Some logical liturgical directives, assuming that cremation takes place soon, the ashes are buried or committed to a columbarium or tomb, then the community celebrates the funeral:
422. When cremation and committal take place before the Funeral Liturgy, the Prayers after Death and the Vigil for the Deceased may be adapted as necessary and appropriate and used before the Funeral Liturgy. The Rite of Committal with Final Commendation may also be celebrated at that time. The alternate form for the words of committal is used.
423. Following the committal, the family and friends of the deceased join the Catholic community for the Funeral Liturgy. Prayers which do not make reference to the honoring or burying of the body of the deceased should be chosen instead of those which have these themes.
424. The Funeral Mass is celebrated as given in this ritual. the Rite of Final commendation is omitted, since it has already taken place. Following the prayer aftercommunion, the blessing is given and the people are dismissed in the usual way.
425. When the Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass is celebrated, the Rite of Final Commendation is omitted, since it has already taken place. Following the Lord’s Prayer, a blessing is given and the people are dismissed in the usual way.
Thoughts?
