The Catholic Church’s funeral rites are full of powerful prayers, consoling liturgies, and most importantly, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass — all offered to implore God’s mercy for the deceased. Much more than a mere celebration of life, the Mass is the ultimate prayer, a participation in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, and denying so great a prayer is a tragedy. Father Daren Zehnle explains the three parts of the Catholic funeral rites and the importance behind each one and why you should pre-plan your funeral at a Catholic funeral home to ensure this all takes place.