Bereavement

The Catholic Church recognises three specific funeral rites. The Vigil Service, sometimes called the Wake, is usually conducted in the family home of the loved one on the evening before the Funeral. Friends and family gather to pay their last respects for the deceased and to provide comfort and strength to the immediate family. Many individuals who cannot attend the Funeral will be present at this service. Though the service contains prayers, Scripture readings and liturgy, it is a more informal time where remembrances and eulogies are shared.

To be considered is the reception of the remains at the Church on the evening before the Funeral. The removal to the Church helps the beloved with the process of grieving and consolation of the love one reposing at the alter of The Lord, as the Faith Community prepare to celebrate the Funeral mass for the happily repose of our loved ones soul.

The Funeral contains more ritual, is held in the church. Under most circumstances, the body will be present during this service. The Funeral includes the Reception of the Body, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist (If not done on the evening before), and the Final Commendation.

The final service is the Rite of Committal, a brief tribute performed at the cemetery, often in either a chapel or at the grave site. The priest will read a meaningful passage of Scripture, make concluding remarks of comfort for the bereaved, present a statement of committal of the body back to the earth, and conclude with prayer.