Services
To a Catholic, having a proper funeral held in accordance with Canon Law is very important. While the Church has support groups to guide the bereaved family through this process, having an experienced Funeral Services Director to help ensure the funeral goes smoothly as planned is always helpful. A Roman Catholic funeral service seeks to offer the Mass for the benefit of the soul of the deceased and to offer condolence and comfort to the deceased’s family and urge the family to pray, along with the Church, for the departed soul.
What are Catholic beliefs about death?
Catholics believe in life after death. They believe that their actions during life determines whether a person’s soul goes directly to heaven or hell, or spends time in purgatory. In Catholic theology purgatory means that even someone who has repented for sins during their lifetime cannot go directly to heaven as immediately as someone who has never sinned. In the Middle Ages it was believed that ghosts were spirits of the dead who needed living people to help them fulfil their obligations before they were allowed to enter heaven. Many medieval ghost stories feature people compelled to complete tasks on behalf of the ghosts of people trapped in purgatory. In the 16th century the Protestant Reformation condemned this doctrine. Belief in purgatory is one of the major differences between Catholics and Protestants. Not all modern Catholics believe in purgatory themselves, but it is still an official doctrine of the Catholic Church. The belief in purgatory encouraged the development of traditions, such as prayers and vigils for the dead, which are reflected in current Roman Catholic funeral services.
The Role of the Priest in Roman Catholic Funeral Services
For Roman Catholic Funeral Services, the Priests will lead the Funeral Mass, and may also lead the funeral liturgy (service). If a priest is not available, deacons may lead the funeral liturgy. If a deacon is not available, a layperson with knowledge of the liturgy and traditions may lead the service. However, only a priest or a deacon may deliver the homily (sermon), which will also serve to remember the deceased by incorporating examples from the deceased’s life.
Funeral Rites for Roman Catholic Funeral services
The Funeral Rites for Roman Catholic Funeral services in the Order of Christian Funerals are a celebration of faith that enable loved ones to focus on the promise of everlasting life and the hope of Eternal Resurrection in Christ.
There are three distinct Rites.
1. Vigil and Visitation
The Vigil is a time for family and community members to gather in prayer and support, remembering the cherished life of the deceased. The service may include the recitation of the rosary and delivery of eulogies.
2. Funeral Liturgy
The Funeral Mass is the principle celebration of the Christian Funeral. Family and friends join to reaffirm that life has not ended. It is the memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and it is a reminder that we are one with Christ in Life, Death, and Resurrection.
3. Committal
The Committal is the final goodbye and interment of the body. Here family and friends gather to say their last goodbyes with the promise of Everlasting Life in Resurrection.
The purpose of each Rite is to guide family and friends through the process of loss, grief, and healing.
Common Practices at Roman Catholic Funeral Services
The Vigil (or Wake)
A vigil is a prayer ceremony where friends and family gather together to pay their respects to the deceased and his or her family. It may take place at a funeral home, a church, the family home, or some other location. Typical elements include prayers lead by a priest or appropriate layperson. Eulogies, memorials, singing of hymns or secular music, readings and poems may be incorporated as well.
Funeral Mass
The funeral Mass (Memorial Mass if no body is present) is held at the church. The remains are sprinkled with holy water and covered with a pall, symbolizing baptism, at the church entrance. Symbols of Christian faith, an open bible and a crucifix, may be placed on the casket when the procession reaches the front of the church. An urn of cremated remains may be carried in procession or placed on a table at the front of the church before the service begins. The Funeral Mass does not typically include eulogies though loved ones often participate in readings.
Some Catholic churches permit a less formal Mass that incorporates personal reflections, music performances, and non-traditional elements to honor the deceased.
Preparing for a Roman Catholic Funeral Service
Your priest will be able to help you with planning a Roman Catholic Funeral Service in Singapore. Additionally, a funeral director can assist you in organizing the wake. It is important to consider whether you prefer burial or cremation, as well as the location for the rite of committal. Death can be a painful topic to think about. However, making end-of-life plans in advance can give you a sense of relief that everything will be looked after when you’re gone. It also takes part of the emotional and organizational burden away from your loved ones.
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