Roman Catholic Funeral Rite Chapter 4 Funeral Directing
Roman Catholic Funeral Mass
•After the funeral director exits the nave... -Bible readings, a homily said by the celebrant, and then possibly a eulogy by a family member or friend. -Next may be communion with the family and other members of the Roman Catholic faith participating -Following the sacrament, the celebrant will then say the Final Commendation, again blessing casket with Holy Water and incense. -When completed, the funeral director will then return for the recessional. -Funeral Directors should turn the casket to form the sign of the cross (this means communication with each other is key- knowing who is on what end of casket) pg. 68 -The recessional being the same order as the processional -When reaching the narthex, removing the pall and preparing for transport
Roman Catholic Funeral Rite
•Committal Service- no additional requirements for FD •Catholic Guidelines for cremation -Church prefers cremation to take place after the Funeral Mass and final commendation -Cremains must be buried or inurned (scattering and keeping cremains at home is strongly discouraged) -Belief is to give the dignity of a Christian burial. -If cremation happens prior to the service, the cremains should be present for the Funeral Mass
Roman Catholic Rites
•Notification of Clergy- No requirement of FD (simply make sure if the family has not notified that you do so to discuss funeral arrangements) •Removal of Remains-No requirements unless one of the clergy and then removal may be delayed to the special prayers •Preparation of Remains-No requirements of FD other than removal of jewelry if family permits •Dressing/Casketing of Remains-Laypersons dressed in clothes of family choice; members of clergy will be dressed in their robes and may be dressed by members of the church
Roman Catholic Funeral Rite
•Pre Service considerations -A catholic funeral is called a Funeral Mass -Some families may meet you at the funeral home before leaving for the church (make sure to communicate with family the day before) -This could possibly be the final viewing for the family. -Make sure in closing casket that the crucifix is placed on the top of the casket head panel - •Pre Service Considerations -The funeral director should know what is being used for a pall if the deceased was a veteran (flag or cloth pall). -Cloth pall is placed on casket in narthex, flowers are removed (speaking with Priest prior to service to see if we can place before they meet the casket or while they are performing greeting) -If flag is removed, it should be folded and placed accordingly
Roman Catholic Visitation Set Up
•Religious paraphernalia is needed for Visitation •Items needed are: -Crucifix -Sacred Heart -Rosary Beads -Vigil Lights (placed at the head and foot of the casket) -Prie dieu (a kneeling rail) placed in front of the casket (slightly to right of center)
Roman Catholic Funeral Mass
•The funeral begins when the casket is ready for transition into the nave (remembering the small ceremony for invocation in the narthex for the placing of the pall) •Noting the procession into the nave (pg 62-63) •Casket is placed at a right angle to the altar •Deceased laypersons and nuns are placed with feet toward the altar and paschal candle •Deceased priests are placed with head toward the altar (Some services or parts of services may be in Latin)
Roman Catholic
•The largest Christian organization in the world -Over a billion members world wide and 85 million in the US. •Foundation that Jesus Christ brought about salvation to the world •Jesus Christ developed the church to carry out HIS work and teaching
Roman Catholic Wake
•The term wake in this regard may sometimes be referred to as the Rosary service. •This normally happens the night before the Funeral Mass •This does NOT replace the Funeral Mass •This service can be held by the priest or a member of the church •This is meant as a time for devotion and prayer for the family and friends
