funeral rites Flashcards
what’s a funeral rite?
a vigil service that takes place the night before the funeral on the church
describe the vigil of the deceased:
the day before the funeral the deceased is laid out in a coffin & visited by friends/ relatives.
there a service with songs, prayers and a homily from the priest.
describe the requiem mass:
includes the Liturgy of the Word & the Liturgy of the Eucharist
- receiving the Eucharist is important in this mass as it reminds us of the paschal mystery (Jesus’ death and resurrection).
- the eucharist reminds us that we are all united in the body of Christ and of our own death and resurrection.
describe the farewell:
includes a prayer of commendation at the end
people say goodbye & say a prayer of hope that they will be reunited in heaven.
- catholics ask for the saints’ intercession as they can still hear/ respond to prayers.
describe the funeral liturgy:
readings are chosen which focus on the mystery of death and the deceased person’s faith in Jesus.
aims of the funeral rite:
- communion with the deceased:
supporting the deceased on their journey into the next life with a prayer
catholics also try to forgive the deceased for any wrongdoing.
aims of the funeral rite:
- communion of the community:
catholics pray together and take part in the mass
Catholic’s join to support the family with their grieving process
they are reminded that the departed still remain part of the catholic community.
aims of the funeral rite:
- proclamation of eternal life
a reminder that death is not the end and there’s hope
promises life after death and eternal life
outline the 3 types of funeral celebration
The vigil of the deceased- happens the night before funeral( can be in the home or Church)
The funeral rite/requiem/funeral mass- reflection or celebration of the persons life( in the Church)
The rite of committal- the person is buried (in cemetery of crematorium)
