Catholic Training
By Tim Horlock & Ian De Blaquiere
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.
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)
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
- Religious Priest
Rosary Beads: A string of beads for keeping
count of the repeat sequence of devotional
prayers.
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)
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
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
• Welcome & Introduction
- Sprinkling with Holy Water
- Lighting of Paschal Candle
- Placing of Symbols
• Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
During the Liturgy of the Word we listen
to God’s word, proclaimed from the
Scriptures.
Liturgy of the Word (Continued)
The main components of the Liturgy of the
Word are:
• Reading (s)
• Responsorial Psalm ( Sung )
• Gospel
• Homily
• Prayers of the Faithful
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:
• Offertory Procession
• Preparation of the Gifts
• Preface & Prayer over the Gifts
• Eucharistic Prayer
• Communion Rite
- Our Father
- Sign of Peace
Final Prayers and Committal
• Prayers of Commendation
- Sprinkling with Holy water
- Incensing of coffin
Funeral Prayers:
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: www.cam.org.au
Mass Booklets
Music – Organist / Singer
Rosary – placing and leaving overnight
Archdiocesan Guidelines
Italian Funerals
Condolences:
- Rosary
- Cemetery
Santini / Recordini / Cards
Pass Family Home
????? Any Questions ?????