Catholic Funeral Rites
There is a three-part complex to the Catholic Funeral Rites, in
which the Church bids farewell to the dead: the Vigil service, the Mass of
Christian Burial, and the Rite of Committal.
Vigil
service: The preferred term is the Vigil for the Deceased and it normally
takes place at the funeral home. The term “wake” was originally applied to
the all-night vigil kept before certain holidays, especially saint days.
The same sort of wake later developed around the death of a person. Often a
wake (or watch) period proceeded the funeral rites, allowing the mourners an
opportunity to visit the body of the deceased and offer their condolences to
the bereaved.
The Church now provides for a liturgical service, if desired,
during this wake period. It is the Vigil of the Deceased. The rite,
presided over by a priest, deacon or delegated lay minister generally
consists of: Introductory Rite, Liturgy of the Word, Intercessory Prayers,
Concluding Rite and Blessing. The Office of the Dead from the Liturgy of
the Hours is also recommended. The rosary, or a portion of it, may be
included as part of the service or it may be recited by the family at some
other time. The Vigil service is an ideal time for open sharing by those
present on their memories of the deceased.
Mass of Christian Burial: Termed the Mass of the Resurrection, the funeral
Mass reflects our principal belief in the resurrection and takes place at
the parish Church or the chapel at a Catholic cemetery (no Mass can be
offered at a mortuary or non-Catholic cemetery).
The liturgical color for funerals is white as it symbolizes resurrection and
new life. The ritual includes sprinkling the body with holy water and
covering the casket with the pall (white garment). The use of the holy
water and the white garment suggest that just as one is welcomed into God’s
family here on earth through the sacrament of baptism, one is welcomed into
God’s family in heaven through the Mass of Christian burial. The liturgy
concludes with the Final Commendation, where the body of the deceased is
reverenced with incense and final prayers are offered. It is not
appropriate that the casket by open as we celebrate the funeral Mass,
because the focus is on the resurrection and new life of the departed
person. The viewing of the deceased is best suited for the wake period,
including the vigil service.
Rite of Committal: This Rite may be presided
over by a priest, deacon or lay person. It is best celebrated in close
proximity to the actual burial place - grave, tomb or crematorium. This
Rite is intentionally brief, however, if this is the only Funeral Rite (no
vigil service or Funeral Mass), it may be expanded to include the Rite of
Final Commendation or additional readings, music, and prayers. |
