What follows is an outline for a service in the church without Mass, or at a crematorium.  The ceremony is normally led by a priest or deacon from St. Ignatius parish.  Family members or others may choose appropriate music for the beginning and the end of the ceremony.

Entrance: There may be an opening hymn or other music

Invitation: The priest addresses the congregation and welcomes them in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Liturgy of the Word: There follows a passage of scripture which may be from the Old Testament, from this list

Responsorial Psalm: this may be spoken or sung. Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd” is a practical choice.

There may be a reading from the New Testament, from this list

Gospel Reading: This is read by the Priest and is usually taken from this list.

A brief homily is given after the gospel reading.

There may follow some intercessions.

[If Mass is celebrated, it now proceeds to the end of the Prayer after Communion.]

Eulogy: The priest invites one of the mourners to give a short eulogy.

Prayer Before Committal

The minister sprinkles the coffin with Holy Water as a reminder of our Baptism which
is the pledge of eternal life. In the church, the priest or deacon will also incense the coffin.

At the Crematorium, during the Committal prayer, the curtains may be closed if wished.

Concluding Prayer

Final Blessing.

In the church, the coffin is then carried to the hearse.  There may be a hymn or other appropriate solemn music.