Funeral ‘wakes with an open coffin not permitted’ in Longford catholic churches

Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois Paul Connell has directed that the reposing of remains will not be permitted in any church belonging to a Catholic parish in the diocese.

The diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois includes nearly all of county Longford, and parts of counties Leitrim, Cavan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath. 

In his letter to funeral directors, Bishop Connell expressed concern that ‘reposing by its nature may involve loud engagement and even the provision of hospitality’.

The ‘Guidelines for the use of Churches for Reposing of Remains’ were also recently sent to all the priests and parishes in the diocese, sparking much discussion.

Following a lengthy debate on the RTE Radio One Liveline programme, the Catholic Communications Office released a statement highlighting that the diocesan guidance, published by Bishop Connell, ‘clarifies that wakes, with an open coffin, are not permitted in churches’.

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The statement continued, “There has been no change to the traditional Catholic funeral service, which includes a removal of the remains to the church the evening before the Funeral Mass, when the remains are met with prayers and the opportunity for people to sympathise with the family afterwards.  The coffin remains closed during this removal service as it does during the Funeral Mass.  There is no difficulty whatsoever with the remains reposing overnight (with a closed coffin) in the church.”

Text of Bishop Paul Connell's letter to Funeral Directors

I am writing to you to clarify the question of reposing of remains in churches, a practice that has begun in some parishes in recent months. As you can see from the enclosed guidelines which have been forwarded to all the priests and parishes in the diocese, I have directed that reposing of remains in churches will not be permitted in any church belonging to a Catholic parish in this diocese from Monday, February 9, 2026.

I wish to make clear that we are anxious to facilitate our parishioners in whatever way we can, particularly at the most sensitive time of a bereavement.  In that light the use of parish halls, parish centres or other such parish properties etc for reposing is quite acceptable and poses no difficulty. The use of a church however for such a purpose is inappropriate given the sacred nature of the building and in particular the presence of the blessed sacrament. A church is designed for public worship and quiet prayer and reflection. Reposing by its nature may involve loud engagement and even the provision of hospitality.

The guidelines make clear that the traditional removal ceremony can be employed as long as it does not involve an open coffin in church.

I hope that this clarifies the matter and assists you in your interaction with bereaved families.  With every blessing at this time.

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Guidelines for the use of Churches for Reposing of Remains

In recent months a practice has developed in some parishes around the use of churches for the reposing of the remains of those who have died. This is a practice that usually was held in the home, or in recent years in a funeral home, where family and friends could gather, offer sympathy and support.

Some parishes have asked for guidance on the matter, that while every community wishes to support a family at the time of a funeral, others have questioned if a church is the best place for reposing of remains to occur.  In the interests of bereaved families in particular, I would like therefore to provide clarity on this issue.

In looking at the instruction around the nature of a Christian burial it is clear that the tradition of three stations and two processional routes are at the heart of the ritual, as celebrated over the years. Those three places being; the home, the church, and the place of committal.  

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Each hold their particular meaning that the Christian believes in the understanding of death itself.  There is the personal element in the home, the community prayer in the church, and the placing in the care of God in the committal. 

Between each of these there is a procession, which highlights that each of our lives is a pilgrimage to eternal rest.  None of these are purely functional, but hold significance, both in the comfort that they bring and in the faith that they profess.

In recent years the station at the home has, quite often taken place in a funeral home, and then from there to the church, and place of committal.  However, the use of a church in a manner that makes it like a funeral home breaks this practice and is not faithful to the tradition that we hold.

The element that takes place in the church should always be in the context of faith and worship, as this is the nature and purpose of each church.  It is a sign and symbol of the Lord's presence in the community, and the place where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.  This point is important for all those who use a church outside the celebration of the liturgy.

I am directing that in parishes where the practice of remains reposing in the church has not begun, that these parishes do not introduce the practice.  For parishes where it has occurred, I am directing that the practice be discontinued as and from February 9, 2026, and I am requesting the parish communities involved to look at other possibilities within the area for hosting this station of the funeral rites.  The use of Parish halls or other parish facilities is perfectly in order.

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In a parish church the Reception of Remains to a church should follow the Liturgy designed for this station and following this the community should come forward to offer their condolences.  It is imperative that those attending always acknowledge that the Blessed Sacrament is present and that this is a sacred place of worship.  Hence the importance that when the remains are placed in front of the Altar, the coffin remains closed.

The way we celebrate the funeral rituals is an important element both in our faith and in our culture.  I am requesting that these guidelines be followed, so as to ensure the dignity and respect for both those who have died and the place of worship.

In summary

The churches within the diocese are not to be used for the Reposing of Remains.

When the remains of a member of the faithful are received at the church, the appropriate liturgical text provided in the Funeral Ritual should be used.  When the remains are received in the church, placed before the altar, and kept overnight, the coffin should always be closed.

Funeral Directors

Funeral Directors play a vital role for families who have been bereaved.  The support and direction they offer families is greatly appreciated by all involved.  It is important that they keep in close contact with the priest conducting the funeral liturgy and that they are available to give guidance and direction to families and mourners both inside and outside the church in consultation with the priest concerned.

There is no question that the demand for reposing in churches has come about not just because there is a lack of venue available but also because of the perceived high cost of the use of a funeral home by comparison.  Many families experience financial pressure in relation to funerals.  I respectfully request funeral directors to be conscious of this and accordingly to continue to offer their facilities at reasonable rates to bereaved families, and also to other funeral directors who may not have a funeral home, in a spirit of co-operation and good will.