Difference Between Christian and Roman Catholic Funeral Customs
If you are a Roman Catholic and planning to attend a Christian funeral service, you are probably wondering if it would be a completely new experience. Chances are you might be even nervous, and thinking of your inexperience might cause mishaps. Do not worry! This article will help you understand their difference so you would not embarrass yourself.
Eulogy
In Christian belief, they included this in the ceremony. But in Roman Catholic, they do this before or after the funeral mass. They considered eulogies as messages of the visitors for the remains.
Views on Cremation
Historically speaking, Roman Catholic did not support this funeral service practice. But as the world modernises, this practice becomes acceptable. Most of them only allow this if the body is still whole for the funeral mass, with cremation occurring afterwards.
On the other hand, Christian funeral service beliefs opt for cremation, especially if the burial cost is expensive. Sometimes, they scattered them on the ground or sea, while others placed them in the columbarium.
Viewing
Both Christian and Roman Catholic funeral service practice holding wakes or visitation. They believe that this helps to pay the last respect of their farewells. Usually, in Roman Catholic, this happens before or after the prayer vigil in the Church. While in Christian, this occurs before the funeral service.
Ministers and Priest
In Roman Catholic, either the priest or bishop always celebrates a funeral mass. This process consists of a series of communion, prayer, and absolutions. In every Christian funeral package, pastors or ministers are the ones who initiate this process. Unlike Roman Catholics, this has no absolution and process only consists of readings, eulogies, prayers, and singing.
Overall, death is one’s life inevitable. No one will know when it happens. So, when planning to attend either Roman Catholic or Christian funeral service, make sure to visit with respect.
If you are interested in non-religion funeral beliefs like Free Thinker, get in touch with Eternal Life. They know the difference and similarities between religion and non-religion funeral beliefs!
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