The funeral services and rites of the Catholic Church have seen certain changes since its early period. Cremation and the idea of body resurrection are only some examples. Traditionally, cremation was strictly prohibited unless it was necessary due to an infectious disease. Now we see several Catholics who prefer cremation over a traditional burial.
Catholics have three distinct rituals for funerals. The first is the vigil or wake, next is the mass, and then there's the burial. The wake is the time for mourners to give respect to the dead as they gather to show consolation to the family. It is sometimes held in a house, a church, or a funeral home.
The funeral service or mass, on the other hand, is normally led by one or more priests who wear black, white or violet vestments. The traditional requiem mass is similar to other Catholic masses aside from the fact that incense is not burned at the designated points, nor is the kiss of peace exchanged. Music is an essential part of Catholic funerals. During earlier times, secular songs were not openly accepted for a funeral service.
But today family members and officiating priests have the liberty to pick any song for the requiem mass, for as long as the song is inspiring and optimistic. Eulogy was not initially part of traditional Catholic funeral services; instead this was part of the vigil conducted before the service or during a gathering after the body was finally laid to rest. Today eulogy is allowed in some parishes for the mourners to give short recollections after the communion or before the closing rites.
The last part of Catholic funeral rites is the burial, which always takes place in the cemetery. There has been an increasing number of people opting for cremation, but many Catholics still prefer the burial of the body. A priest generally leads a short ceremony by the graveside before the dead is finally laid to rest. After the body has been buried, the mourners will then gather together and share a meal.
Catholics have three distinct rituals for funerals. The first is the vigil or wake, next is the mass, and then there's the burial. The wake is the time for mourners to give respect to the dead as they gather to show consolation to the family. It is sometimes held in a house, a church, or a funeral home.
The funeral service or mass, on the other hand, is normally led by one or more priests who wear black, white or violet vestments. The traditional requiem mass is similar to other Catholic masses aside from the fact that incense is not burned at the designated points, nor is the kiss of peace exchanged. Music is an essential part of Catholic funerals. During earlier times, secular songs were not openly accepted for a funeral service.
But today family members and officiating priests have the liberty to pick any song for the requiem mass, for as long as the song is inspiring and optimistic. Eulogy was not initially part of traditional Catholic funeral services; instead this was part of the vigil conducted before the service or during a gathering after the body was finally laid to rest. Today eulogy is allowed in some parishes for the mourners to give short recollections after the communion or before the closing rites.
The last part of Catholic funeral rites is the burial, which always takes place in the cemetery. There has been an increasing number of people opting for cremation, but many Catholics still prefer the burial of the body. A priest generally leads a short ceremony by the graveside before the dead is finally laid to rest. After the body has been buried, the mourners will then gather together and share a meal.
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Catholics may have varying preferences for funeral services. To learn more about different funeral options, visit our website today. Our funeral directors will be glad to address your concerns. (6533)
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