6.11 the funeral rite

• what is a funeral?

  a ceremony to mourn a person who has died
• what do Catholics believe funerals reflect?

  the hope that the deceased person has been judged favourably by God and is now experiencing the eternal happiness of heaven
• what are the three stages of the funeral rites?

  • reception of the body
  • the funeral mass
  • the committal and burial or cremation
• what happens during the reception of the body and what does it mean?

  • the body is taken to church in its coffin : represents the deceased person being taken back to God
  • coffin is sprinkled with Holy Water : reminder or baptism , baptised into Christs death and now joins in with Christs resurrection
  • placed beside the lit paschal candle : the light of the risen Christ is shining on the person
• what happens during the funeral mass and what does it mean ?

  • priest holds a mass, often called a requiem Latin word for rest : centred around praying that the deceased person is now resting in the presence of God in heaven with all sins forgiven
  • reading of the mass focus is on the effects of Christs resurrection : Christs death and resurrection made life after death possible by opening up heaven to those who accept God
• What is the significance of sprinkling holy water over the coffin?

  It serves as a reminder of baptism
• What does the priest's act of waving smoke from burning incense over the coffin signify?

  It symbolizes returning the deceased to God
• What do the congregation say or sing during the blessing of the coffin?

  'May the angels lead you to paradise'
• What is the hope expressed for the deceased in the blessing?

  That they will enjoy eternal life in Heaven
• What is prayed for the mourners during the service?

  That they will meet the deceased in heaven
• What prayer is said during burial or cremation?

  The Lord's Prayer is recited
• What is done to the coffin during burial or cremation besides saying the Lord's Prayer?

  The coffin is sprinkled with Holy Water
• What prayers are said for the deceased's eternal happiness?

  Prayers for their happiness with God
• What does it mean that the deceased was a child of God?

  They are hopefully returned to God's care