layperson to pray this Rite and prayers are itemized for a lay minister. I think it is always best that someone who knew the deceased helps in leading the service. Unfortunately, this is not always possible.
 
whipp711 said:
Other than schedule conflicts or lack of time, is there any reason for a Priest to refuse to preside over an internment after a Memorial Mass. Specific incident, our Priest refused to do so, ordered his assistant Priest not to do so, and sent a Deacon instead. I know all our Priests are hard pressed on time and being short handed, but this appear to be rather draconian decision making, as there was no schedule conflicts.

On a side note, I’m been to a couple of internments, and a retired Priest conducted the ceremonies. Just curious about the situation.
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How do you know there were no schedule conflicts?
 
whipp711 said:
Other than schedule conflicts or lack of time, is there any reason for a Priest to refuse to preside over an internment after a Memorial Mass. Specific incident, our Priest refused to do so, ordered his assistant Priest not to do so, and sent a Deacon instead.
Click to expand...
There’s far too little information to go on here, in order to make a decision. As others have noted, the Rite of Committal does not require that a priest (or even a deacon) leads the prayers. Rest assured that, in the specific incident you mention, the Rite was properly conducted.
 
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