Each culture and religion has specific rituals when someone dies. However, if it is your first time attending a funeral for a particular religion, you may not know what to expect. If you’re attending a Catholic funeral service, below are a few different parts you should expect.

3 Aspects of Catholic Funeral Services

1. The Vigil

The vigil, or the wake, is the first rite after death and before the funeral. Family and friends can have it at a funeral home, the deceased’s house, or a church. There is typically a proclamation of the Word of God as well as other readings, prayers, and blessings, and some include eulogies from close family and friends. The intention is to remember and commemorate the deceased in the presence of God.

2. The Mass

This is the funeral liturgy, and it is the central ritual for Catholics after a death. The service takes place in a church where friends and family seek strength as they praise God and commend the lost loved one to His mercy. First, the rite of reception begins, which includes greeting the family and sprinkling the coffin with holy water. Then, a priest places a white sheet—known as a pall—over the coffin as a symbol of baptism. The procession of the family and clergy into the church then begins.

The Liturgy of the Word occurs after an opening prayer and includes readings from the Old and New Testament and a Responsorial Psalm. Funeral directors and religious leaders can help the family choose the readings and psalms; however, the readers must be practicing Catholics.

In traditional funeral services, there is homily instead of a eulogy where the homilist discusses God’s love and compassion. The intention is to provide solace and strength during a difficult time. After, the Liturgy of Eucharist takes place, which includes bringing gifts to the altar and the community partaking in Communion.

The conclusion is the final commendation, which offers goodbye to family and friends. The body is sprinkled with holy water and incense, representing eternal life and respect for the mortal form as the temple for the Holy Spirit.

3.  Burial

After the Mass, the procession to the place of committal begins. The Rite of Committal happens at the burial site, usually at the open grave or in a mausoleum. This portion of the ritual is the last step for the community to express their farewell as they commit the body to its resting place.

If you are planning a Catholic funeral service in Licking County, contact Henderson-VanAtta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service. Since 1884, the location has been offering compassionate funeral arrangements for any culture and background. Located in Newark, OH, their professional funeral directors provide grieving families with personalized guidance during difficult times. For an appointment to discuss funeral and memorial service options, call (740) 345-9864. Visit the website for information on designing your funeral.