Rite of Committal
(Burial or Internment)

The Rite of Committal, which is the conclusion of the Funeral Rite, is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. It should normally be celebrated at the place of committal, that is, beside the open grave or place of internment.

In committing the body to its resting place, the community expresses the confidence that, with all those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, the deceased loved one now enters the glory of the resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

The Rite of Committal is an expression of the communion that exists between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven: The deceased passes with the farewell prayers of the community of believers into the welcoming company of those who need faith no longer but see God face to face.

Questions about the format of the committal service can be answered by the clergy-celebrant.