ROMAN CATHOLIC FUNERAL RITES

Prayer cards

A card with the name of the decedent and a prayer or verse on one side and a photo on the other side, which may or may not include the dates of birth and death.

Crucifix

A cross with a figure or image representing the body of Christ (Corpus Christi) on it. Is placed behind the foot panel of the casket.

Mass Card

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

Spiritual Bouquet Card

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

Diocese

A geographical grouping of parishes under the jurisdiction of a bishop.

Prayer rail (prie dieu)

A kneeling rail. Is placed in front of the casket.

Scapular (amice)

A piece of cloth or a medal with religious significance usually worn around the neck.

Rosary service (Wake or Vigil service)

A public prayer, focusing on the proclamation of God's Word. It may be said in the funeral home, residence or church, depending on where the visitation is taking place.

Sacrament of the Sick

A sacrament given to those seriously ill or in danger of death to prepare their soul for eternity.

Sing of the Cross

A sign made with the right hand touching the forehead, breast, left and right shoulder successively.

Pall

A symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket in the vestibule of the Church, signifying that in the eyes of God all people are created equal.

Rosary beads

Beads and a crucifix used as an aid in the recitation of prayers. Most commonly used and are placed in the hands of of the deceased.

Eucharist

Body and blood of Christ (consecrated elements of holy communion).

Christian Burial

Certificate-Permit (Priestly Lines) -A letter or form from a priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for funeral rites according to the laws of the Church.

Order of Clerical Hierarchy(listed from lowest to highest)

EUCHARIST MINISTER-Layperson who administers Holy Communion, DEACON-A member of the clerical order(clergy) just below a Priest, PRIEST-One ordained to carry out the works of the Church , subordinate to the bishop. Addressed as "FATHER", Monsignor-A honorary title conferred upon a priest, BISHOP-The head of a territorial unit of the church, ARCHBISHOP-The head of the archdiocese, CARDINAL-A dignity conferred upon Bishops or Priests making them princes of the Church, POPE-The head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome.

Religious Pharaphernalia

HOLY WATER-consecrated (blessed water), CRUCIFIX-A cross with a figure of image representing the body of Christ (Corpus Chrisiti) on it, CANDLES:Vigil lights and Paschal candle-Vigil lights: A set of two candles, one placed at the head of the casket and one placed at the foot of the casket during the visitation period in the home or funeral home, Paschal candle:A candle near the casket during the Funeral Mass that signifies the everlasting light of Christ, PRIE DIEU-A kneeling rail, TRAY for MASS CARDS and SPIRITUAL- BOUQUET CARD-Head end of casket. To left of vigil light and family floral tribute, includes blank Mass Cards

Wake service/Vigil service

Historically a watch kept over the deceased; an all night vigil.

Inscriptions: INRI (Latin) and IHS (Greek)

INRI-An abbreviation for Latin term meaning"Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jews". IHS-The first three letters in the Greek word for Jesus.

Crucifer

One who carries the Crucifix in religious processions.

Preservice Considerations

PRIESTS-Many priests want participate in the decision making process for the date, time and location of the funeral service, may lead Wake, the time should be set only after direct communications have been made with the priest, the priest is free to substitute various scripture readings where circumstances indicate a different reading would be more timely,

Roman Catholic Wake Service

PURPOSE-to provide the community the opportunity to share w/family a series or prayers. Meant to offer a time of reflection on the meaning of life,death,and eternal life. FORMS: (see above) Vigil Service, Rosary Service,Scripture Service, TIME-should be set only after direct communications have been made with the priest. Service normally scheduled by the family, and approved by the church during the funeral arrangements conference,

Rosary prayers

Prayers said recited in order at a Rosary or Vigil Service.

Placement of Religious symbols

Rosary Beads- most commonly used, usually placed in deceased's hands. A crucifix,sacred heart or other objects of religious significance may be placed in the head panel, foot panel, on or near the casket

General information regarding Catholic Funerals

Sacrament of the Sick, Funeral Liturgy (Funeral Mass), Sign of the cross, Order of Clerical Hierarchy (lowest to highest): Eucharist Minister, Deacon, Priest, Monsignor, Bishop, Archbishop, Cardinal, Pope, Inscriptions: INRI(Latin) and IHS (Greek)

Sanctuary

That part of the chancel containing the altar.

Genuflect

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

Final Commendation

The ending portion of the funeral Mass.

Funeral Liturgy/Funeral Mass

The name of the funeral service in the Roman Catholic Church. Formerly:the Funeral Mass or Mass of Christian Burial

Celebrant

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

General information re:The Funeral Mass

Eligibiity for adults, time and place, Prohibited days,use of flowers, Cremation and the position of the church-In 1963 the Church issued an instruction on cremation allowing some latitude under certain conditions, for Catholics requesting their bodies be cremated. The Church no longer prohibits cremation as long as cremation is not chosen out of any anti-christian motive or antagonism. Cremation is allowed but with exceptions as to how cremation will fit into the SCHEME of the Catholic Funeral Liturgy. Structure of Roman Catholic liturgy and long-standing tradition honoring the body of deceased, the Church presumes cremation is a process that takes place after funeral mass and final commendation, an alternate option to burial or entombment. SCHEME(Order of Christian Funerals)-1.Wake service (w/body present) 2.Funeral Mass (w/body present) 3. Final Commendation to take place at: a. Cemetery for earth burial b. Mausoleum for entombment c. Cemetery for Cremation d. Church for cremation e. Cemetery chapel for cremation 4. Remains (cremains/ashes) are to be buried or entombed in consecrated ground or a columbarium. Under NO circumstances are to be left w/funeral home director or crematory, taken home or scattered. Given dignity of Christian Burial. Practice of cremation before funeralization, the Mass is Discouraged. NOT PERMITTED to bring the ashes to Church for the funeral mass. CREMATION is an exception to the normal practice of Christian Burial. POST Cremation Memorial Masses are an exception to the rule and NOT to be confused or seen as a substitute for a Mass of Christian Burial.