Catholic Training A session designed to give staff an understanding of the practices and procedures commonly used within Catholic funeral services, and to make them aware of factors that need to be considered when arranging / conducting funeral services within the Catholic Church. By Tim Horlock & Ian De Blaquiere

Terms and Explanations Terms and Explanations Committal: The final segment of a funeral service, including certain usage of words (eg. Ashes to ashes…) which “commit the deceased’s body to it’s final resting place”, after which the curtain in the chapel is closed or the coffin is lowered into an open grave.

Terms and Explanations (Continued) Crucifix: A cross with the crucified body of Christ, usually fastened to the lid of the coffin. This is sometimes retained by the family. Genuflect: The custom of bending on one knee (right knee) in order to bow in reverence before the Blessed Sacrament.

Terms and Explanations (Continued) Terms and Explanations (Continued) Holy Water: Consecrated (Blessed) water used by clergy during a funeral service. It is a symbol of baptism. Homily: Words of comfort and encouragement offered by the priest to the mourners. Lectern: The stand from which readings / Prayers of the Faithful are done.

Terms and Explanations (Continued) Lord’s Prayer: The Our Father Mass: A church service involving a set procedure of rituals, prayers and bible readings (liturgy) and which includes Holy Communion (Eucharist). Pall: A white cloth or stole placed on the coffin during Mass. It is a symbol of Baptism.

Terms and Explanations (Continued) Paschal (Easter) Candle: A large candle usually placed on a tall candle stand positioned near the coffin. Priest: Name given to an ordained clergyman. - Diocesan Priest - Diocesan Priest - Religious Priest - Religious Priest Rosary Beads: A string of beads for keeping count of the repeat sequence of devotional prayers.

Terms and Explanations (Continued) Terms and Explanations (Continued) Sacristy: Small room where the sacred vessels and vestments are kept. Sanctuary Lamp: A lamp / light to indicate the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the Church. Tabernacle: An ornamental receptacle for the reserved Eucharist (Blessed Sacrament).

Terms and Explanations (Continued) Terms and Explanations (Continued) Thurible: A Vessel (usually made of brass) attached to a chain, used to contain hot charcoal and incense, which is swung over and around the coffin by a priest to bless the coffin.

Components of the Mass 1. Introductory Rite 2. Liturgy of the Word 3. Liturgy of the Eucharist 4. Communion Rite 5. Concluding Rite

Outline of Requiem Mass Outline of Requiem Mass Introductory Rite We begin with a song as we gather. The priest and other ministers (if applicable) process through the church to the altar.

Outline of Requiem Mass (Continued) The main components of the Introductory Rite are: Sign of the Cross Sign of the Cross Welcome & Introduction Welcome & Introduction - Sprinkling with Holy Water - Sprinkling with Holy Water - Lighting of Paschal Candle - Lighting of Paschal Candle - Placing of Symbols - Placing of Symbols Opening Prayer Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Word During the Liturgy of the Word we listen During the Liturgy of the Word we listen to God’s word, proclaimed from the to God’s word, proclaimed from the Scriptures. Scriptures.

Liturgy of the Word (Continued) The main components of the Liturgy of the Word are: Reading (s) Reading (s) Responsorial Psalm ( Sung ) Responsorial Psalm ( Sung ) Gospel Gospel Homily Homily Prayers of the Faithful Prayers of the Faithful

Liturgy of the Eucharist Liturgy of the Eucharist During the Liturgy of the Eucharist the priest prays a special prayer of blessing and thanksgiving over the bread and wine which have been brought to the alter. During this prayer the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus.

Liturgy of the Eucharist (Continued) The main components of the Liturgy of the Eucharist are: Eucharist are: Offertory Procession Offertory Procession Preparation of the Gifts Preparation of the Gifts Preface & Prayer over the Gifts Preface & Prayer over the Gifts Eucharistic Prayer Eucharistic Prayer Communion Rite Communion Rite - Our Father - Our Father - Sign of Peace - Sign of Peace

Final Prayers and Committal Prayers of Commendation Prayers of Commendation - Sprinkling with Holy water - Incensing of coffin Funeral Prayers: Funeral Prayers: As above but without Communion As above but without Communion

Final Prayers And Committal (Continued) At the end of the celebration the priest blesses The people and dismisses them.

Other Issues Mass Times - website: - website: Mass Booklets Music – Organist / Singer Music – Organist / Singer Rosary – placing and leaving overnight Rosary – placing and leaving overnight Archdiocesan Guidelines Archdiocesan Guidelines

Italian Funerals Condolences: - Rosary - Cemetery Santini / Recordini / Cards Pass Family Home

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