Funeral Questions

[MSUBobcat93]

I have a question cocerning funerals. What is the difference between a funeral mass and a memorial mass? I had 2 relatives who passed away this past winter and one had a funeral mass and the other a memorial mass.

 

[DCNBILL]

I have a question cocerning funerals. What is the difference between a funeral mass and a memorial mass? I had 2 relatives who passed away this past winter and one had a funeral mass and the other a memorial mass.

A funeral Mass has the remains of the deceased present at the Mass and the Funeral Rites are used.

A Memorial Mass usually takes place after the remains of the deceased have been either buried or entombed and while some special prayers may be said, the Funeral Rites are not used.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

The funeral mass takes place prior to the burial. The body is present and is blessed. The white covering on the casket reminds us of the white garment of baptism. There is a lot of symbolism and prayers for God’s acceptance into eternal life of this person whose body is right there with us for the last time. It’s sad but comforting and really makes a person think about their own end.

 

[Allegra]

As a cantor, I’ve attended alot of funerals for people I don’t know and I have to say, I recommend it. It’s a different experience from attending a loved one’s funeral because at those, you might be distracted by your sadness. (At least I am.) The lituragy for a funeral is really beautiful and shows how Christ has followed that person from Baptism, all thought the perils and joys of life. Just an observation.

 

[plato3]

Great to hear that folks are having Mass. There is a disturbing trend in my area for families of Catholic loved ones to skip Mass for their loved ones and have a grave-side or service in a funeral home. Families need to understand that their Catholic loved one that attended Mass, deserves to have a Funeral Mass. Those who did not practice their faith but called themselves Catholic should also have a Mass. Only God knows their hearts.