Funeral slide shows

[garn9173]

I don’t think it is vulgar either and I like to look at those photos at the funeral home, but I understand that people are different and they also have different customs and ideas. I once was involved in a discussion here on CAF regarding taking photos of the deceased in the casket, (and maybe also touching and kissing the deceased in the casket too, I think). I find the idea of taking photos odd, but some don’t, they find it customary. So, we are all different, with different life experiences and expectations.

I’ve seen people taking pictures of the deceased, yeah it’s strange, i’d rather remember the deceased when they were alive, but hey, if it helps in the grieving process, it’s none of my business.

It’s why i’m leaning towards cremation for the same reason my Aunt did and her reason she didn’t want people standing over her and gawking.

 

[SwizzleStick]

I’ve seen people taking pictures of the deceased, yeah it’s strange, i’d rather remember the deceased when they were alive, but hey, if it helps in the grieving process, it’s none of my business. …

I’ve never actually seen anyone do that, and that is probably why I think it is unusual, but I have since learned that some folks do it. I agree with you. I’d personally rather remember the person as they lived, not as he or she looked in the casket, but to each his own, I guess.

…It’s why i’m leaning towards cremation for the same reason my Aunt did and her reason she didn’t want people standing over her and gawking.

I’m thinking one is beyond caring at that point, but one should put preferences in writing so final wishes can be carried out.

 

[Bonnie]

I’m thinking one is beyond caring at that point, but one should put preferences in writing so final wishes can be carried out.

We not only have our preferences in writing, we’re working on having everything planned - & hopefully paid for - in advance. We’re lucky that we know the funeral director and consider him a friend. I’d rather have him overseeing my cremation & funeral than a stranger. Good thing he’s a lot younger than we are!

 

[Phemie]

The slide show has become de rigeur at funerals where I live, and that includes Catholic Funeral Masses. Most of the time these shows are accompanied by one of the deceased’s favorite songs or musical arrangements. I cringe when I see it at Mass.

Our former pastor insisted that if it was to be done it had to be before the start of Mass.

 

[markomalley]

I recently attended a non-religious funeral at which a slide show of the deceased’s life was projected onto a large screen. I know of two Catholic funerals where the same thing happened. I find the whole practice gimmicky and vulgar. Is this some new fad promoted by morticians?
Perhaps I am getting old, but I am only 80!

If it is a non-religious funeral, I have “no dog in the fight.”

I would be upset if it was a Catholic funeral (slide show during the wake…no problem. During the funeral…big problem)

 

[Bonnie]

Most of the time these shows are accompanied by one of the deceased’s favorite songs or musical arrangements. I cringe when I see it at Mass.

This was actually done DURING Mass?

 

[Gidge]

If it is a non-religious funeral, I have “no dog in the fight.”

I would be upset if it was a Catholic funeral (slide show during the wake…no problem. During the funeral…big problem)

My thoughts exactly. Audio-visual technology does not belong in church. Period.

I have seen a powerpoint presentation in church for the annual Bishop’s appeal

It’s this kind of thing that has led us to attend the TLM at a monastery and avoid all the hijinx and novelties found in so many suburban parishes (does that make me a “Mad-Trad”) ?

 

[asia53]

As a funeral reception coordinator for my parish, I’ve only seen the slideshow at the reception. There are usually pictures/paintings in the Narthex with the guestbook. As per our Pastor’s orders, the slideshow absolutely will not be done during Mass–inappropriate.

 

[Phemie]

This was actually done DURING Mass?

Yes. Usually between Communion and the Final Commendation but also, often, between Reception of the Body/placing of the pall and the Readings.

 

[Bonnie]

Yes. Usually between Communion and the Final Commendation but also, often, between Reception of the Body/placing of the pall and the Readings.

Holy cow! Has the Bishop been notified of this?

 

[SwizzleStick]

Yes. Usually between Communion and the Final Commendation but also, often, between Reception of the Body/placing of the pall and the Readings.

That is inappropriate and unacceptable. Thankfully, I’ve never seen that done. Yet. Sigh. Unfortunately, it will probably happen at some point before my own funeral, though. Sigh.

 

[Phemie]

Holy cow! Has the Bishop been notified of this?

I don’t know if the present bishop knows, but his predecessor actually celebrated one of these funerals. Eulogies are common too, nobody has seen fit to stop those either.