What is a committal service?

• A. A ceremonial viewing of the body.
• B. A meal after service.
• C. A service that takes place at a funeral home.
• D. The part of the burial process where the body is lowered into the ground or cremated remains are buried or scattered.

Answer: (D)

A committal service is the final rite in the burial process, marking the act of committing the remains to their final resting place. It usually takes place at the cemetery or crematory, after the main funeral service, and centers on completing the disposition of the body or cremated remains. Typical elements include a brief prayer or readings, and the physical acts of lowering the casket into the grave or interring/disposing of cremated remains (whether burial, entombment, or scattering). This moment brings the ceremony to a close and signifies the community’s final farewell.

Ceremonial viewing is a visit with the body before the service, not part of the disposition. A meal after service is a repast, not a rite involving the remains. A service at a funeral home could be a separate service or memorial, but the committal itself specifically pertains to the final disposition at the burial site or crematory.