Q: A parishioner’s unbaptized husband has committed suicide. What do I do for the funeral?
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A: I’m sorry to hear about the grief descending on that family and on your parish. The Catholic Church does permit funeral services for a catechumen and for a child who dies before baptism. If the man considered himself connected to the parish, you may proceed. I’d probably celebrate a funeral without mass and draw inspiration from the texts from the services for the unbaptized child. Any references to baptism – in words or symbols – would be omitted. God bless you for helping this family in a time of need.