Memorial Services

[PoliSciProf]

Can Catholic churches be used for memorial services? My wife just attended one for a friend’s mother (a Catholic)–it was not a funeral just some speakers and some prayers. Neither my wife of I have ever been to one before.

 

[benedictgal]

Can Catholic churches be used for memorial services? My wife just attended one for a friend’s mother (a Catholic)–it was not a funeral just some speakers and some prayers. Neither my wife of I have ever been to one before.

The Vigil of the Deceased, which includes the Rosary and, sometimes, the Office of the Dead may be held at the Church, especially if it’s a big funeral (too big for the funeral home). Now, sometimes, if there is no priest available, the deacon may officiate. The funeral would then be akin to a Liturgy of the Word (sometimes, Holy Communion may be distributed).

 

[puzzleannie]

Can Catholic churches be used for memorial services? My wife just attended one for a friend’s mother (a Catholic)–it was not a funeral just some speakers and some prayers. Neither my wife of I have ever been to one before.

yes, there is a rite for this when used instead of a funeral Mass, in which case there is also a commital rite at the place of burial or repose of cremated remains. or there is also a rite to use some time after the death and funeral, for instance, if the person is buried in her home town, relatives living at a distance my have a memorial service, or even Mass for her. there is also a rite for a vigil on the year anniversary of death and burial. in any of these cases there may be a Mass, or a service conducted by a deacon without Eucharist.