Kaio: The big Catholic Church in DC also does a Latim mass each Sunday. I think it’s called “Basicila of the Immaculate Conception” or something.
It seems to vary from parish to parish, actually.
It’s mostly a matter of logistics rather than ritual. What is the most expeditious way to get these people from the pews to their cars without having them trample the coffin and family?
I think it’s called “The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception”. When I went there, everyone greeted me by saying “Welcome to our shrine.” First time I ever heard a Catholic Mass said by a priest with a Southern accent.
As for the OP, I went and asked a priest. He told me that funerals without a Mass are used in two situations: 1) either the deceased or the surviving spouse is not Catholic or 2) the family of the deceased expects that most of the people attending won’t be Catholic and don’t wish to make them feel uncomfortable. Since Catholics don’t give out Communion to non-Catholics that can sometimes be a touchy issue.
The priest told me that normally such services are performed at the funeral home, but you can use a church.
Effeciency would dictate that the parishoners remain inside and seated whlie the coffin is in motion - although there are many doors, the most direct for the coffin is not the most direct to the cars. Following the coffin in, especially, would have the mourneres bunched up on a narrow srtip of sidewalk.
I have limited experience with funerals - mostly only in my own parish. I’ve never seen the whole congregation follow the casket and out of the church, only fairly close family - at my grandfather’s funeral, his children, grandchilden (along with spouses) and great-grandchildren followed the casket in and out (at least those who weren’t honorary pallbearers)