Liturgies
Rites of the Order of Christian Funerals
Children
The Order of Christian Funerals stresses how overwhelming the death of any infant or child can be for the family and points out that the compassionate presence of the community reflects the compassionate presence of Christ. It goes on to suggest that parents who have lost children of their own may have a special ministry to the newly bereaved family (OCF, 239-240).
If children attend the funeral rites, those planning the liturgy should plan with these children in mind, allowing the children when possible to exercise some of the liturgical roles. Depending on the age and number of the children attending, those planning the liturgy should use the recommended adaptations in the Directory for Masses with Children. Such adaptations include having one reading, the Gospel, and taking care that the homilist is a person who can talk with children.
If the child died before being baptized, the minister does not sprinkle the body with holy water and does not use the pall. In place of these, the Order of Christian Funerals has a brief address by the minister (OCF, 249). The funeral liturgy continues in the usual manner. Before the final commendation begins, a member or friend of the family may speak in remembrance of the deceased child (OCF, 309).
The rite of committal has three forms, the third being a rite of final commendation of an infant. This last form is also used for a stillborn or a newborn infant who dies shortly after birth. It is a short rite of prayer with the parents in the hospital or place of birth. It may also be used at the time of the committal of the body. (OCF, 318).
