Discussing Some Ceremonies and Rituals Related To Catholic Funerals

by Zara Smith funeral service

Funerals and cremations and in fact, several other similar ceremonies have always been a very private thing for different communities and Catholics are no exception. It is because of this reason that not many people are aware of the traditions and rituals related to catholic funerals and they face the real trouble when they have to attend one such function. Therefore, we have come up with a post describing almost everything related to catholic funerals and the ceremonies that surround the main event.

Vigil Service (Wake)

• In this ceremony called vigil, the entire family as well as the relatives and friends keep watch and pray to the almighty lord and find strength in Jesus presence.

• They do this in accordance with the Orders Of Christian Funerals Number 56 and according to the experts; this vigil service usually takes place during the period of visitation or viewing at the home.

• According to the experts working at catholic cemeteries, this is actually the time to remember the life of the deceased.

• The same is also used to remember the good things about the person who has passed away and then, commend him/her to the god.

• In the prayer said in this ceremony, those attending the prayer ask the God to console them and give strength to stand tough in these hard times.

• Often it has been seen that the service of vigil can also be performed in the form of a service of the word with readings from sacred scriptures.

• This is often accompanied by reflections and prayers and most of them are also from different sacred scriptures belonging to the religion or belief.

• Other than this, it can also take the form of one of the prayers of the Office for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours.

• This means that the clergy of the funeral director appointed by you will assist you throughout the process as well as in planning of all other events that you have decided to organise.

• One more thing that takes place during this event is the eulogies that are often encouraged to be held at the time of visitation or right during the vigil ceremony.

Funeral Liturgy

• According to the experts working at catholic cemeteries and funeral homes, the final leturgy is basically the final or central liturgical celebration organised only in the Christian community.

• In case of a person passing away, the church has this role of encouraging the celebration of leturgy at the mass ceremony.

• In case, there is no provision of mass ceremony, this leturgy can also be celebrated without the mass in the church or the funeral home.

• If you have never been to this event, it is basically a ceremony where church gathers with the family that has suffered this loss to give praise and then, thank God for Jesus’ victory over sin and pain.

• Then, one more time, there is the process of commending deceased to the God and his mercy and compassion.

• This means that the act of liturgy can also be considered as an act of worship, and not merely an expression of grief.