Roman Catholic Funeral Rites

Movement of the casket

(Processional and Recessional) Feet first in and out of the church.

Order of Procession/recessional

1. Alter attendants 2. Clergy 3. Casket bearers 4. Casket 5. Family

Order of Hierarchy

1. Eucharistic Minister 2. Deacon 3. Priest 4. Monsignor 5. Bishop 6. Archbishop 7. Cardinal 8. Pope

Religious paraphernalia

1. Holy Water 2. Crucifix 3. Candles

Monsignor

A honorary title conferred upon a Priest. Been there a long time.

Crucifix

A religious emblem consisting of two plain bars that intersect at right angles to each other.

Cross

A religious emblem consisting of two plain bars which intersect at right angles to each other.

Use of the Pall or alternatives

All are equal in God's eyes. Remove the flag before placing the pall.

INRI

An abbreviation for the Latin term meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jews".

Corpus Christi

From the Latin meaning "The body of Christ".

Service

In the Roman Catholic faith, a prayer or scripture service usually held at the funeral home the evening before the Funeral Mass.

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. Prepares the soul for eternity. Last rites. Historically known as unction.

Last sacraments (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. Unction.

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.

Final Commendation

In the Roman Catholic faith, the ending portion of the Funeral Mass.

Eucharistic Minister

Lay person sanctioned to administer Holy Communion and other assigned tasks.

Archbishop

Leader of Archdiocese.

Bishop

Leader of multiple churches in a particular denomination; the head of a diocese.

Ecclesiastic

Of the church or clergy.

Crucifier

One who carries the crucifix/cross during an ecclesiastical procession.

Prayers

Prayers recited in order at a Rosary or Vigil Service.

Placement of religious symbols

Rosary beads Crucifix

Epistle side

That side of the chancel containing the lectern, from which the Old Testament and Epistle lessons are read. Facing the front of the church it's General Electric or GE (gospel, epistle).

Mass

The liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church.

Requiem Candles

Three candles placed on each side of the casket in front of the altar.

Inscriptions

1. INRI 2. IHS

Paschal candle

In the Roman Catholic faith, a candle placed near the casket during the funeral mass that signifies the everlasting light of Christ (Easter candle).

Diocese

In the Roman Catholic faith, a geographical grouping of parishes under the jurisdiction of a Bishop.

Pope

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, and the Bishop of Rome. Must be cardinal before becoming Pope. Located in the Vatican (smallest country in the world).

Funeral Liturgy

The name of the Funeral service in the Roman Catholic church. (Formerly called the Funeral Mass, or Mass of Christian Burial).

Nave

The seating section of the main body of the church: (one of two main bodies of the church, the other being the chancel).

Narthex

The vestibule: entryway to the church.

The Funeral Liturgy (Funeral Mass)

1. Blessing the casket 2. Use of the Pall or alternatives 3. Movement of the casket 4. Order of Procession/recessional 5. Casket placement

General Information regarding the Funeral Mass

1. Eligibility for adults: Must be an active member of the church. 2. Time and place. 3. Prohibited days: All saints day (Nov 1), Easter, Christmas and Good Friday. 4. Use of flowers: Varies, ask the priest. 5. Cremation and the position of the church: Starting to relax, but still dislike it. 6. Interment requirements: Consecrated ground. May be in mausoleum. Feet placed to East.

Casket placement

1. Laymen, Sisters, and Brothers: Feet towards the altar. 2. Priest and Deacons: Head towards the altar.

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.

Cardinal

A dignity conferred upon Bishops or Priests making them Princes of the church.

Paten

A dish or plate for the host during communion.

Spiritual Bouquet

A document indicating the offering of a Mass for a specific intention.

Tray for Mass card & Spiritual Bouquet Cards

A document indicating the offering of a Mass for a specific intention.

Prayer rail (prie dieu)

A kneeling rail.

Christian Burial Permit, Certificate/Priest lines:

A letter or form from a Priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for burial in a Roman Catholic Church

Mother Superior

A position held by a woman in charge of a convent of women.

The Roman Catholic Wake Service

A prayer or scripture service usually held at the funeral home the evening before the Funeral Mass. 1. Purpose 2. Forms a. Vigil or Rosary service b. Scripture service 3. Time 4. Location 5. Officiant

Sacred Heart

A religious picture, usually of Jesus Christ.

Vigil Lights

A set of two candles, one each at head and foot of the casket during visitation.

Deacon

A subordinate officer in a church.

Pall

A symbolic cloth placed over the casket. Not placed on casket at the same time as flag.

Sign of the Cross

A symbolic sign of the Cross, made with the right hand.

Priest

A title conferred by ordination.

Blessing the casket

After greeting and invocation casket blessed with Holy Water.

Nun (sister)

In the Roman Catholic Church faith, a woman who is a member of a religious order, especially one bound by vows of poverty, Chasity, and obedience.

Scapular

In the Roman Catholic faith, a piece of cloth or a medal having religious significance usually worn around the neck.

Wake Service

In the Roman Catholic faith, a prayer or scripture service usually held at funeral home the evening before the Funeral Mass. No prayer necessary - Vigil.

Special considerations for priest, nuns, and brothers.

Nun (sister)- In the Roman Catholic faith, a woman who is a member off a religious order, especially one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Brother - A man who is a member of a religious order without being ordained or while preparing for ordination.

Homily, sermon

Preaching the word of God by the clergy.

Genuflect

The act of bending the right knee as an indication of reverence or as an act of humility.

Eucharist

The consecrated elements of Holy Communion.

IHS

The first abbreviation for the Greek word for Jesus. Does Not mean "In His Service".

Celebrant

The officiant who celebrates the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.

Sanctuary

The part of the church surrounding the altar, inside the chancel; (this term may also be used to describe the area of the church where people sit for the services).

Communion Paten

A flat plate held under the chin at communion.

Candles

1. Vigil lights 2. Paschal candle

Rosary

Beads Prayers Service

Beads

Beads and a crucifix used as an aid in the recitation of prayers.