An Order for Burial
When, for pastoral considerations, neither of the burial rites in this Book is deemed appropriate, the following form is used.
1. The body is received. The celebrant may meet the body and conduct it into the church or chapel, or it may be in place before the congregation assembles.
2. Anthems from Holy Scripture or psalms may be sung or said, or a hymn may be sung.
3. Prayer may be offered for the bereaved.
4. One or more passages of Holy Scripture are read. Psalms, hymns, or anthems may follow the readings. If there is to be a Communion, the last Reading is from the Gospel.
5. A homily may follow the Readings, and the Apostles’ Creed may be recited.
6. Prayer, including the Lord’s Prayer, is offered for the deceased, for those who mourn, and for the Christian community, remembering the promises of God in Christ about eternal life.
7. The deceased is commended to God, and the body is committed to its resting place. The committal may take place either where the preceding service has been held, or at the graveside.
8. If there is a Communion, it precedes the commendation, and begins with the Peace and Offertory of the Eucharist. Any of the authorized eucharistic prayers may be used.
506Order for Burial
