Catholic Burials at Sea

Catholics have been buried at sea since the first ships left the shores. The Catechism states that “bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection.” Modern adaptations from the Vatican indicate that ashes can be placed in a place of meaning for the deceased, “provided that every type of pantheistic, naturalistic, or nihilistic misunderstanding is ruled out.” Which could be interpreted by those as deeply connected to the ocean as the perfect location to honor those who have passed, it is solely up to the deceased and their families. For additional guidance it’s always best to connect to a priest or spiritual advisor. 

Traditional catholic funeral services with a vigil (where the family and friends can view the body) followed by a full service mass (same day or at a later moment) can still be selected by the family to occur in advance of a burial at sea service. Masses can be held with the full body or the cremated remains (Cremation has been permitted in the catholic church since 1963). Burials at sea can also be with the whole body, the cremated remains can be placed in biodegradable urn, or there can be an ash scattering with the cremated remains. 

There are unlimited options for catholic families looking to combine their faith and the pull of the sacred ocean.  

What happens in a traditional catholic burial at sea 

Wake (Virgil): Day 1

A vigil is a serene and solemn occasion for coming together to mourn and view the body for the last time. The activities during a death vigil can differ depending on the family’s preferences. Attendees sit together in quiet reflection. It’s also a space where the family can host a rosary, let family and friends share anecdotes to reminisce about the departed individual, and or play a slideshow. 

Funeral Mass (Liturgy): Day 2

The remains are brought into the church for blessings and final prayers through a mass service. As Catholics believe in an afterlife the mass is focused on the hope for resurrection rather than mourning and sadness. 

Burial at Sea Service: 

A burial at sea can be hosted directly after a mass, the following day, or any other time that is convenient for the family. Some families need additional time for the body to be cremated after the mass and or they aren’t ready to place them yet and prefer to do it on another day of meaning like a birthday or as a 1 year memorial. 

What to wear to a catholic burial at sea

Traditionally it is customary to wear black modest clothing to a catholic funeral service. 

What needs to be arranged at the church by the family in advance of the funeral mass. 

Funeral services can vary from parish to diocese so it’s important to verify what is expected, many parishes are more than willing to help make any choices about readings and songs if the amount of choices is too overwhelming. The family will need to confirm with the church the booking time for a service 

Part 1: Introductory Rites

• Placing of the pall (pallbearers) or presentation of the urn: To be done by which family member

Part 2: Liturgy of the word

• Reading 1: (Family to choose speaker & reading)
• Responsorial Psalm: (Family to choose speaker & palsm)
• Reading 2: (Family to choose speaker & reading)
• General Intercessions; (Family to choose speaker & intercessions)

Part 3: Liturgy of the Eucharist

• Gifts to be brought forward: (Family to choose)
• Remarks of remembrance : (Family to choose speaker)

🖨️ Here is an easy printout to bring your selections to your parish: here

For insight Highly advice looking into purchasing:  

Through Death to Life: Preparing to Celebrate the Funeral Mass  by Joseph M. Champlin

Can Catholics be cremated?

Yes. In May 1963, the Vatican’s Holy Office (now the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith) lifted the prohibition on cremation. This decision was subsequently included in the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 (Canon #1176) and incorporated into the Order of Christian Funerals.