FUNERAL TRADITIONS
A SUMMARY OF THE PRACTICES OF DIFFERENT FAITHS RELATED TO DEATH AND
FUNERALS.
Editors Note: The following is a
collection of information collected from different sources. Effort has
been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, but chaplains
should always check with local leaders of faith groups to determine
current practices in their area.
©
COPYRIGHT 2005 FEDERATION OF FIRE
CHAPLAINS
THE
CATHOLIC FUNERAL RITE
Introduction
to the Roman Catholic Church
Of
all the Christian religions in the world, the Roman Catholic Church is
the largest, claiming approximately one billion members worldwide. In
the United States there are about fifty-five million members.
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ was the founder of their Church,
since He was the one who brought salvation to the world. They also
believe that the Church has preserved the teachings of Christ and that
the Holy Spirit guides the Church through its ministry.
The
Pope is the head of the Church and is the Bishop of Rome. The College of
Cardinals serves directly under the Pope and take care of the
administrative duties of the Church, as well as electing a new Pope when
it becomes necessary. Archbishops serve as heads of archdiocese, which
are geographical groupings of the many dioceses across the world.
Individual Bishops then preside over a geographical grouping of the
hundreds of parishes, with each parish being served by a Monsignor or
Priest.
In
regard to funeral rites, the Roman Catholic Church believes that all
Catholics should be buried from the Church with a Mass. There is no
actual charge for being buried from the church. The funeral director
should be able to guide the family as to the practices if an honorarium
is customarily given to the celebrant.
The
appropriate place to conduct a funeral service is in the church where
the individual has received the sacraments over his or her lifetime.
Theologically this belief is based on the words of St. Monica, the
Mother of St. Augustine. As she lay dying, she sad to her son, "When I
die, dispose of my body any way you wish. All that I ask of you is that
you remember me at the altar of God".
Notification of Clergy
The
practice of notifying the deceased clergyman when the death occurred was
at one time a common as well as sensible practice. Today however, this
practice can in no way be considered the usual practice. Factors such as
the time of death, the place where the death occurred, and the
relationship between the family and clergy each play a role in the
family's decision as to the appropriate time to notify the clergy that
the death has occurred. This might especially be true in those cases
when the death was expected and where the sacrament of the sick had
already been administered.
Removal of the
Remains
Generally speaking there are no Church restrictions that would
prohibit removal of the remains at the time of death. In those cases
where the deceased was a clergy or the member of a religious order there
may be delays in making removal should there be a desire for special
prayers by members of the order prior to removal.
Preparation of the
Remains
There are no specific restrictions as
to the preparation of the remains of laypersons. Religious articles worn
by laypersons should be removed, recorded and replaced after the
preparation of the body. The family should then be asked if these
religious articles are to be left on the body or removed and returned to
the family prior to final disposition. . If the deceased is a clergyman
or a member of a religious order, there may be restrictions as to the
preparation of the remains. For instance, in some communities it may be
requested that the embalming be done in the convent, monastery or
rectory rather than in the funeral home. Since the church is considered
the family of clergy and members of religious orders, the funeral home
should check with the individual within the church, monastery or convent
to obtain instructions and authorization to prepare the remains.
Dressing and
Casketing the Remains
A
deceased layperson should be dressed in clothing selected by
the family. Members of the clergy will be dressed in the robes of the
station of their priesthood. Members of religious orders should also be
attired in the robes of their position. In some religious communities,
the role of dressing and casketing the clergy or members of a religious
order may be the responsibility of designated members of the specific
order.
Religious objects may be placed in the
hands, as requested by the family or church officials. The rosary beads
are most commonly used, and are usually placed in the decease's hands. A
Crucifix, sacred heart or other objects of religious significance
may be plated in the head panel, foot
panel, on or near the casket.
Pre-service
Considerations
At the time the casketed
remains are ready for viewing, they are placed
in the funeral home stateroom or chapel, the church or some other
appropriate place. In addition to the casket, vigil candles are normally
placed at each end of the casket. A prie dieu is placed in front of the
casket and a crucifix behind the foot panel of the casket. A Mass Card
stand should be placed at a convenient position near the register stand
or in the chapel. Prayer cards may also be provided by the funeral home.
Depending upon the location chosen for visitation and viewing, the
playing of music and the displaying of flowers may or may not be used
The Wake
A Rosary Service or Wake will usually
be held in the funeral home, family home or church the evening before
the funeral Mass. The purpose of the Rosary or Wake is to, provide the
community the opportunity to share with the family a series of prayers.
It is meant to offer a time of reflection on the meaning of life, death
and eternal life. A priest, a layperson, a member of the family, or even
the funeral director may lead this service. If a priest is to lead the
service, the time should be set only after direct communication has been
made with the priest. This service is normally scheduled by the family
and approved by the church during the funeral arrangement conference.
The priest is free to substitute various scripture readings where
circumstances indicate a different reading would be timelier. The people
in attendance may recite portions (responses) or for simplicity the
priest may conduct the whole service. The wake service is not meant to
replace the funeral Mass.
Pre-Mass
Consideration
The funeral Mass will normally take
place at the church. There are several options that may determine the activities of the funeral
home staff, the family and those who will be attending the funeral Mass.
If the family chooses to meet at the funeral home prior to the Mass they
may be led in a series of prayers prior to leaving for the church. If a
priest is in attendance he may lead the prayers. However, a layperson,
family member or the funeral director may also lead the prayers. At the
appropriate time, the funeral director may announce the departure to the
church and dismiss the friends, allowing them to pay their last respects
before moving outside to their automobiles. After the friends have gone,
the family can then be given time for a final private farewell. After
the family returns to their automobiles, the funeral home staff can
close the casket, placing the Crucifix on top of the casket head panel
and prepare to move in procession to the church.
The Catholic Funeral
Rite
(The following is the Rite outlined
and promulgated by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops of
the United States of America. This
Rite will have variations according to Conference of Catholic
Bishops in their particular country.)
The following information was taken
from the Order of Christian Funerals with Cremation Rite,
published by Catholic Book Publishing
Company ©1998.
Vigil for the
Deceased
Introductory Rites Greeting
Opening Song Invitation to Prayer
Opening
Prayer Liturgy
of the Word
Old or New Testament Reading
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Homily
Prayer of Intercession
Litany
The Lord's Prayer Concluding Prayer
Concluding Rite
Blessing
Transfer of the Body
to the Church or the Place of Committal
Invitation
Scripture Verse
Litany
The Lord's Prayer
Invitation to the
Procession
Procession to the Church
of to the Place of Committal
Funeral Mass
Introductory Rites
Greeting
Sprinkling with Holy Water (recalling the deceased
Baptism)
[Placing of the Pall]
Entrance Procession
[Placing of Christian
Symbols]
Liturgy of the Word
Old
Testament Reading Responsorial Psalm
New Testament
Reading Gospel
Homily
General Intercessions
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Final
Commendation Invitation to Prayer
Silence
[Signs of
Farewell]
Song of
Farewell
Prayer of
Commendation Procession to the Place of Burial
Rite of Committal
Invitation
Scripture Verse
Prayer over the place of
Committal
Committal
Intercessions
The Lord's Prayer
Concluding Prayer
Prayer over the People
Special Rites (e.g.
Military, Fraternal Organizations, etc.)
Note:
The above is an outline of current practice. It is important to contact
the priest who is to celebrate the funeral prior to making Departmental
arrangements, It is also a good idea to bring a copy of the Federation
Funeral Rite for the priest to review and use.
Other publications of interest regarding
celebrations: Sourcebook of Funerals and Sourcebook of Weddings. Both
are published by Communication Resources, Inc. 4150 Belden Village St.
NW, Canton, Ohio 44718
www.ComResources.com
Guidelines for Cremation
The Church, through the
centuries, has followed the practice of burial or entombment after the
manner of Christ's own burial entombment -out of respect for the human
body and faith in the resurrection. It is still the express will of the
Church that this hallowed and traditional practice be maintained.
However, recognizing particular circumstances and varying cultures and
customs in different parts of the world, the Church issued an
instruction in 1963 on cremation which allows some latitude under
certain conditions for those Catholics who request their bodies be
cremated.
It is evident that the Church no
longer prohibits cremation, as long as cremation is not chosen out of
any anti-Christian motive or antagonism. However, because the
Church will allow cremation does not
mean the Church has no exceptions as to how cremation will fit into the
scheme of the Catholic Funeral Liturgy.
Because of the structure of the Roman
Catholic liturgy and the long-standing tradition of honoring the body of
the deceased, the Church presumes that cremation is a process that takes
place after the funeral mass and final commendation. It is an
alternate option to burial or
entombment.
There are always exceptions to every
rule or guideline but the norm for Roman Catholics who choose cremation
over burial or entombment, is to follow the scheme set out in the
Order of Christian Funerals.
1.
Wake service (with the body present)
2.
Funeral Mass (with the body present)
3.
Final Commendation to take place at:
a.
Cemetery for earth burial
b.
Mausoleum for entombment
c.
Cemetery for cremation
d.
Church for cremation.
Crematory chapel for cremation
When cremation is chosen there is a
fourth step beyond the final commendation. The remains (cremation ashes)
are to be buried or entombed in
consecrated ground or a columbarium.
Under no circumstances are they to be
left with the funeral home or crematory, taken home or scattered. They
are to be given the dignity of a Christian burial. With the practice of
cremation before funeral ization, the Mass is discouraged. It is
not permitted to bring the ashes to
Church for the funeral mass.
Cremation is an exception to the normal practice of Christian
Burial, Post cremation Memorial Masses are an exception to the
rule and are not to be confused or
seen as a substitution for a Mass of Christian Burial.
THE EPISCOPAL FUNERAL
RITE
Introduction to the Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church is one of the
traditionally liturgical denominations. With its roots in the Catholic
tradition around 314 AD., the Anglicans (so called because of their
decendancy from the Church of England) were separated from the Pope by
declaration of King Henry VIII in the 16th century.
Although a part of the worldwide
Anglican Communion, only the churches in the United States and Scotland
use the word Episcopal, which comes from the Greek word episkopos
meaning bishops. This emphasizes the roles of the bishop as the chief
symbols of unity and continuity with the church of all ages, and as the
chief pastors.
The Episcopal Church has both Catholic
and Protestant ties. They retain all of the ancient sacraments, creeds
and orders of the Catholic Church while rejecting the idea that the
Bishop of Rome (Pope) has authority over the Church.
Formed in the United States in 1789, there are approximately
three million Episcopalians in the United States today.
Notification of the Clergy
Although it is not necessary to notify
the clergy prior to or at the time of a death, it is generally accepted
and usually appreciated by the priests that they are notified in a
timely manner.
Removal of Remains
There are no restrictions for the removal of the remains of lay
members. However, there may be restrictions for certain members of the
clergy or different orders.
Preparation of Remains
There are no guidelines as to the type
or amount of preparations that are to take place. Since members of the
denomination accept internment, entombment, and cremation as viable
means of disposition, the use of embalming may or may not be desired.
Pre-Service Considerations
For
those families choosing a traditional funeral, it is
customary to hold visitation at the funeral home.
The Funeral Service
It is strongly encouraged that the
funeral service be held in the Episcopal Church. With the exception of
the altar, flowers are generally not displayed when the funeral id held
in the church. The service begins with the processional of the
pall-covered casket, led by the crucifier and followed by the bishop or
priest, the casket bearers and casket, and the family.
The Episcopal Church is classified as
a liturgical protestant church and, as such, will follow a prescribed
order of worship that will be less consistent throughout the country or
world. The order is found in the Book of Common Prayer.
Prior to or during the service, the
celebration of the Holy Eucharist (communion) may be observed. The
celebration provides observers an opportunity to thank God for His
Blessings and to pray for the soul of the deceased.
The focus of the sermon is to teach
the church's beliefs concerning death that centers on the view that
death is the beginning of a new life, re-united with God. No eulogy as
such is normally given as it is considered the prerogative of God to
judge and commend.
The use of hymns is commonly practiced
with the congregation singing songs dealing with the resurrection and
God the Son's victory over death. At the conclusion of the service, the
casket is taken from the church in a recessional and the pall removed
prior to being placed back in the funeral coach. An American flag or
flowers may be placed on the casket at this point.
The Committal Service
If internment or entombment is chosen
as a final means of disposition, the committal service will likely be
held at the cemetery or mausoleum. The service will be composed of
prayer, a short scripture reading, and the symbolic committal of the
casketed remains to its final resting place. The priest will often use
sand or flower petals to make the sign of the cross on the closed
casket.
THE LUTHERAN
FUNERAL RITE
Introduction to the
Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church began in 1517 as a
protest by Martin Luther, a Catholic priest, who refused to abide
certain demands of the Pope and the Catholic Church, marking the
beginning of the protestant movement. Today there are over nine million
Lutherans belonging to different synods, or branches of the Lutheran
Church. Within each synod the local churches are self-governing,
electing synod leaders who serve a limited term of office.
The primary differences between
various synods are those of observable rites and ceremonies. The
doctrines upon which the churches are founded remain similar. Because of
the differences, the funeral rite may vary between synods and even
churches.
Notification of
Clergy
Unless otherwise expressed by a local
pastor, it is usually not necessary to notify clergy at the time of
death. The family's relationship with the church and pastor will often
determine the appropriate point of clergy contact.
Removal of Remains
There are no restrictions or
requirements imposed by the church when a member dies. The funeral home
staff can expect to make removal when released by civil authorities.
Preparation of
Remains
Preparations are usually based on
family choice. Embalming is permitted if desired.
Dressing and
Casketing Remains
There are no special requirements as
to clothing or casketing.
Pre-Service
Considerations
Traditionally the funeral was held in
the church and this is still a preference among most Lutherans. It is
not however, a church requirement and location is left up to the family.
Since Lutheran churches are liturgical in their worship style, the
location may play a role in the type of funeral held. Flowers.
The Funeral Service
If the funeral is held in the church,
much of the religious paraphernalia that accompanies liturgical
services will be used. With the altar as the focal point of the church, the use of acolytes, a cross,
candles, a pall, and in some cases incense are a part of the funeral
service. Rubrics will be found in the hymnal and other readings may be
used.
The use of the pall dictates a closed
casket service and often results in viewing the deceased in the narthex
of the church before the service. The pall is placed on the
casket just prior to the processional into the church. The cross bearer
would lead the procession followed by the pastor, the casket bearers and
casket, and the family. Communion may be offered as a part of the
service. A recessional will return the party to vehicles and final
burial. Cremation is discouraged but may be used in some cases. Funerals
held at a funeral home may more closely resemble non-liturgical
services.
The Committal Service
Internment and entombment are the most often preferred means
of final disposition. The service will usually include prayer,
scripture reading, and the committal of the body to its final
resting place. Flower petals or earth
may be used to make the sign of the cross on the casket.
THE CHRISTIAN
SCIENCE FUNERAL
RITE
Introduction to the
Church of Christ Scientist
The Church of Christ, Scientist is
rooted deeply in protestant Christianity, whose followers are members of
a religious movement that stresses spiritual healing. Christian Science
is based on the teaching that God is wholly good and all-powerful and
that man is created by Him. Everything eternal, spiritual, and good is
called reality. Whatever is unlike God - injustice, sin, sickness, or
grief is called unreal. The principle text, Science and Health with
Key to the Scriptures, written by Mary Baker Eddy in 1875,
contains the full statement of Christian Science beliefs. Mrs. Eddy
founded the church in Boston, Massachusetts in 1879.
Included among the good and real is
health, and among the unjust and unreal, disease. Because healing is
brought about through spiritual understanding, members of the Church of
Christ, Scientist, normally do not seek medical help, including the use
of hospitals and physicians. Death is viewed as one more phase of the
immortal existence of man.
Notification of
Clergy
The Church of Christ, Scientist has no
clergy or ministers. The Reader or Practitioner may be the officiate of
any service of the Church, including a funeral service. However, any
member of the Mother Church (the original church in Boston) may also
serve as officiate according to Church By-Laws.
Removal of Remains
Due to the ul,emhers beliefs toward
sickness and healing, most deaths of Church of Christ, Scientists will
come under the jurisdiction of a Coroner, Medical Examiner, or Justice
of the Peace and will take place somewhere other than a medical
facility. The circumstances
surrounding the death will determine
whether or not any restrictions will be placed on the immediate removal
of the remains.
Preparation of
Remains
Embalming and public viewing are based
on individual customs and wishes of the deceased and family. There are
no beliefs within the Church to either encourage or discourage member
from being embalmed.
Dressing and
Casketing the Remains
The clothing to be worn by the
deceased and the casket to be used are left up to the individual
preferences of the family. Because of its view toward death, and the
fact that a church of laymen without clergy to express official opinion,
it appears that the individual and family preference determine most
activities involved when death occurs.
The Funeral Service
Funerals for members of the Church of
Christ, Scientist are similar to those of other protestant
denominations, with a few notable exceptions. The funeral service
itself may be held anywhere except the
Christian Science Church. Most often this would be in the funeral home
or the cemetery, either in a chapel or at the actual gravesite. Since
the officiate will either be a Practitioner or a Reader, the funeral
director should check with that person to determine the order of
service.
The Committal Service
The method of disposition is again
left up to individual preference. Earth burial, entombment, or cremation
are all possible.
THE MENNONITE
(AMISH FUNERAL
RITE)
Introduction
The
Mennonites are a denomination of evangelical protestant
Christians who settled in the United States in 1683. There are several
major bodies within the Mennonites but all are very similar in views.
They have been most widely known for their views on issues such as
separation of church and state, refusal to take oaths, refusal to
take up arms against others, and
protest of slavery.
Notification of Clergy
The clergy consists of Bishops or
elders, ministers who are pastors, or evangelists and deacons who
take charge of congregations in the absence of the minister or Bishop. The
family will determine
appropriate timing fro notifying clergy.
Removal of Remains
There are no restrictions or
requirements for removal of remains.
Preparation of Remains
There are no special requirements for preparation of remains.
Embalming is allowed.
Dressing and Casketing
The deceased should be dressed in
white underwear and stockings. Males may be dressed in a long gown r
white shirt with white trousers and vest. Females will be dressed in a
long white gown and cape. In some areas the sons may be
responsible for dressing their
fathers, and daughters for their mothers.
Pre-Service Considerations
Visitation for friends and neighbors may be held for one or two
days prior to the funeral. Visitation and funeral may take place in the
home or the church. If held in the church, a procession from the home
to the church is traditional. With some groups the procession
will use a horse drawn hearse, with
the family and friends following in their horse drawn buggies.
The Funeral Service
In some older groups the service may
be conducted in German. Some may have men seated
on
one side of the church or home and
women seated on the other. Following the procession to the cemetery, the
coffin may be placed in a container or wooden box for burial. After the
service, the family and friends will return to the church or home for a
meal.
THE ORTHODOX
FUNERAL RITE
Introduction
The Orthodox Church goes by many
titles and names, usually based on locality. An independent council of
bishops called a synod governs each church. The term orthodoxy
means right belief or right worship, hence the claim that the church
teaches the
true doctrine of
God and glorifies Him with
the true worship.
Notification of
Clergy
There are no requirements of the
church.
Removal of Remains
There are no restrictions or
requirements of the church.
Preparation of
Remains
There are no restrictions or
requirements, A traditional funeral is normal, so embalming
is often used.
Pre-Service
Considerations
In most cases the rites of a member of
the church begin with the Trisagion. It is usually held in the funeral
home the evening before the funeral and again the following day
immediately before the service. Normally candles will be placed at each
end of the casket, a cross behind the casket, and an icon at the foot.
The Funeral Service
A procession brings the casket and
family into the church where they are met by the priest. The priest will
bless the casket with holy water before the procession moves down the
aisle, If the church has a Cantor, he will accompany the priest. The
casket is led feet first down the aisle and placed in the Solea with the
foot nearest the altar. The casket is usually left open during the
service. The service will follow a liturgical order with readings,
prayers, and hymns from a special booklet titled the Parastas or
Great Panachida. The final part of the service may include a eulogy.
After the eulogy, the casket is turned
so that it is parallel to the Iconostasis and the priest anoints the
body with earth and olive oil. In icon is placed at the foot end of the
casket and those seated on that side may pass by and kiss the icon. The
icon is moved to the other end and the practice repeated for the other
side of the church.
The Committal Service
Cremation is considered objectionable in the church so earth burial or
entombment is normally used. The Priest will lead in the processional to
the burial site. The service will include a litany of readings and
prayers by the Priest or Cantor finished with a closing prayer.
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