Catholic Funeral Services

Many people who go to a Catholic funeral service for the first time will often point out just how beautiful it was. Catholic funeral rites are steeped in rituals and customs that are centuries old. While it may be possible to have arrangements at a funeral home, Catholic funerals are traditionally held inside of a Catholic House Of Worship. Most Catholic Funerals come to pass between 48 hours to just one week after death, but as a rule, happen within three days or so.

A Roman Catholic funeral can be described as a religious service arranged for someone of Catholic values who has passed away. The Catholic funeral is the perfect opportunity to appeal to God to be merciful to the departed person’s soul.

Catholic Funeral Etiquette

The feeling at a Catholic funeral is ordinarily somber and respectful, as a result, people should dress accordingly. Sending flowers is always appreciated, but pick out an arrangement that is considerate of a somber religious atmosphere (no stuffed animals or balloons). The bereaved at Catholic funerals oftentimes choose to wear smart fashion in dark-colored shades. A black or maybe dark-colored suit and tie for guys is traditional, and smart black dress or suit for a woman. A growing list of churches are ready to accept colorful dress limitations as well as other alternative selections, nevertheless, if in doubt, stay away from casual clothing such as jeans, sports clothes, hoodies, leggings, and slogan t-shirts. If black clothes are not available, attendees should concentrate on wearing the darkest semi-formal clothing they have. Although many women decide to wear hats, It is no longer necessary to do so. Guys should definitely not put on a hat while in the church.

Catholic funeral service includes a funeral mass, which symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. The service is usually led by a Catholic priest, who will deliver a sermon likely to feature commemorating snippets from the deceased’s time on Earth. Catholic funeral rites are not intended as “a celebration of life”, but a privileged opportunity to return to God their special gift of the departed, hoping to usher them into paradise with the help and support of our prayers. Friends and family who would like to say a small statement about their loved one should intend to do so at the wake or at a reception after the funeral, should there be one.

Is this your 1st time at a Catholic Funeral?

If this is your first time taking part in a Catholic funeral, in general as a non-Catholic feel free to use the same etiquette that would be adequate for any funeral. Catholic services tend to have more rites performed than your typical Christian funerals. There may also be hymns through the entire service. Unlike non-Catholic funerals, you may notice there is no eulogy. At some stage in particular elements of the service, the congregation will probably stand, for instance during hymns. For anyone who is physically able, go along with their conduct. During prayer it is often okay to bow your head or stay seated; even though some individuals kneel. More than anything else, it is with our prayers that our love is expressed for the departed after death. Prayer serves as an important function for the survivors who believe that the soul lives on after death to encourage forgiveness. A belief shared by all Christians dictates that your soul continues on in either Heaven or Hell, depending on how righteous a life you lived. Catholics however, believe in Purgatory as a third destination for the soul. Purgatory is a destination for souls who have committed forgivable sins during their lifetime who may eventually be accepted in Heaven.

Communion

During the Catholic funeral Mass be respectful and aware that during Mass the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (communion) will take place. Non-Catholic mourners are commonly welcome to partake of the procession, nonetheless will receive a blessing but not Holy Communion. As a non-Catholic, you're not typically going to take part in communion. Should you not wish to be a part of Holy Communion, just remain quietly seated until it is complete. During the course of the service, you will be able to follow along, participate in the singing of hymns, as well as stand or kneel anytime others do.

Bereaved friends and family many times may be expected to help to make lots of decisions concerning their loved one’s funeral. In many cases, family members may not really be fully prepared to do so. Many of us can easily get bogged down by the decisions that need to be made anytime a loved one dies. We all want to ensure our loved ones have a proper and dignified burial. In these circumstances, we sometimes will miss an opportunity to focus on the faith and hope Catholic funeral rites reveal.

Catholic Funeral Planning

Whenever possible, the Church recommends that the family members ought to be engaged in preparing for the funeral rites — from selections of text messages and readings as well as music and liturgical ministers. As you consider the funeral, keep in mind that planning a funeral is certainly not a responsibility, but a privilege. This could also be useful or maybe priceless in organizing some notes for our own personal funeral service in the future. Think of the ceremony as something special to the person who passed away not forgetting his close friends and family. It is a chance for everyone to consider and express the importance of the life that was lived. It is also a chance to say goodbye. Every segment covering the Catholic funeral rites should display these essential values and hopes. Your family may prefer to make decisions on some of these elements but not on others. You could leave a little or every bit of the decisions up to the parish staff as well. The most important element concerning Catholic funerals is the fact that they show the Christian hope in eternal life and the resurrection of the body on the last day.