Liturgies
Rites of the Order of Christian Funerals
Canonical Rights
The Bishop may also permit funeral rites for a baptized non-catholic who was not opposed to these rites and whose proper minister is not available (OCF, 18; Canon 1183, 3). In this diocese, no special permission is needed to celebrate a funeral liturgy for a Catholic's spouse who had no church affiliation or who had regularly attended Catholic services. However, if there is a funeral Mass, the priest should not mention the deceased's name in the Eucharistic Prayer since this would be a sign of full communion.
The only persons who are denied ecclesiastical funeral rites and a funeral Mass - provided there was absolutely no sign of repentance before death - are notorious apostates, heretics, and schismatics; those who had chosen cremation for reasons opposed to the Christian faith; notorious sinners whose funeral rites would cause public scandal (canons 1184, 1185). Since this is a penalty, the minister should interpret the law strictly (cf. Canon 18) and must consult the Office of the Bishop before denying funeral rites to anyone (see canon 1184, 2). Even in such cases, a priest, deacon, or lay minister may visit the funeral home and pray informally with the family. Funeral rites are no longer denied to Masons and members of similar societies, suicides, victims of a duel, those invalidly married, or inactive Catholics.
