The choice of liturgy

Two forms of the funeral liturgy are provided in the Order of Christian Funerals: the funeral Mass and the funeral liturgy outside Mass.

There are days when the funeral Mass may not be celebrated:
 

1. Solemnities that are holy days of obligation
2. Holy Thursday
3. The Easter triduum
4. The Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter
5. In the Diocese of Greensburg, the funeral Mass may not be celebrated on any Sunday. 

There are occasions when the funeral liturgy, outside Mass, may be most appropriate. Such times would include those where the assembly consists principally of individuals unfamiliar with or incapable of entering fully into the Eucharistic mystery. 

Funerals celebrated for non-Catholics (catechumens excluded) are also most appropriately celebrated with the funeral liturgy outside Mass. Pastoral concern requires that consideration be given to the most appropriate means by which the funeral liturgy may bring hope and consolation to the living.