Chapter 5: Roman Catholic Funeral Rites & Customs
Prayer Card
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.
crucfix
A cross with a figure or image representing the body of Christ (Corpus)
Diocese
A geographical grouping of parishes under the jurisdiction of a bishop.
Christian Burial Certificate (Christian Burial Permit, Priest Lines)
A letter of form from a priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for burial in a Roman Catholic cemetery
Vigil (Vigil Service)
A prayer or scripture service usually held at the funeral home the evening before the funeral.
Rosary Prayers
A series of prayers in the Roman Catholic faith.
Deacon
A subordinate officer in a Christian church.
Sign of the Cross
A symbolic sign of the Cross, made with the right hand.
Wake
Historically a watch kept over the deceased; an all night vigil.
Cardinal
In the Roman Catholic faith, Bishops who have the right to participate in a Papal election
Paschal Candle
In the Roman Catholic faith, a candle placed near the casket during the Funeral Mass that signifies the everlasting light of Christ.
Brother
In the Roman Catholic faith, a man who is a member of a religious order without being ordained or while preparing for ordination.
Scapular
In the Roman Catholic faith, a piece of cloth or a medal having religious significance usually worn around the neck
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.
Nun (Sister)
In the Roman Catholic faith, a woman who is a member of a religious order, especially one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Final Commendation
In the Roman Catholic faith, the ending portion of the Funeral Mass.
archbishop
In the Roman Catholic faith, the head of an archdiocese.
Funeral Liturgy (Funeral Mass)
Name of the funeral service in the Roman Catholic Church; formerly called the Mass of Christian Burial.
Crucifer (cross bearer)
One who carriers the crucifix/cross during an ecclesiastical procession
Vestments
Ritual garments worn by the clergy.
Committal Service
That portion of the funeral which is conducted at the place of disposition.
genuflect
The act of bending the knees as an indication of reverence or as an act of humility
Eucharist
The consecrated elements of Holy Communion.
Pope
The head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome.
Mass
The liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church.
Recession/Recessional
The movement, in an orderly fashion, at the end of a service.
reverend
Title used to address member of the clergy.
Celebrant
a person who designs and officiates a personalized ceremony or rite; the officiant who celebrates the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.
Rosary Service
a service at which rosary prayers are recited
Kneeler (Prayer Rail, Prie Dieu)
a small bench placed in front of the casket or urn to allow a person to kneel for prayer.
Pall
a symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket
priest
a title conferred to clergy upon ordination in various religions
acolyte
an altar attendant
Monsignor
an honorary title conferred upon a Roman Catholic priest.
eulogy
an oration praising an individual, usually after death
layperson
an ordinary person; one without special training in a profession or occupation; as used in religion, a person that is not ordained
Vigil Lights
in the Roman Catholic faith, a set of two candles that may be placed one at the head and one at the foot of the casket during the visitation period.
Eucharist 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
Mass Card
of the written request for a Mass for a specific intention.
Procession/Processional
the movement, in an orderly fashion, at the beginning of a service
Holy water
water blessed by a priest
