VIII Roman Catholic
Burial Customs
Roman Catholic Terminology
Acolyte-An Alter attendant
Alter-An elevated place or structure on which
sacrifices are offered or at which religious rites are
performed
• a table upon which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is offered
Archbishop-The head of an archdiocese
Archdiocese-A territory under the jurisdiction of
an archbishop
Bishop-Head of the diocese
Cardinal-Dignity conferred upon Bishops or
Priests making them princes of the Church (True
spiritual leaders of the Church)
Roman Catholic Terminology
Celebrant-One who celebrates or leads the mass
Christian Burial Certificate aka Christian Burial
Permit aka Priestly Lines aka Priest Letter
• A letter or form from a priest stating the eligibility of the
deceased for funeral rites according to the laws of the Roman
Catholic Church
Christian Wake-The prayer service for the
Christian wake is a service now often used instead
of the Rosary and/or Funeral Mass
• May be held in a location other than the church
Cross-an emblem of the church consisting of 2
plain bars and right angles to each other
Crucifix-A cross with a Corpus Christi
Roman Catholic Terminology
Crucifer-A person who carries a crucifix or cross in
the Roman Catholic Church
Deacon-A member of the clerical order (clergy)
just below a priest
Diocese-A geographical grouping of parishes under
the jurisdiction of a Bishop
Eucharist-The consecrated elements of Holy
Communion
Final Commendation aka Libera-The ending
portion of the Funeral Mass; i.e. “May the Angels
of Heaven lead you to paradise”
Roman Catholic Terminology
Funeral Mass aka Mass of Christian Burial-The
name of the Funeral Service in the Roman Catholic
Church
Funeral Mass for a Child-The term for a Catholic
Child’s Funeral
Genuflect-The act of bending the knee as an
indication of reverence or as an act of humility
Holy Water-Water blessed by a priest for use in
anointing the baptismal ceremonies
IHS-The first 3 letters in the Greek word for Jesus
INRI-An abbreviation for the Latin term meaning
“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”
Roman Catholic Terminology
 Mass-The liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in the
Roman Catholic Church
 Mass Card-A card on which a person requests the priest to
say a mass for the soul of the departed. (Put with Money in an
envelope; now it is called a Spiritual Bouquet envelope)
 Monsignor-An honorary title conferred upon a priest
 Nun or Sister-A woman who is a member of a religious order,
especially one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and
obedience
 Pall-A symbolic covering placed over the casket during the
funeral mass ; called putting on of Christ; means establishing
equality before God
 Parish-A geographical area over which a priest has
jurisdiction
Roman Catholic Terminology
Parishoners-People who belong to the Catholic
Church and belong to a particular Parish
Paschal Candle aka Sheperd’s Candle-A candle
placed near the casket during the funeral mass that
signifies the everlasting light of Christ; typically
white with symbols on it
Pope-The head of the Roman Catholic Church;
Bishop of Rome
Prie Dieu (Pra Du) aka Kneeler aka Prayer Rail-A
kneeling rail
Priest-A title conferred by ordination
Roman Catholic Terminology
Requiem Candles- The 3 candles which are placed
to the sides of the casket during the visitation and
Rosary services (Nor used by Funeral Homes very
often; now they only use the Paschal Candle)
• The Paschal Candle should replace the requiem candles
Ritual of Anointing aka Sacrament of the Sick aka
Sacrament of Extreme Unition aka Last Anointing
aka Last Rites aka Last Sacrament-A ritual
performed for those members of the Roman
Catholic Church who are near death or have just
died
Rosary Beads-Beads and a crucifix used as an aid
in the recitation of prayers
Roman Catholic Terminology
Rosary Prayers-Prayers recited in order at a
rosary or vigil service
Rosary Service aka Vigil Service-A prayer service
in the Roman Catholic faith usually held in the
funeral home some time prior to the Funeral Mass.
Sacred Heart-A religious picture, usually of Jesus
Christ
Scapular-A piece of cloth or a medal having
religious significance usually worn around the neck
Sign of the Cross-A symbolic sign of the cross made
with the hand
Roman Catholic Terminology
Spiritual Bouquet Cards-Documents similar to
mass cards, which indicate that the individual sill
say special prayers for the repose of the souls of the
deceased or a request that such prayer be said by a
priest or missionary
Superior -A position held by the women in charge
of the convent or order of nuns. (Mother Superior)
Vestments-Ritual garments worm by the clergy
• White is the preferable color for Funeral Mass
Vigil Candles-A set of 2 candles, one placed at the
head and one placed at the foot of the casket
during visitation
Roman Catholic Terminology
Wake-An all night vigil
• That period from death to the time of the funeral mass
Wake Service-A prayer or scripture service usually
held at the funeral home the evening before the
funeral mass
Roman Catholic Paraphernalia
Holy Water
Crucifix
Candles-Paschal or Vigil
Prie Dieu
Tray for Mass & Spiritual Bouquet Cards
Roman Catholic Hierarchy
Pope
Cardinal
Arch Bishop
Bishop
• Verbal Title-Bishop
• Written Title-The Most Reverend
Monsignor
• Verbal Title-Monsignor
• Written Title-The Reverend Monsignor
Priest
• Verbal Title-Father
• Written Title-The Reverend
Roman Catholic Customs
Notification of Clergy
• Not required by the church currently
• In the past, notification was required to administer the
sacrament of anointing the sick
Removal of Remains
• No restrictions upon the removal of the deceased layperson
• Restrictions may be enforced for Priests or Nuns
Preparation of Remains
• No restrictions for laymen
• Restrictions may be enforced for clergy and nuns
– For Nuns; Breasts and Genitalia must be covered up; same
for Priests
Roman Catholic Customs
Dressing and Casketing
• Layperson is dressed in clothing selected by the family
• A Priest or a nun will be dressed in vestments of the station in
the church
• Rosary beads are placed in the hands of the deceased
• Crucifix may be placed on the outside of the foot of the casket
and/or on the inside of the head panel
• Sacred heart may be placed in the inside head panel
Roman Catholic Pre Service
Considerations
Wake service is usually held at the funeral home
the night before the funeral mass
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Rosary prayers may be offered
Priest usually officiates
Flowers may be displayed in the visitation
Casket is usually open during visitation
Candles are placed near the casket
• Paschal, Vigil or Requium Candles
– Prie Dieu is placed in from of the casket
– Crucifix is placed behind the casket
– Place tray for mass cards
Catholic Funeral Mass
Catholics celebrate a Funeral Mass because it is a
glorious occasion to enter Heaven
NOT held on Sundays or on certain Holy Days
Family may meet at the Funeral Home for a final
prayer service prior to the Funeral Mass
Casket is covered with a Funeral Pall
• In the event a US Flag is on the casket, it should be removed
prior to placing the pall on the casket
Very few flowers are placed in the Catholic Church
• On certain Holy Days, no flowers are allowed in the Church
Family is usually seated on the right side facing the
alter
Catholic Funeral Mass
Funeral Director and Casketbearers carry the
casket into the Narthex (Entrance Way)
• Be certain to bring the church truck with you
Priest will meet the casket in the Narthex to give a
blessing over the casket
Pall is placed on the casket at this point by the
priest, may require the assistance of the Funeral
Director of Casketbearer
Friends may be seated in the church prior to the
arrival of the Cortege
Service is usually structured but may be altered by
the priest
Catholic Funeral Mass
Processional into the Church
• Crucifix
– Other Acolytes
• Priest aka Celebrant
– May include more than 1 Priest
• Funeral Director
• Casket and Casketbearers
• Funeral Director
• Family
• Friends
Funeral Directors “push and pull”
Catholic Funeral Mass
As the procession enter the church, each Catholic
will dip fingers into the Holy Water and make the
sign of the cross
As the family reaches the pew, each member will
genuflect while facing the crucifix in the front
• The act of placing the right knee on the ground in humility
Casket of the layperson, sister or brother who has
not yet been ordained will be processed into church
feet first
Casket of priest or clergy will be processed in head
first as if they were facing their congregation
All caskets should be placed perpendicular to the
alter
Catholic Funeral Mass
 At the conclusion of the mass, the Priest recites the Final
Commendation (Prayers, Sprinkle of Water, and Incense)
 Final Commendation is the Funeral Director’s cue that the
mass is nearly over, the Funeral Director should be in place at
this point in the Funeral.
 Final Commendation is a blessing of the casket which
includes incense and sprinkling of Holy Water
 Casket should be turned to move feet first (head first if Pope,
Cardinal, or Bishop)
 The recessional out of the church is in the same order as the
processional with all exiting feet first
 When the recessional reaches the Narthex, the pall is
removed by the priest, Funeral Director, or Casketbearers
Roman Catholic Customs
 Funeral Cortege
• Escort (Lead Car)
• Priest and Acolytes
• Honorary Casketbearers
• Active Casketbearers
• Casket Coach
– The Priest may choose to ride in the casket coach or
in the lead car
• Family
• Friends
Roman Catholic Customs
Committal Service
• The Priest will usually lead and may be flanked by acolytes with
crucifix, incense and/or Holy Water
Priest should stand at the head of the casket with
the casketbearers at the foot
Priest lines are required for burial in a Catholic
Cemetery
Cremation is allowed if the intention is not to deny
the resurrection of the body
IX. Church Architectures
Protestants: Methodists, Presbyterians,
Episcopalians and Lutherans
Two Types:
• Liturgical
• Non Liturgical
Liturgical Architecture
Liturgical Architecture
Traditional architecture is in the shape of a cross
Contains center aisle
Focal point is a cross or crucifix located on or near
the alter
Communion rail
Contains
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Pulpit
Lectern
Gospel Side
Epistle Side
Transepts
Parts of the Liturgical Church
 Gospel Side-Left side of the Church as you face the alter
 Epistle Side-Right side of the Church as you face the alter
 Transepts-The wings of the main part of the church, which
may serve as small chapels for baptisms, weddings, and even
small funeral services
 Narthex aka Lobby aka Vestibule aka Foyer-The entry way
into a church or Funeral Home
 Sanctuary-The part of the church about the alter inside the
chancel
 Chancel-Place about the alter of the church, usually enclosing
the clergy and other officials
 Nave-The main body of the church where seating is provided
Non Liturgical Architecture
Non Liturgical Architecture
Contains center seating with side aisles
Contains 1 center pulpit instead of a pulpit and a
lectern
Contains communion table instead of a rail
Usually contains choir loft and/or Baptistery
No prescribed focal point in the church
Nave
Narthex
i.e. Baptist
X. Protestant Funeral Rites
Broken into Liturgical and Non Liturgical
General Protestant Funeral Rites
Considerations
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Look at seating before you arrive
Know Custodial arrangements
Will church allow viewing of remains?
Where do we place flowers?
Recession-do they file by or does casket and family leave first
Honorariums
– Check with clergy
– Who do people make checks out to?
– Sometimes depends upon whether they’re church members
• Denominations-Will have own customs
• Denominations-An organized group of congregation with
similar religious beliefs
Protestant Funeral Cortege
Escort car aka Lead car
• Funeral Director and/or Clergy
Honorary Casketbearer
Active Casketbearer
Casket Coach
Family
• Nothing should be between family & casket coach
Friends
Protestant Funeral Rites
Liturgical Protestant Funeral Services aka
Eucharist Centered Worship-A prescribed order or
form of worship specific to a particular
denomination which will include Eucharist or Holy
Communication as its central element
• Uses rubrics-stated directions in prayer book for order of
service
• Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal
Non Liturgical Protestant Funeral Services aka
Scripture Centered Worship- A form or order of
worship which uses scriptures as its central
element
• Baptist
Liturgical Funeral Rites
Liturgical Funeral Rites
Lutheran-Synod-Branches of the Lutheran Church
Episcopal
• Bishop is the Chief Pastor
– Confers Holy Orders
• Priest aka Rector-Ministers to the People (Where the word
Rectory comes from)
• Deacon assists the Priest
Methodist
• Liturgical in Architecture
• Non Lit. in Service
Lutheran
Non Liturgical in Architecture
Lit. in Service
Liturgical Funeral Rites
Notification of Clergy
• Required for Episcopal funerals in the past, check with
Episcopal Priest
• Not required for Lutheran or other Liturgical Churches
Removal of Remains
• There are no religious restrictions
Preparation of Remains
• There are no religious restrictions
Liturgical Funeral Rites
Dressing and Casketing
• Layperson-Family chooses clothing
• Ecclesiastical aka Clergy-Use vestments and cleric collars
Pre Service Considerations
• Visitation is usually held the night before the funeral at funeral
home
– If visitation is held at the church prior to the service the
same day, the casket should lay in state in the Narthex until
the processional
• Check with clergy regarding the use and placement of flowers in
the church
– Episcopal church usually prohibits flowers in the church
Liturgical Funeral Rites
 Funeral Service
• Casket is usually closed and covered with a pall
• Casket is moved feet first
• Priest meets the casket as it enter the church
• The Casket is placed parallel to the alter
• Candelabrum may be used
– A candle holder designed to hold multiple candles
Liturgical Funeral Rites
 Processional
• Crucifer or Crossbearer
• Officiant usually wears Vestments
• Funeral Director
• Casket with Casketbearer flanking casket
• Funeral Director
• Family
Liturgical Funeral Rites
Order of Service
• Scripture and prayer form the lectern or the alter
• Musical selection from the lectern (Person sings from the
lectern)
• Eulogy or obituary from the pulpit
– Eulogy-An oration praising an individual after their
death
• Funeral Sermon from the pulpit
• Musical selection form the lectern
• Benediction from the lectern
• Optional: Communion
• Follow the Rubrics
Liturgical Funeral Rites
 Committal Service
• Commendation of the body to earth
– Priest sprinkles sand, earth of flower petals over
casket in the shape of a cross
• The Lord’s prayer
• Final prayer by the Priest
• Conclusion: Blessing from the Priest
Non Liturgical Funeral Rites
Non Liturgical Funeral Rites
Order of Service
• No set order
• Consult Clergy or Clergy preference form
• May include a recitation of the “Affirmation of Faith”
(Methodist or Presbyterian)
Committal Service
• Brief Service with Scripture and Prayer (23 Psalm)
• May include auxiliary service (Masonic Eastern Star)
Architecture
• Casket is Parallel in Church
Eastern Orthodox (Traditional)
Burial Rites
Eastern Orthodox (Traditional)
Burial Rites
Eastern Orthodox aka Greek Orthodox
Cantor-Singer which assists the priest in the Greek
Orthodox Funeral Rites
• Priest is the officiant of the Greek Orthodox Church
• Incense and Chanting are usually part fo the service
Icon-Holy picture usually mosaic or painted wood
Iconostasis-Partition that extends across the front
of the church separating the sanctuary from the
Solea
Solea-Open area before the alter
Eastern Orthodox (Traditional)
Burial Rites
Trisagion-3 short services or blessings that are part
of the Funeral Rite
• First service is the night before the funeral
• Second service is the day of the funeral before going to the
church
• Third is the committal service
No religious restrictions for the following:
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Notification
Removal
Preparation
Dressing & Casketing
Eastern Orthodox (Traditional)
Burial Rites
Pre Service Considerations
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Visitation-Priest will be present during the first viewing
Candles may flank each side of the casket
Icon may be placed near the casket
Orthodox cross may be placed near casket
No funerals on Sunday or certain religious holidays
Casket piece may be the only floral in the church
Casket placed in the Solea with feet toward the
alter
Candles may be placed at each end of the casket
Eastern Orthodox (Traditional)
Burial Rites
Last portion of funeral service is the Eulogy
Following Eulogy, casket is turned so that is is
parallel to the Iconostasis
Following the funeral, family and friends pass by
the casket and kiss the Icon
Priests make the sign of the cross on the chest of
the deceased with olive oil and sand
After the priest makes the cross on th deceased, the
casket is closed never to be opened again
Priest leads the recessional from church to the
casket coach
Eastern Orthodox (Traditional)
Burial Rites
Procession is the normal cortege
Committal Service (Brief)
• Readings
• Short Prayers
Suicide gets normal funeral service
Cremation is forbidden since it is the deliberate
destruction of the body
Church of Jesus Christ of Later
Day Saints
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints aka
Mormons
Started by Joseph Smith in 1830
Moved to Salt Lake City by Brigham Young in
1874
There are no religious restrictions for the
following:
• Notification of the death
• Transfer of the remains
• Preparation of deceased
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints
Casket is the choice of the family with no
restrictions
Dressing is the choice of the family if the deceased
had not gone through Temple Ordinances
If the deceased had gone through Temple
Ordinances, the deceased will wear clothing
provided by the church
Pre Service Considerations
• Members of the Mormon Church will not use tobacco, coffee,
tea or caffeinated soft drinks during visitation
• Service room should be plain with no religious objects
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints
Mormon Burial Clothing
• Male
– White Robe
– White Shirt
– White Tie
– White Socks
– White Moccasins
– White Cap
– External Green Apron
Female
-White Slip
-White Hose
-White Moccasins
-White Robe
-White Sash
-White Veil
-External Green Apron
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints
Funeral may be held at funeral home, cemetery or
ward (small, side chapel)
Funeral not held in Temple
Order of Service
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Prelude
Invocation
Eulogy/Obituary
Musical Selection
Speaker
Benediction
Postlude
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints
Procession is normal cortege
Committal Service (Brief)
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Prefer Earth Burial
Permit Entombment
Prohibit Cremation
Scripture then Prayer
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints
Ward-Local church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints under the guidance & direction of the
Bishops and 3 counselors
Stake-Geographic groupings of wards of the
church
Mission-Geographic grouping of staff’s of the
church
Bishop of the Ward is the officiant for the funeral
rite
At no time should the Bishop be offered an
honorarium
Church of the Christian Scientist
Church of the Christian Scientist
Burial Rites
Started by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866
Bible or Holy Scriptures: “Science & Health with
Keys to the Scriptures”
Church does not use ordained ministers instead
laypersons are used
Reader-One authorized to read the lesson and
scriptures in the Church of Christ Scientist faith
Prefer the Phrase “passed on” to died or death
Notification of Death
• Since they do not use physicians, medical examiner must be
notified to sign the death certificate
Church of the Christian Scientist
Burial Rites
No religious restrictions for the following:
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Removal
Preparation of the body
Dressing and Casketing
Pre Service Considerations
Procession
Funeral is not held at church and usually closed
casket
Church of the Christian Scientist
Burial Rites
Order of Service:
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Prayer
Music
Scripture Readings
Eulogy
Closing Prayer
Committal Service
• Lead by the Reader
Fraternal Burial Rites
Fraternal-Belonging to Brotherhood
Masonic Rites aka Free and Accepted Masons
• Master of the Lodge
• Deceased should have a lambskin apron
• Sprig of Evergreen-Everlasting Life
Order of Eastern Star
• Most Worthy Matron
• Female relatives of masons who are master degree mason or
higher
• 5 Carnations placed in Casket
– Red, Green, Blue, Yellow and White
US Burial Flag Uses
US Burial Flag Uses
Cover casket with the Flag
• Field of Blue should be over the heart of the deceased (Over left
shoulder)
Flag may have tri-fold over foot panel of casket
• Field of blue to the rear of the casket
Fold into triangle and place on the corner of casket
or in the head panel
Held waist high during committal service
Never lowered into the grave
Never touch the ground
US Burial Flag Uses
Never cover anything for an unveiling
Should be privately destroyed by burning
Ideal flag fold is 5 stars on one side and 6 on the
other
Each branch has their own details
Protocol officer will usually be involved to ensure
no breach of protocol
Military Burial Rites
Military Burial Rites
Military Procession
• Military Band
• Escort
– Firing Squad and Commander of the Firing Squad
– Bugler
• Colors and Color Guards
– US Flag & the Flag of the Branch of Service of the deceased
• Clergy
• Caisson (Military Wagon) with casketed remains on top
– Casketbearers flank casket (Caisson)
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Honorary Casketbearers
Family
Chaplain of Clergy
21 Gun Salute-May be 3 of 21 volleys
Taps
Military Burial Rites
Folding and Presenting of the US Flag to the family
Optional rites for high ranking officials
Fly over in missing man formation
Riderless horse with boots turned backward in
stirrups
American Legion Funeral Rites
American Legion Funeral Rite
Requires 21 people for the Full Funeral Rite
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Chaplain-Clerical Person
1 Bugler (Sometimes 2, one is an echo)
2 Color Bearers (Flag Bearers)
2 Color Guards
– Flags are called colors, 2 Flags: US and Am. Leg. Post
1 Post Commander
7 Honor Guard Firing Squad
1 Commander of Firing Squad
6 Pall Bearers or Casket Bearers
American Legion Funeral Rites
Procession
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Colors with Guards and Bearers
Chaplain, Commander of Post, Bugler-if in Procession
Casket Bearers
Firing Squad with Commander
Family
Post Members
Friends
American Legion Funeral Rites
Order (Following the words by the Chaplain)
• Firing Squad (Either 21 gun salute of 3 volleys by 7 gunmen)
• Taps
• Presentation of the Flag
Taps words:
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Day is Done
Gone the Sun
From the Lakes
From the Hills
From the Sky
All is well
Safely rest
God is nigh