Funeral Directing: Glossary Flashcards
1
Q
Cards of recognition sent to friends for kindness shown to a deceased’s family
A
Acknowledgement cards
2
Q
An altar attendant
A
Acolyte
3
Q
A funeral rite that is adjusted to the needs and wants of those directly involved
A
Adaptive funeral rite
4
Q
A funeral which has been altered to suit the trends of the times
A
Adaptive funeral rite
5
Q
Those appropriate and helpful acts of counseling that come after the funeral
A
- Aftercare
- Post-funeral follow-up
6
Q
In the Islam faith, the name of God
A
Allah
7
Q
An elevated place or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious rites are performed
A
Altar
8
Q
In the Christian faith, a table on which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is offered
A
Altar
9
Q
An unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of fiberboard, pressed-wood, composition materials (with or without an outside covering) or like materials
A
Alternative container
10
Q
Certification/legislation of a document for international use under terms of the 1961 Hague Convention
A
Apostille
11
Q
In the Roman Catholic faith, the head of an archdiocese
A
Archbishop
12
Q
Hebrew word meaning container
A
Aron
13
Q
A casket made entirely of wood, containing no metal parts
A
Aron
14
Q
The meeting between the funeral director and the client family during which the funeral arrangements are discussed
A
Arrangements conference
15
Q
An imitation of grass made in mat form and used at the cemetery to cover the earth around the grave
A
Artificial grass
16
Q
Counseling with the family as they select the services and items of merchandise in completing arrangements for the funeral service of their choice when a death has occurred
A
At-need counseling
17
Q
Leader of multiple churches in a particular denomination
A
Bishop
18
Q
In the Roman Catholic faith, the head of a diocese
A
Bishop
19
Q
In the LDS (Mormon) church, leader of a single church
A
Bishop of the ward
20
Q
The name of a Buddhist priest
A
Bonze
21
Q
A term used in the Buddhist faith to describe a calendar that is used to determine an accurate time for casketing the body
A
Book of Dates
22
Q
In the Roman Catholic faith, a man who is a member of a religious order without being ordained or while preparing for ordination
A
Brother
23
Q
Relating to a social organization
A
Brotherhood
24
Q
A legal document, issued by a governmental agency, authorizing transportation and/or disposition of a dead human body
A
- Burial-transit permit
- Disposition permit
25
A portable shelter used to cover the grave area during the committal
* Canopy
* Cemetery tent
26
A religious singer who assists the clergy
Cantor
27
Assists the Rabbi in the Jewish faith
Cantor
28
Assists the priest in the Eastern Orthodox faith
Cantor
29
In the Roman Catholic faith, a dignity conferred upon Bishops making them Princes of the Church
Cardinal
30
May include, but are not limited to: cemetery or crematory services, pallbearers, public transportation, clergy honoraria, flowers, musicians or singers, nurses, obituary notices, gratuities, and death certificates
Cash advance
31
Sometimes called an accommodation or cash disbursement
Cash advance
32
One who actively bears or carries the casket during the funeral service and at the committal service
* Casketbearer
* Pallbearer
33
The officiant who celebrates the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church
Celebrant
34
An area of ground set aside and dedicated for the final disposition of dead human bodies
Cemetery
35
A legal copy of the original death certificate
Certified copy of a death certificate
36
The portion of the church surrounding the altar, usually enclosing the clergy
Chancel
37
Area behind the altar or communion rail
Chancel
38
A building or designated area of a building in which services are conducted
Chapel
39
A person chosen to conduct religious exercises for the military, the chapel of an institution or a fraternal organization
Chaplain
40
Hebrew phrase meaning "Holy Society"
Chevrah Kadisha
41
A group of men or women from the synagogue who care for the dead
Chevrah Kadisha
42
May be referred to by laymen as the "washers"
Chevrah Kadisha
43
In the past, took care of all funeral arrangements and preparation for Jewish funerals
Chevrah Kadisha
44
A letter or form from a priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for burial in a Roman Catholic Cemetery
* Christian burial certificate
* Christian burial permit
* Priest lines
45
A structure, room, or space in a mausoleum or other building containing niches or recesses used to hold cremated remains
Columbarium
46
That portion of the funeral that is conducted at the place of disposition of dead human bodies
Committal service
47
Any carrier required by law to convey passengers or freight without refusal if the approved fare or charge is paid (airline, train, etc)
Common carrier
48
Funeral observances that reflect present day (modern) influences in lieu of (or in addition to or as part of) the traditional ceremonies
Contemporary funeral rite
49
A public officer whose chief duty is to investigate questionable deaths
* Coroner
* Medical examiner
50
A historical reference for funeral procession
Cortege
51
A portable stretcher commonly employed in an ambulance or transfer vehicle for the moving of the sick, injured, or deceased
Cot
52
The result of the reduction of a dead body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat
Cremated remains
53
The reduction of a dead human body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat in a specifically designed retort
Cremation
54
A furnace or retort for cremating dead human bodies
* Crematory
* Crematorium
55
A building that houses a retort
* Crematory
* Crematorium
56
A religious emblem consisting of two plain bars that intersect at right angles to each other
Cross
57
One who carries the crucifix/cross during an ecclesiastical procession
* Crucifer
* Crossbearer
58
A c ross with a figure or image representing the body of Christ on it
Crucifix
59
Image representing the body of Christ
Corpus
60
A chamber in a mausoleum, generally used to contain the casketed remains of a deceased person
Crypt
61
A subordinate officer in a Christian church
Deacon
62
A legal document containing vital statistics, disposition, and final medical information pertaining to the deceased
Death certificate
63
A classified notice publicizing the death of a person and giving those details of the funeral service that the survivors wish to have published
Death notice
64
A dead human body
Deceased
65
False teeth
Dentures
66
A federal agency that administers benefits provided by law for veterans of the armed forces
* Department of Veterans Affairs
* VA (Veterans Administration)
67
In the Roman Catholic faith, a geographical grouping of Parishes under the jurisdiction of a Bishop
Diocese
68
Disposition of human remains by cremation, without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present
Direct cremation
69
Any method of disposition of the human remains without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present
Direct disposition
70
Leading to an organized departure or inviting to leave
Dismissal
71
Liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in Eastern Orthodox churches
Divine liturgy
72
Pertaining to the church or clergy
Ecclesiastic
73
Song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation for the dead
Elegy
74
In the Jehovah's witness faith, the person who typically conducts the service
Elder
75
In the Jewish faith, a memorial service
El Malei Rachamin
76
Literally "God full of compassion"
El Malei Rachamin
77
Usually the last prayer of the funeral service in the Jewish faith
El Malei Rachamin
78
Sometimes referred to as the Malei
El Malei Rachamin
79
The placing of remains in a crypt in a mausoleum
Entombment
80
A commemorative inscription on a tomb or cemetery marker
Epitaph
81
To accompany, as a leader of the procession or guardian of the group
Escort
82
Military personnel assigned to accompany a body following an active duty death
Escort
83
The consecrated elements of Holy Communion
Eucharist
84
Layperson sanctioned to administer holy communion and other assigned tasks
Eucharistic minister
85
An oration praising an individual, usually after death
Eulogy
86
Process of planning and/or coordinating a ceremony or activity
Event planning
87
In the Roman Catholic faith, the ending portion of the Funeral Mass
Final commendation
88
One of the categories required to be itemized on the GPL (if the funeral provider offers the service); involves service of the funeral provider in the locale where death occurs and preparation for transfer to another funeral provider as selected by the family (consumer);
Funeral Rule requires package pricing of this service with a description of the components included
Forwarding remains
89
Relating to a social organization
Fraternal
90
The rites held at the time of disposition of human remains, with the body present
Funeral service
91
The term applied to the completing of the service and financial details of the funeral at the time of need
Funeral arrangements
92
The name of the funeral service in the Roman Catholic Church
* Funeral liturgy
* Funeral mass
93
The procession of vehicles from the place of the funeral to the place of disposition
Funeral procession
94
Any funeral event performed in a solemn and prescribed manner
Funeral rites
95
The rites held at the time of disposition of human remains, with the body present
Funeral service
96
The first two and last two verses of a Buddhist hymn sung at the funeral service
Gatha
97
A printed list of goods and services offered for sale by funeral provider with retail prices
General Price List (GPL)
98
Considered the keystone of the Funeral Rule
General Price List (GPL)
99
The act of bending the knee as an indication of reverence or as an act of humility
Genuflect
100
Gift or small sum of money tendered for a service provided
* Gratuity
* Tip
101
An excavation in the earth as a place for internment
Grave
102
A funeral service, religious or otherwise, conducted at the grave
Graveside service
103
Webbing or similar material used for lowering the casket into the grave
Grave straps
104
Ecologically friendly
"Green"
105
One where the funeral home guarantees that the services and merchandise will be provided at the time of need for an amount not exceeding the original amount of the contract plus any accruals, regardless of the cost of providing the services and merchandise at the time of the funeral
Guaranteed contract
106
In the Jewish faith, a eulogy or true evaluation of the deceased's life that is a part of the funeral service
Hesped
107
Water blessed by a priest
Holy Water
108
A nominal compensation or recognition for service performed
* Honorarium
* Honoraria
* Honorariums
109
Friends of the family or members of an organization or group who act as an escort or honor guard for the deceased;
Do not carry the casket
* Honorary pallbearers
* Honorary casketbearers
110
A funeral rite that is in essence devoid of religious connotation
Humanist funeral
111
In the Eastern Orthodox faith, a holy picture
Icon
112
Usually mosaic or painted on wood
Icon
113
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the partition that extends across the front of the church separating the sanctuary from the solea
* Iconostasis
* Iconostas
* Iconostation
114
The first three letters in the Greek word for Jesus
IHS
115
In the Islamic faith, the leader of the local congregation
Imam
116
Disposition of human remains by burial, without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present, except for a graveside service
Immediate burial
117
One who supplies the vital statistical information concerning the deceased
Informant
118
An abbreviation for the Latin term meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jews"
INRI
119
To bury in the ground
* Inter
* Inhume
120
The act of placing the dead human body in the ground
* Interment
* Burial
* Inhumement
* Inhumation
121
The act of placing cremains in an urn
Inurnment
122
CANA definition: act of placing cremated remains in a niche or grave
Inurnment
123
Contract for future funeral services which cannot be terminated or canceled prior to the death of the beneficiary
Irrevocable contract
124
The religion of Muslims that began at the time of Mohammed
Islam
125
Muslims believe stands for purity, peace, submission to God's will, and obedience to his laws
Islam
126
In the Islamic faith, the funeral or funeral prayer
Jinazah
127
In the Jewish faith, a prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners for the first time at the conclusion of interment service
Kaddish
128
In the Jewish faith, subsequently recited by children for parents at every service for eleven months
Kaddish
129
In the Jewish faith, mourners have the obligation to recite for 30 days
Kaddish
130
In the Jewish faith, the grave
Kever
131
In the Jewish faith, the burial
Kevurah
132
One's relatives
Kin
133
Referring to blood relationship
Kin
134
Legally, not the surviving spouse
Kin
135
The appropriate term for the worship facility for the Jehovah's Witnesses
Kingdom Hall
136
A holy book of the Islamic faith, revealed to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel
* Koran
* Quran
137
Hebrew word meaning rending or tearing
Kriah
138
A symbol of grief
Kriah
139
A tear in the upper corner of the garment or a tear on a symbolic ribbon which is worn by the survivors
Kriah
140
In the Jewish faith, the funeral procession
Levaya
141
A prescribed order or form of worship specific to a particular denomination which will have the Eucharist or Holy Communion as its central element
* Liturgical worship
* Eucharist-centered worship
142
A subdivision of a cemetery that consists of several grave or interment spaces
Lot
143
A mechanical device used to lower a casket into the ground
Lowering device
144
Traditionally, in the Buddhist faith, ad bedside prayer which may now be performed by the bonze jut before funeral arrangements are made
Makura-gyo
145
The liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church
Mass
146
A document indicating the offering of a Mass for a specific intention
* Mass card
* Spiritual bouquet
147
A building containing crypts or vaults for entombment
Mausoleum
148
A forensically trained physician whose duty is to investigate questionable or unattended deaths
Medical examiner
149
Has replaced the coroner in some states
Medical examiner
150
A pamphlet made available at the funeral service giving details about the deceased and the funeral arrangements
* Memorial folder
* Service folder
151
A scheduled assembly of family and friends following a death
Memorial gathering
152
A cemetery, or section of a cemetery, with only flush-to-the-ground markers
Memorial park
153
Funeral rites with the body not present
Memorial service
154
In the Jewish faith, a candelabrum with a central stem bearing seven candles
Menorah
155
The oldest symbol in Judaism
Menorah
156
Military personnel assigned to accompany a body following an active duty death
Military escort
157
In the Jewish faith, a hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles
* Mogen David
* Star of David
158
Symbolizes a new hope for the Jewish people
* Mogen David
* Star of David
159
A prophet of the Islamic religion born 571 CD
* Mohammed
* Muhammad
160
Considered by Muslims to be God's messenger, but not worshipped or considered to be divine
* Mohammed
* Muhammed
161
An honorary title conferred upon a priest
Monsignor
162
The local church building
* Mosque
* Masjid
163
Contains no icons, statues, symbols, pews, chairs, or musical instruments
* Mosque
* Masjid
164
The name given to a member of the Islamic faith
* Muslim
* Moslem
165
The entry way into the funeral home or church
* Narthex
* Lobby
* Vestibule
* Foyer
166
A cemetery created and maintained under an Act of Congress for burial of veterans of military service and their eligible family members
National cemetery
167
The seating or auditorium section of a church
Nave
168
A recess or space in a columbarium used for the permanent placing of cremated remains
Niche
169
The Buddhist idea of heavenly peace or Pure Land
Nirvhana
170
One in which the funeral home only agrees that the amount prepaid plus any accruals will be credited to the balance due;
The price of the funeral will be whatever the current price is for the services and merchandise at the time the death occurs
Non-guaranteed contract
171
A form or order of worship which has the scripture as its central element
* Non-liturgical worship
* Scripture-centered worship
172
The actual form or order of the worship service is left to the discretion of each individual church and/or minister
* Non-liturgical worship
* Scripture-centered worship
173
A news item concerning the death of a person which usually contains a biographical sketch
Obituary
174
Funeral rites or burial ceremonies
Obsequies
175
One who conducts a religious service or ceremony
Officiant
176
Any container which is designed for placement in the grave around the casket including, but not limited to, containers commonly known as burial vaults, grave boxes, and grave liners
Outer burial container
177
The Buddhist place of worship
Pagoda
178
A symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket
Pall
179
One who actively bears or carries the casket during the funeral service and at the committal service
Pallbearer
180
Vigil service associated with Eastern Orthodox funerals
* Parastas
* Great Panachida
181
In Roman Catholic faith, a candle placed near the casket during the Funeral Mass that signifies the everlasting light of Christ
Paschal candle
182
One having spiritual care over a number of people
Pastor
183
An arrangement made by the cemetery whereby funds are set aside, the income from which is used to maintain the cemetery plot indefinitely
Perpetual care
184
The head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome
Pope
185
A card with the name of the decedent and a prayer or verse, which may or may not include the dates of birth and death
Prayer card
186
Those funeral arrangements made in advance of need that include provisions for funding or prepayment
Pre-funded funeral arrangements
187
Those funeral arrangements made in advance of need that do not include provisions for funding or prepayment
Preplanned funeral arrangements
188
A kneeling rail
* Prie Dieu
* Prayer rail
* Kneeler
189
A title conferred by ordination
Priest
190
Those who transport only in particular instances and only for those they chose to contract with (funeral home vehicles and livery)
Private carrier
191
The movement, in an orderly fashion, at the beginning of a service
* Procession
* Processional
192
A teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith
Rabbi
193
In the Church of Christ, Scientist, one authorized to read the lessons and scripture
Reader
194
One of the categories required to be itemized on the GPL (if the funeral provider offers the service);
Involves services of the funeral provider after initial services have been provided by another firm at the locale of death;
Funeral Rule requires package pricing of this service with a description of the components included
Receiving remains
195
A structure so designed for the temporary storage of bodies that are not to be immediately interred
* Recession
* Recessional
196
A book signed by those attending a visitation/service
* Register book
* Memorial book
197
The burning chamber in a crematory
Retort
198
A contract which may be terminated by the purchaser at any time prior to the death of the beneficiary with a refund of the moneys paid on the contract as prescribed by state law
Revocable contract
199
Beads and a crucifix used as an aid in the recitation of prayers
Rosary beads
200
Prayer recited in order at a Rosary or Vigil Service
Rosary prayers
201
Doors in the center of the Iconostasis leading directly to the altar
Royal doors
202
Only ordained clergy are to go through these doors
Royal doors
203
Never cross on the solea in front of these
Royal doors
204
In liturgical churches, stated directions in a prayer book or liturgical manual regarding the order of service as approved by the denomination
Rubrics
205
In the Roman Catholic faith, a sacrament given to those seriously ill or in danger of death to prepare their souls for eternity
Sacrament of the Sick
206
In the Roman Catholic faith, a religious picture of Jesus Christ showing his radiant heart
Sacred heart
207
The part of the church about the altar, inside the chancel
Sanctuary
208
May be used to describe the area of the church where people sit for the services
Sanctuary
209
In the Roman Catholic faith, a piece of cloth or a medal having religious significance usually worn around the neck
Scapular
210
The largest subdivision of a cemetery
Section
211
In the Buddhist faith, a service performed as a part of casketing the body
Service of Encasketing
212
One who is in charge of the cemetery
Sexton
213
The caretaker of a church
Sexton
214
The Jewish Sabbath
Shabbat
215
Christi begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday
Shabbat
216
In the Jewish faith, a seven-day mourning period
Shivah
217
Meaning 30 in the Jewish faith
Sholoshim
218
In the Jewish faith, the 30-day mourning period
Sholoshim
219
In the Jewish faith, a watcher
Shomer
220
In the Jewish faith, one who sits with the body until burial
Shomer
221
A cloth of garment in which a dead person is wrapped or dressed for burial
Shroud
222
A symbolic sign of the Cross, made with the right hand
Sign of the Cross
223
In the Roman Catholic faith, a woman who is a member of a religious order, especially one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
* Sister
* Nun
224
A branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which provides benefits for retirement, survivors/insurance, disability, health insurance, and death
Social Security Administration
225
In the Eastern Orthodox church, the open area (sometimes raised) before the altar
Solea
226
One who outlives another person or lives through an event
Survivor(s)
227
A place of religious worship in the Jewish faith
Synagogue
228
May be referred to as Temple
Synagogue
229
A hand-sewn white linen shroud in which the deceased members of the Jewish faith are dressed
Tachrichim
230
In the Jewish faith, the ceremony of washing the deceased before the burial
Taharah
231
Serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body and should be performed by the Chevra Kaddisha
Taharah
232
A prayer shawl worn by men during the Morning Prayer service in the Jewish faith
Tallith
233
In the Jewish faith, prayers said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer
Tehillim
234
In the Jewish faith, prayers coming from the book of Psalms
Tehillim
235
Ceremonial instructions of the Mormon Church, given only within a Temple to worthy members of the sect
Temple Ordinances
236
Contracts which involve the funeral director/funeral home because the family being served has contracted with someone else for services or merchandise also available from the funeral home
Third Party Contracts
237
A general term designating those places suitable for the reception of a dead human body
Tomb
238
Wings of the main part of the church which may serve as small chapels for baptism, weddings, and even small funeral services
Transepts
239
The moving of the dead human body from the place of death to the funeral home or other designated place
* Transfer of remains
* Removal
* First call
240
The automobile generally used for transporting the uncasketed dead human body from the place of death to the mortuary
Transfer vehicle
241
In the Eastern Orthodox faith, three short services or blessings that are part of the funeral rite
Trisagion
242
Account established by one individual to be held for the benefit of another
Trust account
243
Creates a fiduciary responsibility as a method of payment of funeral expenses
Trust account
244
Money paid to a funeral home for future services is placed in an account with the funeral home as trustee for the benefit of another
Trust account
245
Ritual garments worn by the clergy
Vestments
246
One who has served a prescribed period of time with the armed forces and who is no longer an active member of the armed forces
Veteran
247
In the Roman Catholic faith, a set of two candles that may be placed one at the head and one at the foot of the casket during the visitation period
Vigil lights
248
Time set aside for friends and relatives to pay respects to the deceased prior to the funeral service
* Visitation
* Calling hours
* Visiting hours
249
The collection, tabulation, and interpretation of data concerning birth, marriage, divorce, sickness, and death
Vital statistics
250
Historically a watch kept over the deceased
Wake
251
An all-night vigil
Wake
252
In the Roman Catholic faith, a prayer or scripture service usually held at the funeral home the evening before the Funeral Mass
* Wake service
* Vigil service
* Rosary service
253
A brief expression of gratitude to the congregation for their presence at the Buddhist service
Words of appreciation
254
In the Jewish faith, the anniversary of the death
Yahrzeit
255
In the Jewish faith, the skullcap worn by the men at temple services and funeral services
* Yarmulke
* Kippah
* Yamaka
256
In the Jewish faith, a memorial service recited four times a year
Yizkor
