The Rite of Committal concludes the Funeral Rites. The community gathers together for a final act of public worship and expresses the hope in the glory of the resurrection.
Internment of the faithful is traditional and preferable. However, cremation may be permitted provided it has not been chosen as a sign of rejection of the Church’s teaching regarding reverence for the human body or the resurrection of the dead (Can. 1176 §3).
A baptized member of another Christian Church or ecclesial community, who for a reasonable cause requests it, may be buried in consecrated ground (Can. 1183 §3).
For funerals involving prominent persons or for other concerns regarding the proper funeral rites to be accorded a member of the faithful, the Chancery should be consulted.
