You may simply follow along with those Catholics in attendance if you are comfortable with that.I assume there will be a funeral mass.Catholics stand to pray together or to hear the priest read the Gospel.We kneel at the consecration of the gifts(you are not obliged to do so if you have scruples about this)Please do not receive the Eucharist or Holy Communion as we believe this to be the literal body,blood,soul and divinty of Christ and this is reserved for thusly professing Catholics(absolutely no slight intended at you).We generally remain sitting at all other times.While this is a very solemn occassion I hope you can experience the beauty and joy of being simutaneously at the last supper,calvary,and the wedding feast in heaven.
), so I can give you a “blow by blow” what to do. I’m sure the other Catholics here can too! Just let us know.
I’m also sorry for your loss. I can only reiterate what others have already stated. If you have a strong disagreement with Catholic doctrine, or if you feel uncomfortable standing and kneeling to accompany the participants at the mass, it would not be taken as discourteous for you to simply remain quietly seated during the mass. That sort of posture is entirely approprate for a visiting non-Catholic.
My condolences on your loss. :console:
I agree with LDNCatholic. I would just do what everyone else does. Many times, however, the priest understands that funeral attendees are not all Catholic or practicing Catholics and will instruct everyone at the appropriate time what to do: i.e. “please stand”, “please kneel or sit if your comfortable” etc. If you’d like details, I am Catholic (and also a funeral director
Hope this helps!
I would like to thank everyone who has replied. I read somewhere that there would be holy water as you enter the church where you are supposed to take some and do the father son and holy spirit amen???My condolences on your loss. :console:
I agree with LDNCatholic. I would just do what everyone else does. Many times, however, the priest understands that funeral attendees are not all Catholic or practicing Catholics and will instruct everyone at the appropriate time what to do: i.e. “please stand”, “please kneel or sit if your comfortable” etc. If you’d like details, I am Catholic (and also a funeral director
Hope this helps!
Usually there is, but I don’t think anyone is “obligated” to do this. If you would like to, you just dip your fingertips in and make the sign of the cross. If you don’t know how or are uncomfortable with that, then don’t. No one will think anything of it!
Trust me, I’ve been to tons of funeral Masses and if you just follow along with everyone else, you’ll do fine! Like I said, most times the priest gives prompts because it’s very common to have both Catholics and non-Catholics at the Mass. (Unless the deceased didn’t have any non-Catholic friends! )Thats right but you don’t need to. If you do not know how, or do not agree with making the sign of the cross then you don’t have to.
: when everyone processes into Church behind the casket you will be directed into the pews (the funeral director will usually indicate to everyone which side to go to). Make sure when you step into the pew you REMAIN standing. Everyone (including Catholics) always step into the pew and sit down. You’re supposed to remain standing until the priest finishes the opening prayers and it’s time for the readings. (It won’t be long 2-3 minutes tops.) Then you sit down. Hope that helps you!Wow…I’m embarassed to say I didn’t know this! Thanks Melanie
Consider volunteering as a sponsor for your parish’s next RCIA class. You’d be surprised what you will learn!Wow…I’m embarassed to say I didn’t know this! Thanks Melanie
Jeanw, I am sorry to hear for the loss of your family member. I agree with the other posters that you should just watch the other members of the congregation for what to do. I also have to commend you for caring enough for your family that you would inquire about proper etiquette at Mass on this forum. To me, that shows that you’re a very kind and caring person.
Very sorry for your loss.