When a Catholic dies it is possible to arrange a Funeral
(Requiem) Mass to be celebrated, If a Requiem Mass
is not requested, then a short funeral service can be celebrated in
the church, or at the crematorium or cemetery.
It is probably best in the first instance to arrange the funeral
through your undertaker. This is because it is necessary to
co-ordinate the availability of the priest, the Church (if
required) and the cemetery or crematorium.
The undertaker should be aware (but may need reminding!) that no
firm arrangements should be made for the funeral until he / she has
spoken to your priest. Especially in these days when priests are
fewer than they used to be, your priest may have other arrangements
which he cannot change for the time you would like the funeral, or
the Church may already be booked for something else.
In planning the service, bear in mind that secular music and
readings are not normally permitted in a Mass, and that the homily
is primarily an exposition of Catholic faith in the Resurrection
rather than a tribute to your loved one. If you wish someone to
speak briefly about the deceased, this is more appropriate after
Holy Communion, while secular music or readings should be left to
the service at the cemetery or crematorium.