Understanding Symbols In The Catholic Funeral Mass
Many of the symbols used during the funeral liturgy reflect the sacrament of Baptism—it is through Baptism that our loved one has already shared Christ’s death and Resurrection. At the Funeral Mass, we offer worship, praise and thanksgiving to God, we are strengthened by our belief in the Resurrection and find strength and consolation through our faith in God.
The Reception of the Deceased at the entrance to the church is a reminder that the church is the home of all Christians. At Baptism, we were received at the same door and the sprinkling of holy water at this time reminds us of the person’s Baptism and initiation into the community of faith.
The Placing of the Pall on the casket serves to remind us of the white garment received at Baptism and reminds us too that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
The Paschal Candle reminds us of Christ, the Light of the World, His victory over sin and death and of our share in that victory by virtue of our Baptism. The Paschal candle reminds us of the Easter vigil, the night when we await the Lord’s Resurrection and when new light for the living and the dead is kindled.
Incense is used during the final commendation at the Funeral Mass as a sign of honour to the body of the deceased, which through Baptism became the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is also a sign of our prayers for the deceased rising to our Lord and as a symbol of farewell.
The Cross that is usually placed in or on the casket is a reminder that we, as Christians, were marked with the cross in Baptism and through Jesus’ suffering on the cross, we are brought to His Resurrection.
White Vestments , the colour used through the Easter season of the Church are worn by the presiding priest as an expression of Christian joy. Purple or black may also be used.
The Readings, Prayers and Psalms proclaim to us the promise of eternal life, convey the hope of being gathered together again in God’s kingdom and support the witness of Christian life. Family members also have the choice of choosing the readings and the psalm appropriate for their loved one. During the Funeral Mass a total of three readings are recommended. Family or friends of the deceased are welcome to proclaim the first two readings while the priest or deacon proclaims the Gospel.
The Presentation of the Gifts is the ritual in which bread, wine and water are brought to the altar. Family members or friends of the deceased are invited to serve as gift bearers and in so doing serve as a reminder to all present of our commitment to become what we will soon share—the Body and Blood of Christ. Family members that are non-practicing Catholics can come up to the altar to receive a blessing at communion. (Place your right hand across and touch your shoulder)
The Final Commendation at the end of Mass expresses our farewell and shows honour to one of its members, a temple of the Holy Spirit, before the body is buried. At this time the celebrant incenses the deceased, as together we entrust our loved one to our Lord and profess that we will share the Resurrection with our loved one on the last day.
The Rite of Committal is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. It marks the physical separation of the deceased from the mourners. It may be celebrated at the grave, at a cemetery chapel, or a crematorium. Through this simple rite, the Church assists us as we complete our care of the deceased and lay the body to rest.
Used by permission
Catholic Cemeteries
Archdiocese of Vancouver
www.rccav.org
Frequently Asked Questions as Discussed With Father Cerlouie Jimenez
What are the correct liturgical terms to be used for printed material such as obituaries and memorial cards?
Funeral Mass followed by Mass of Christian Burial if the Interment is on the same day. If there is no Mass the proper terminology would be Funeral Service or Funeral Rites
Why is it important to have the Funeral Service at the Church rather than the Funeral Home? Why are prayers allowed to be at the Funeral Home?
Canon law #117 paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 instructs on the funeral mass being held in the church. Baptism as an infant starts at the House of Faith and the Funeral Mass signifies the end of the House of Faith.
Why is the casket covered with the Pall?
The Pall signifies the remembrance of white baptismal garments. Covering the casket avoids ostentation and shows equality before God in dignity. Pall is to be placed during the liturgy service after the blessing of the casket. Family can assist in the covering if desired.
Are there special considerations applicable to miscarriage or still born?
If the parents fully intended the child to be baptized a Funeral Mass is applicable.
Note: Amputated limbs are also to be interred in the area where the individual will be placed. Organ donation and donating body for science are encouraged with the proper/respectful handling of the body after the donation is complete.
If a family member is non-Catholic but would like to be involved in the service, is that allowed?
Liturical roles are performed by the presiding minister only. Family members may be pall Bearers. Family members are encouraged to take part in a reception service following the Funeral Mass.
Should a non-Catholic make the sign of the cross?
It is more appropriate to offer a ‘profound bow’ when in the sanctuary (middle aisle, facing the altar)
May a family personalize the Liturgical Funeral Mass with personal readings, favorite music or Eulogy of their loved one?
Scripture readings are set for the funeral liturgy and the priests can assist the family in selecting the first and second readings. Poems, quotations and unapproved translations of the bible should not be read during the funeral liturgy. Secular music is not allowed in funeral liturgies as hymns and songs are provided in the hymnals and are available from the local parish. Eulogies are not part of the funeral mass but may be part of the prayer vigil or reception. Requests and/or exceptions can be made to the presiding priest understanding that a Funeral Mass is a dignified and reverent celebration.
More Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Columbarium?
A Columbarium is a structure or building or an area in a structure of building that contains, as an integral part of the structure our building or a free standing sections, niches for the inurnment of cremated remains. **
What are Cremated remains?
Cremated remains are human bone fragments left after human remains are cremated.**
What is a crematorium?
A crematorium is a building or part of a building used for the purpose of cremating human remains and includes appliances and other equipment incidental or ancillary to that purpose. **
What is a disinterment?
Disinterment is the removal, for the purpose of permanent relocation, of a human remains, and (b) the container, or any of the remaining container, holding the human remains, from the lot in which the human remains are interred. **
What is an embalmer?
An embalmer is an individual who, prior to the disposition of human remains, engages in the disinfection, preservation, preparation or restoration of human remains. **
What is exhumation?
Exhumation is the exposure and removal of interred human remains for the purposes of viewing or examination. **
What is a funeral contract?
A funeral contract is a contract that provides for funeral services for (a) an infant who is stillborn, or (b) a person who is deceased at the time the contract is entered. **
Who is a funeral director?
A funeral director is an individual who, in the course of business, does any of the following: (a) negotiates or enters into a funeral contracts: (b) arranges, conducts or directs bereavement rites and ceremonies; (c) arranges for the interment of cremation of human remains; (d) transfers human remains or directs or supervises the transfer of human remains; € cares for or prepares human remains prior to disposition, other than the disinfecting, preservation or restoration of human remains. **
Who is a funeral provider?
A funeral provider is a person who carries on the business of providing funeral services. **
What are funeral services?
Funeral services are: (a) arrangements and services related to the interment or creation of human remains, (b) care and preparation of human remains for purposed related to paragraph (a), (c) bereavement rites and ceremonies, and (d) the supply of goods incidental to and as part of the arrangements, services, care, preparation and bereavement rites and ceremonies referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c), but does not include the sale of rights of interment for the disposition of human remains by interment of cremation. **
What is interment?
Interment is disposition by (a) burial of human remains or cremated remains, (b) entombment of human remains, or (c) inurnment of cremated remains. **
What is a mausoleum?
A mausoleum is a structure or building that contains: (a) interior or exterior crypts designed for the entombment of human remains, or (b) both interior or exterior crypts designed for the entombment of human remains and niches for the inurnment of cremated remains. **
What is a memorial?
A memorial is (a) a tombstone, monument, plaque or other marker on a grave or plot, or (b) an inscription or ornamentation on a crypt or niche front, used to identify a lot or memorialize a deceased person or stillborn child. **
What is a place in interment?
A place of interment is a cemetery, mausoleum or columbarium. **
Why should I preplan?
By making arrangements in advance, families can avoid confusion at the time of bereavement and assure themselves of cremation arrangements they desire, and at a price they wish to pay.
What is a pre-need cemetery or funeral services contract?
A preneed cemetery or funeral services contract is a contract that provides for cemetery or funeral services for one or A "pre-need cemetery or funeral services contract" is a contract that provides for cemetery or funeral services for one or more persons who are alive at the time the contract is entered into. **
Can a Catholic donate his/her body or organs?
Some families choose to donate their bodies or parts of bodies for medical research or to various types of "organ banks". This is an appropriate action but should be arranged for in advance. Upon eventual disposition of the body or its parts an appropriate burial should take place in keeping with the traditions of the Catholic Church.
What if I have a miscarriage, do you bury the fetus?
All life is sacred and the remains of fetuses and stillborns of Catholic parents should be given a reverent Christian burial.
Who is responsible for the Priest’s stipend?
The Priest’s stiped is the responsibility of the family andcan be arranged directly with your parish or through the funeral home of your choice.
Does the Church allow for Cremation?
Yes in 1963 the Catholic Church eliminated its prohibition against cremation. Although cremation represents a means of disposition preferred by many, it is not the 'final disposition' - burial is. Human cremated remains are still the body of the deceased - just in a different form. Thus, cremated remains should be treated with the same respect as the 'full' body is treated prior to cremation. Honouring and respecting the deceased by keeping their remains safe, undisturbed, and memorialized in a cemetery is a time-honoured tradition.
Why should Catholics be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?
A Catholic Cemetery is a ministry of the Catholic Church. It's only natural that those who share the same faith in life will wish to carry on that sense of community in death. When it comes to the issue of death, the sensibilities and needs of Catholics are unique and call for certain practices in the handling and care of the remains of the deceased. Therefore, in the blessed grounds consecrated by a Bishop, of a Catholic cemetery there are safeguards-mandated by the Church's Canon Law - which guarantee permanence, reverence and respect for the remains of the deceased.
**As Sourced from the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act (BC Law) http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/ October, 2013. Copyright (c) Queen’s Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Used by permission
Catholic Cemeteries
Archdiocese of Vancouver
www.rccav.org
Springfield Funeral Home
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the information in these pages is accurate and in accordance with the teachings of the Church and/or the customs and practices of the local church, specifically the Diocese of Nelson. Springfield Funeral Home does not represent or speak on behalf of the Diocese of Nelson. Please defer to the directive of the local ordinary or to the Pastor of the parish if there is a discrepancy of information contained in these pages. Local parishes may have their own traditions, requests and/or resources. We would appreciate to be notified of any errors, whether liturgical or grammatical in nature. Please send any such notices to contact@springfieldfuneralhome.com.
