What are the guidelines for visitations and the Vigil prayers?

The visitation and Vigil prayer are two distinct realities that often coincide. The Vigil is the Church’s formal prayer offered for the deceased and for mourners before the day of the funeral itself typically on the evening before either during or around the time of the scheduled visitation hours. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding visitations and the Vigil prayers: 

  1. The Vigil is an integral part of the Order of Christian Funerals. Therefore, it should not be replaced by the Rosary or other devotions, although these can be offered in addition to the Vigil.
  2. The Vigil can be prayed even outside of the formal time of the visitation and even without the presence of the family if they do not desire to be part of it. It will be prayed by a priest, deacon, or other representative of the parish for the deceased whenever possible.
  3. The Vigil may not take place on the morning of the Funeral Liturgy. The nature of a vigil is to stay awake and keep watch. This comes from the tradition of having a loved one be with the body of the deceased, even through the night, until the burial. The Vigil and visitation offered in the afternoon and evening before the funeral also gives family, friends, and other members of the community another opportunity to pay their respects other than the day of the funeral itself.
  4. The Vigil and visitation normally take place in the funeral home, as this is most fitting for the more social nature of the visitation. These may take place at the church with the permission of the pastor in extenuating circumstances, such as so large a number of visitors is expected that it would exceed and overwhelm the capacity of the funeral home.  In this case, it will take place in the narthex or gathering space of the church if the architecture of the building allows this. The body or cremated remains will not be left on the parish property overnight.