Music And The Funeral Rite Flashcards
What is the significance of music in Christian worship?
Singing and music have been a part of Christian worship since the earliest days of the Church.
What are the first five responses used in Christian worship?
- Kyrie (Lord have mercy)
- Gloria (‘Glory be to God on high’)
- Credo (‘I believe in one God’)
- Sanctus (‘Holy, Holy, Holy’)
- Agnus Dei (‘Lamb of God’)
What is a hymn?
A hymn is a type of religious song, written for worship or prayer.
What themes are often found in Christian hymns?
- Special or seasonal themes
- Holy days such as Christmas and Easter
- Encouraging reverence for the Bible
- Celebrating Christian practices such as the Eucharist or baptism
What are hymns with a Christmas theme called?
Carols
What is the main form of Catholic worship?
The Mass
How is music incorporated into the Mass?
Most Masses include hymns at the beginning and end, during the offertory, and during communion.
How do hymns relate to the liturgical year?
Hymns are often based on the readings for the day or influenced by the liturgical year.
What is the Requiem Mass?
A modified version of the ordinary Mass, said at a Catholic funeral.
Who composed a famous Requiem Mass and what is its significance?
Gabriel Fauré composed a famous Requiem Mass that conveys Catholic beliefs about eternal life.
What is the focus of Fauré’s Requiem?
The hope that the dead will be in heaven, rather than fear of death.
What instruments does Fauré use in his Requiem to convey emotion?
- Harps
- Violins
- Angelic sopranos
True or False: Fauré’s Requiem focuses on sadness and fear.
False
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a prayer song or hymn, particularly from the Book of Psalms.
psalm
What does the term ‘Requiem’ mean?
It comes from the Latin word for rest and refers to a Mass for the dead.
Why might Catholics wish to sing the parts of the Mass instead of singing hymns?
To participate more fully in the liturgy.
Explain how Fauré’s Requiem expresses Christian belief about life after death.
It conveys a message of hope that the deceased are in eternal life with God.
What do Catholics believe about death?
Death is not the end; they look forward to eternal life with God in heaven.
What do mourners do at a Catholic funeral?
They pray for the deceased, entrusting them to God’s love.
What is the purpose of a Catholic funeral service?
It is a celebration of life and a time to thank God for the good times shared.
What is a Requiem Mass?
A form of liturgical worship that reflects the Catholic belief in praying for the deceased’s peace with God.
What does the term ‘Requiem’ mean in Latin?
‘Rest.’
What is done to the coffin upon arrival at the church?
It is sprinkled with holy water as a reminder of baptism.
Where is the coffin placed during the funeral?
Near the altar.
What items does the priest place on the coffin?
A book of the gospels and a crucifix.
What do the gospels signify at a Catholic funeral?
The deceased’s life dedicated to the teachings of Jesus.
What does the crucifix remind believers of?
The sign of the cross received in baptism and sharing in Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
What follows the Liturgy of the Word in a Requiem Mass?
The homily.
What is typically included in the homily?
A tribute to the deceased and the belief in eternal life for those who trust in God.
What are the two options for the final disposition of the body?
Burial or cremation.
What happens during a cremation service?
The coffin is taken to the crematorium for a short committal service.
What occurs during a burial?
The body is lowered into the grave, and prayers for the committal are said.
What do relatives and friends do at the grave?
They throw handfuls of earth into the grave.
What typically follows a funeral?
A reception where food and drink are served.
