Funeral Directing Roman Catholic
prayer cards
A card with the name of the decedent and a prayer or verse, which may or may not include the dates of birth and death.
rosary beads
A chain of adjoining beads and a crucifix used as an aid in the recitation of prayers.
Prayer rail (prie dieu/kneeler)
A kneeling rail where a mourner can kneel to pray and pay their respects to the deceased.
pope
Head of the Roman Catholic Church
paschal candle
In the Roman Catholic faith, a candle placed near the casket during the Funeral Mass that signifies the everlasting light of Christ.
diocese
In the Roman Catholic faith, a geographical grouping of parishes under the jurisdiction of a Bishop.
sacrament of the sick
In the Roman Catholic faith, a sacrament given to those seriously ill or in danger of death to prepare their souls for eternity.
final commendation
In the Roman Catholic faith, the ending portion of the Funeral Mass.
Hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church
Pope Cardinals Archbishops Bishops Priests
eucharist
The consecrated elements of Holy Communion.
crucifix
a cross with a figure or image representing the body of Christ on it
Christian burial certificate/permit
a letter or form from a priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for burial in a Roman Catholic Cemetery
celebrant
a person who designs and officiates a personalized ceremony or rite; the officiant who celebrates the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.
wake service/vigil service
a prayer or scripture service usually held at the funeral establishment the evening before the funeral
rosary service
a service at which rosary prayers are recited
deacon
a subordinate officer in a Christian church
pall
a symbolic cloth placed over the casket
sign of the cross
a symbolic sign of the cross, made with the right hand
priest
a title conferred to clergy upon ordination in various religions
monsignor
an honorary title conferred upon a Roman Catholic priest
scapular
in the Roman Catholic faith, a piece of cloth or medal having religious significance usually worn around the neck
vigil candles (vigil lights)
in the Roman Catholic faith, set of two candles that may be placed, one at the head and one at the foot of the casket, during the visitation period
archbishop
in the roman Catholic faith, the head of an archdiocese
Cardinal
in the roman catholic faith, bishops who have the right to participate in the papal election
Eucharistic minister
layperson sanctioned to administer Holy Communion and other assigned tasks
bishop
leader of multiple churches in a particular denomination; in the Roman Catholic faith, the head of a diocese; in the LDS faith, Bishop of the ward is leader of a single congregation
final liturgy (Final Mass)
name of the funeral service in the Roman Catholic Church; formerly called
mass cards
of the written request for a mass for a specific reason
crucifer
one who carries the crucifix/cross during an ecclesiastical procession
genuflect
the act of bending the right knee as an indication of reverence or as an act of humility
holy water
water blessed by a priest
