How Long Does a Funeral Take?
Cuando muere un ser querido, el tiempo no se detiene. The world continues to rush and bustle around you, but you just want a moment to catch your breath and try to come to terms with the reality of what’s happened.
If you are the one in charge of planning the funeral, your life will be especially hectic in the coming days. There is so much to do. You must make arrangements, call family members, handle paperwork, and find time to take care of yourself, too.
As you face these important, disorienting days ahead, it can help to know how much time each step of the funeral process might take.
How soon will the funeral occur?
¿Qué tan pronto ocurrirá el funeral? If there will be a burial, the funeral will generally take place within a week of death. In cases where a loved one will be cremated rather than buried, the cremation can happen within a few days of death, with the funeral taking place any time later.
Both options are acceptable in the Catholic faith, but it’s usually preferred to hold the funeral Mass with the body present, allowing for all proper rites to be performed.
The prayer vigil and rosary or wake will usually take place the night before the funeral service, allowing an opportunity to gather with friends and family and share memories of your loved one before the formal goodbye.
How long is a Catholic funeral service with Mass?
¿Cuánto dura un funeral católico? Catholic funerals are held at the church and combine funeral liturgy with a formal Mass and communion. Expect the entire funeral service to last up to an hour.
After the service, if the body is to be buried, there will be a funeral procession to the cemetery, and a priest or deacon will provide the graveside Rite of Committal. This may take approximately 45 minutes, depending on how far away the cemetery is.
In general, expect to spend several hours at the funeral. Afterward, it’s often customary to host a reception, either at the funeral home, a restaurant, or someone’s home. These gatherings can be as informal and large or intimate as you like and provide a chance to share in the love and support of others who are also mourning.
How soon will ashes be available after cremation?
¿Qué tan pronto estarán disponibles las cenizas de la cremación? The cremation timeline can depend on several factors, from the circumstances of a person’s death to how busy the funeral home is. In general, ashes will be available within one to two weeks of death. Expect a longer wait if your loved one died near a holiday or weekend, or if there is any kind of investigation to complete.
How long will my grief last?
¿Cuánto durará el duelo? This is the hardest question because there is no one answer. Everyone’s journey through grief is different. The funeral ceremony is an important first step to processing a loss and beginning to heal, but the grief will come and go in waves.
You may find that some days you are overwhelmed with sadness, and others you feel totally normal. You may feel your heart begin to heal from the loss after a few weeks, only to be blinded by tears from an unexpected reminder. There is no time clock on grief, but know that it’s a burden that lessens as it’s shared.
No matter what, know that you do not need to go through these next steps alone. Now is the time to draw strength from your faith, la comunidad, la familia, and the expertise of a funeral home that shares your culture and values. Reach us any time by phone at (303) 996-0701 or visit Latina Funerals & Cremations in person at 3020 Federal Boulevard.
Go en paz.
As members of Denver’s Hispanic communities, we feel a deep responsibility to help its families through some of their most difficult days. We are here for you and your loved ones, and our staff is available to answer any questions you may have.
Llámanos al (303) 996-0701.
