The Vigil, formerly called the wake, is the principal rite celebrated by the Christian community following
the death of a loved one before the funeral Mass. Most often in our area, the Vigil takes place in the funeral home. It is a time for friends, neighbors and members of the parish to show concern for the
family of the deceased by gathering for prayer.Pictures of the deceased loved one can be displayed, favorite songs can be played, and family and friends can offer words of remembrance. A priest, deacon,
or layperson may lead these prayers.
The Funeral Mass
At the funeral Mass, family and friends of the deceased gather to give thanks, to commend the deceased to God's tender mercy, and to console
one another. The family is encouraged to participate in the funeral liturgy in a number of ways. This participation invites all to express their sorrow in these religious rituals and to continue the mourning
process. To assist you with planning the Mass, Holy Name Parish has provided a Planning Sheet.
The Funeral Mass begins when the priest greets the family and others who have accompanied the coffin
at the door of the church. The priest sprinkles the coffin with holy water in remembrance of the deceased person's initiation and first acceptance into the community of faith.
The Funeral Pall
The
coffin is completely covered with a white funeral pall. This white cloth reminds us that the deceased was given the promise of eternal life at baptism. Now at death, he/she prepares to enter into eternal
life. Family or friends may place the pall on the casket.
If a sacred symbol (crucifix or bible) is to be placed on the coffin, it is carried in the procession and is placed of the coffin by a
family member, friend, or the priest.
The Liturgy of the Word
The Word of God brings hope and consolation. There are two or three readings from the Bible at the Funeral Mass. The
first reading is from the Old Testament and the second is from the New Testament. The Family is encouraged to choose the first two readings and the Psalm. Family or friends, if they are composed and able, are
invited to do these readings.
The cantor generally sings the Psalm between these two readings. The priest or deacon proclaims the Gospel, the third reading, taken from the New Testament and
preaches a homily based on the Scripture readings.
Offertory Gifts
Family members are invited to carry up the gifts of bread and wine. Some families invite children and grandchildren to
participate in the offertory procession.
Farewell/Remembrance
At the conclusion of the Mass, before leaving the church, a farewell prayer is said. It is permissible at this time for one
family member or friend to say a few words in remembrance of the deceased loved one. Kindly speak to the priest before the funeral.
We offer several suggestions for the speaker:
* Prepare and write out remarks in advance
* Keep remarks to 3 to 5 minutes
* Represent the entire family in the remarks (pronouns such as we and us are better than I, me, etc)
*Include references to faith, God, prayer, etc. in the life of the deceased loved one.
Music Selection
Music is an integral part of worship during funeral liturgies and can be most helpful in
grieving. Secular music is not appropriate for the Funeral Mass, but may be suitable for the Vigil Service, Committal or Reception following the Funeral.
The Rite of Committal
The funeral
rites conclude with the Rite of Committal, which is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. The Rite of Committal is an expression of the connection that exists
between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven: the deceased passes with the farewell prayers of the community of believers into the welcoming company of those who already see God face to face.
Generally, the Rite of Committal takes place at the grave.
Donations in memory of
Often family or friends wish to remember the person who has died by making a memorial contribution to Holy Name
Church. Please speak to a parish staff person and let the funeral director know if you would like to have this information included in the newspaper announcement. All donors will receive acknowledgements.
