Funeral Rite Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the funeral rite in the Catholic Church?
The funeral rite is the ceremony that occurs when a Catholic dies, serving as a liturgical celebration that includes formal practices set out by the Church.
What is the purpose of the funeral rite?
The funeral rite aims to celebrate a person’s life, facilitate communion with the deceased, and proclaim eternal life to the community.
What is a Vigil in the context of a funeral?
The Vigil is a short service held the evening before the funeral, where family, friends, and the church community gather for hymns and readings.
What options do families have for the main funeral liturgy?
Families may choose either a funeral service with readings and hymns or a Requiem Mass, which includes the Eucharist and reminds the congregation of the Paschal mystery.
What occurs during the Rite of Committal and Commendation?
This final commendation to God takes place in the cemetery or crematorium, where family and friends say their goodbyes.
What do Catholics believe happens after death?
Catholics believe that when they die, they will be reunited with their loved ones in heaven.
What do we ask God in our prayers regarding the deceased?
We ask that God grant them eternal rest and that we be kept in communion with all the saints until we are reunited with them around the heavenly throne of God and the Lamb.
What is the significance of the Funeral Mass?
The Funeral Mass allows for a link with the deceased, as the Eucharist links us with those who have ‘fallen asleep in the Lord.’
What does the funeral service signify for Catholics?
It signifies that the person’s physical life on Earth has come to an end, but Catholics believe we are still united with those who have died.
What is the role of the community during a funeral?
The community comes together to express hope that the deceased awaits resurrection and reunion with God in heaven.
What is proclaimed during funeral rites?
There is a proclamation of the Church’s faith that the death and resurrection of Jesus (the Paschal Mystery) assures the Catholic community of the hope of eternal life.
What does the Christian meaning of death reveal?
The Christian meaning of death is revealed in the light of the Paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
What is the main challenge faced by someone organizing a funeral?
The main challenge is dealing with the responsibility of organizing a funeral while mourning the loss of a loved one.
Who typically organizes a funeral?
Usually, a close relative of the deceased is responsible for organizing the funeral.
What did Cardinal Vincent Nichols request to help with funeral preparations?
He asked that resources be prepared to assist people in preparing for a Catholic funeral.
What is the purpose of the leaflet ‘Guide for Preparing a Catholic Funeral’?
The leaflet helps individuals understand the purpose and nature of a Catholic funeral and provides simple guidance for planning.
What should families do once they understand the purpose of a Catholic funeral?
They should discuss arrangements with The Church’s ministers, such as a Priest or Deacon.
What is the purpose of the sheet ‘Preparing for my Funeral’?
It is designed to help individuals indicate their preferences for their own funeral.
Why is it important for Catholics to plan their own funeral?
It ensures that their funeral service reflects their faith and can ease the burden on their next of kin.
How can ‘Preparing for my Funeral’ benefit others?
It allows individuals to influence their own funeral service and helps their loved ones make arrangements according to their preferences.
Why might some people believe a Catholic funeral is not helpful?
Some people may feel that the prayers and religious content of a Catholic service are not useful because they do not believe in God.
What alternative do some people choose instead of a Catholic funeral?
Some may opt for non-religious funeral services as a memorial for their loved ones.
What can grief lead some people to believe about funerals?
Sometimes, the loss of a loved one can cause such great grief that some people believe there is nothing that can help the situation, including a Catholic funeral.
