A Catholic funeral service, in its fullest form, has three main stages to a Catholic funeral: The Reception of the Body or Prayer Vigil, usually the evening before the funeral, a funeral Mass or a funeral service without Mass, and the committal which takes place at the cemetery or crematorium. Not every Catholic funeral follows this pattern but it will incorporate elements for each of the three stages.
Here are some of those things that you should take note about a Roman Catholic funeral service.
1. Reception of the body
For the Reception of the Body, also called the Prayer Vigil, the coffin is taken into the church on the eve of the funeral and people gather together to pray. It is traditional in many cultures but there are good reasons why any Catholic family might want to have the service. Mourners often pray the Rosary around the coffin. There may be music, readings and the sharing of memories of the person who has died.
2. The Church funeral – with or without Mass
The Church encourages Catholics to have a funeral Mass, also known as a Requiem Mass because it includes Holy Communion. It therefore has at its heart the commemoration of Christ’s death and resurrection. If the person who has died was a practising Catholic, it is likely they would have wanted a funeral Mass in their parish church. In some Catholic funeral packages, funerals are celebrated at a regular weekday Mass and are part of the life of the parish.
3. The consolation of a Catholic funeral
Even if you are distant from the Church, a funeral Mass can be very consoling. It was said that those who have never been to a Mass are often deeply moved by it. You may, nevertheless, prefer a funeral without Mass at the church especially if very few Catholics are likely to attend. The proper name for this service is a ‘Funeral Outside Mass’ and there is usually no Holy Communion.
4. Music and remembering in Catholic funerals
There are plenty of opportunities for hymns and church music at a Catholic funeral. It is a good idea to choose hymns that everyone will know. Parish musicians and/or the organist should be able to help you.
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Resource:
https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/humor/stages-catholic-funeral-service-you-should-know-about
