The Catholic funeral rite

Question 1

what is a Committal?

Answer 1

the burial of a dead body

Question 2

what is a Eulogy?

Answer 2

a speech in praise of a dead person

Question 3

what is a Requiem mass?

Answer 3

the funeral mass

Question 4

what is a Vigil?

Answer 4

a period of devotional staying awake on the eve of a religious festival/funeral

Question 5

what is a Vigil service?

Answer 5

takes place the night before the funeral in the church

Question 6

what is the Funeral liturgy?

Answer 6

when the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion

Question 7

what is the Rite of Committal?

Answer 7

takes place at the cemetery when there are scripture readings about resurrection, prayers of farewell and commendation

Question 8

why is the funeral rite important for Catholics?

Answer 8

• reminds them of the Church’s faith that the Paschal mystery means that Catholic Christians will have eternal life
• proclaims the message of eternal life to the community
• gives people a chance to celebrate the deceased’s life

Question 9

what is a Source of wisdom about the Catholic funeral rite?

Answer 9

The Catechism says that ‘by the Requiem Mass, the family of the deceased learn to live in communion with the one who has fallen asleep in the Lord.’