The Practices Of Catholic Funerals

The belief at a Catholic funeral is that the body of the deceased will resurrect and be united with the soul at the Last Judgement when Jesus comes again. If the body is saved it will be glorified. The deceased are treated with respect, it is not allowed to cremate the body.

As they maybe in Purgatory, the relationship with the dead does not end with their burial. The living ask them to pray for them. A priest is called initially and then the funeral home to prepare the body for Vigil, or the wake, and transportation to the church. A traditional Requiem Mass is planned and then the burial. After the services those who attended will gather to mourn together.

Taking place generally in the funeral home the vigil can also occur at the family home or church. It is a time to pray for the dead, remember them and console each other. Holy cards are often distributed with a saint on one side and on the other side is a prayer and the name of the deceased, their date of birth and Heavenly date of passing. The Vigil can last for hours or days; praying of the Rosary is customary saying the Fatima prayer.

Mirrors are covered or turned in some cultures when the Vigil is in the home. The casket is often open with candles at both ends, use of the person’s Baptismal candle should be used if available. Catholics kiss their departed goodbye and keep a lock of hair of other mementos which are placed on the family alter. These are used to pray for them. Flowers are always used as a symbol of transience as is a Crucifix and a Rosary is often placed in the deceased hands. Dress should be modest for attendees, black is traditional. There will be a book to sign-in.

The following day the Requiem Mass is said where the body is taken to the church and placed at the foot of the alter. After Clarington funeral mass the coffin is moved to the funeral home in Clarington cemetery for burial either in a mausoleum or in the ground. The grave and the body are blessed with holy water.