In special circumstances, such as the absence of the body of the deceased (because of cremation, burial elsewhere, etc.) or if those participating are not Catholic, the Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass may be a more suitable form of celebration. In this case the Rite of Committal at the cemetery may take place at a later time.
A deacon or lay person may preside at a Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass which may be chosen for a variety of reasons.
