Funeral Information Form (Page 8 of 9) in pdf

Scripture Passages

You may select three passages from the Bible : one from the Old Testament, one from the

New Testament, and one from the Gospels. Please see the Funeral Scripture Reading

section to make your selections.

The Easter or Paschal Candle

The Easter candle is lit to symbolize the light of the risen Christ and our belief that He

has conquered the darkness of sin and death. This candle stands in the sanctuary space to

greet the body and remind us that our loved one, through his or her death, shares in the

victory of Jesus over these powers of darkness.

Sprinkling of the Casket

We share in the Lord's death and resurrection through the waters of our baptism. The

same cleansing waters of baptism, that made us sons and daughters of God and filled us

with the Holy Spirit, are sprinkled over the deceased to remind us the grace and hope that

we have in Christ Jesus our Lord and God's power of our mortal and flawed nature.

Presentation of the Gifts

Family and friends are encouraged to bring the bread and wine to the altar at the Funeral

Mass. This action symbolizes that we are saying "Lord, we give our loved one back to

you. We accept your will and we trust in you." Special symbolic items such as a familiar

rosary, a cross, a special picture, or a token of the loved one’s life or vocation may also

be placed on a small table before or near the altar.

Holy Communion

What more perfect way to share in the Funeral Mass than to receive Holy Communion.

The words of Jesus "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal and I

will raise him on the last day" recall our hope for eternal life in Christ.

Placing of the Pall

The funeral pall points back to the white garment given us at our Baptism and symbolizes

our life in Christ. It is draped over the coffin at the beginning of the liturgy, usually by

family members.

Final Commendation and Committal

The last ceremony after the Funeral Mass and at the cemetery is a liturgy of final farewell

or commendation and committal. Many times, this is the most difficult time for the

family and friends because it is a final good-bye to one we have loved through life. This

is more than an end; it is a beginning of our loved one's eternal life in Christ. The holy

burial place of our loved one also offers a sacred place to return, visit, and offer our

prayers.

Cremation

As a Catholic may I be cremated?

Yes. The Church's definite preference is for burial of the body. However, since 1963

cremation has been permitted, although the cremated remains were not allowed to be

present during the funeral mass. In 1997 the Vatican gave the bishops of the United

States permission to allow the celebration of the funeral mass with the cremated remains

present, provided the local bishop permits it.

Funeral Information Form Page 8