The Catholic funeral rite Flashcards
Catholic Christianity - Practices
what is a Committal?
the burial of a dead body
what is a Eulogy?
a speech in praise of a dead person
what is a Requiem mass?
the funeral mass
what is a Vigil?
a period of devotional staying awake on the eve of a religious festival/funeral
what is a Vigil service?
takes place the night before the funeral in the church
what is the Funeral liturgy?
when the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion
what is the Rite of Committal?
takes place at the cemetery when there are scripture readings about resurrection, prayers of farewell and commendation
why is the funeral rite important for Catholics?
- reminds them of the Church’s faith that the Paschal mystery means that Catholic Christians will have eternal life
- proclaims the message of eternal life to the community
- gives people a chance to celebrate the deceased’s life
what is a Source of wisdom about the Catholic funeral rite?
The Catechism says that ‘by the Requiem Mass, the family of the deceased learn to live in communion with the one who has fallen asleep in the Lord.’
