How long does a Catholic funeral mass last?

Question

I am attending a funeral mass tomorrow for the first time. I have no idea how long it will last. I need to know due to childcare-how long I will need a sitter.Thank You-

Answer 1

A Catholic funeral is broken into three parts.

The Vigil. This used to be called the Rosary. The night before the Requiem Mass, a prayer service is celebrated. Eulogies and/or the rosary may also be said at this time. The Irish culture call this a wake.

The Requiem Mass. A full Mass with Scripture read and explained and Eucharist (Holy Communion) received with extra funeral prayers. This will take about an hour.

You may leave when this is over or follow the procession to the cemetery.

The Burial. A short final prayer service at graveside. The prayer service will take about 15 minutes.

A reception at someone's home with food may follow.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Catholic Funeral Mass

Answer 3

Funeral Mass

Answer 4

I depends on if family members are going to speak. For just the basic mass, figure one hour. Many Catholic masses include a burial mass right after the funeral mass so that would be another hour. I would safely tell your sitter 3 1/2 hours.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Answer 5

Usually about 1 hour for the Mass but, if there are alot of people expected maybe go up to 1-1/2 hours or even 2 hours depending who is going to stand up and say something about the person and then if there is a luncheon afterward (I know the Alter Society at our Church is famous for their funeral luncheons) you would want to allow that much more time and then if you are going to the graveside service right after the Mass there is that time too you have to allow for so I would say just take the whole day off.

Answer 6

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RE:
How long does a Catholic funeral mass last?
I am attending a funeral mass tomorrow for the first time. I have no idea how long it will last. I need to know due to childcare-how long I will need a sitter.Thank You-

Answer 7

it depends on t he person. the mass itself has an average time of 1 hour. sometimes shorter if there are less people for Communion or longer if there are more. the graveside ceremony can add (depending on travel time) another 30 minutes.
there usually aren't a number of people that speak on the persons behalf - only the priest.
i'm sorry for your loss!
are you going to the funeral home first or right to the church?! the funeral portion generally start at about 9am with a small prayer, last viewing and then off to the church for abouy 10am usually. depending n your location some places still do the big funeral processions. i don't drive inthem but rather head right to the church.

Answer 8

Sunday Mass is usually 45 minutes to 1 hour. Funeral Mass can be extended if family memebers choose to speak in church. No on the iPod.

Answer 9

It should be no longer than 1 to 1 1/2 hours or so, depending on how everything is coordinated between the church and the funeral home. If you plan to go to the burial at the cemetery, it will take an additional 30 to 45 minutes.

I assume you are not Catholic, please do not go up to receive Holy Communion, the Priest should announce this before the communion line begins.
The reason for this is that Catholics believe the host is truly the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Those who do not hold this belief and those Catholics who have mortal (serious) sin on their soul should not receive communion.

Depending on the priest, you should experience the sprinkling of holy water, and the use of incense at various points during the mass.

Answer 10

Hey in case others read this...I know that when my brother and I got married, our non-Catholic friends could go up in the Communion line, cross their hands over their chests (like a mummy sort of) and bow their heads for a blessing. Not everyone knows this, and not every priest invites the non-Catholics. Even among Catholics, though, people screw up directions at a funeral, so hopefully any of you in this position get a good Priest to lead the Mass. Catholics do believe in the literal transubstantiation (wine becomes blood, bread becomes body of Christ) so yeah they do not want those who don t believe to partake in Communion. So it s respectful and hardly noticeable to go up with your loved ones and bow you head for a blessing. The crossed arms just signify that you re not receiving the Eucharist meal.