Question on Funeral Services

[Ed_Emig]

I need some help understanding proper protocols for a vigil service and memorial Masses for a woman who returned to the Church not very long before her death after years of being away.

The deceased was the only practicing Catholic in her family. Before coming back to the Church, she had arranged to have her viewing and graveside service handled by the “family” funeral home, and that can’t realistically be changed. Because of her health, she did not join a parish after coming back to the Church. She will be buried before any can be said on her behalf.

The first question is what prayers/services a lay person may lead at the funeral home. The deceased had asked that a rosary be said for her, which I would hope can be led by anyone. I would imagine that the full Vigil Service from the Order of Christian Funerals would require an ordained Minister (Priest or Deacon). Is there a middle ground that lay people or an Instituted Acolyte would be authorize to do, such as an invitation to prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection before saying the rosary?

The second question is whether it is legitimate to have a Mass of Resurrection celebrated for the deceased without her remains being present in any form, or whether we will simply need to rely on memorial Masses as they can be scheduled.

Thanks for your insight.

Ed Emig

 

[EasterJoy]

I assume you knew the deceased. I’m sorry for your loss.

The funeral policies for our diocese will probably answer many of your questions, as they are in keeping with Canon Law and the GIRM.
archdpdx.org/liturgy/funeral-policies.pdf

Check with your diocese for the regulations your bishop has in place. The chancery office can also help in terms of finding a parish local to the deceased to help her family with arrangements.

 

[Ed_Emig]

Thanks for the information. This is very helpful.

 

[puzzleannie]

PP gave you what you need, only want to add that burying the dead is a corporal work of mercy and you are to be commended for stepping in and making sure her wishes are followed and she receives the proper burial. the funeral director is probably familiar with Catholic procedures, and can direct you to the local parish for help with planning.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

. . .

The first question is what prayers/services a lay person may lead at the funeral home. The deceased had asked that a rosary be said for her, which I would hope can be led by anyone. I would imagine that the full Vigil Service from the Order of Christian Funerals would require an ordained Minister (Priest or Deacon). Is there a middle ground that lay people or an Instituted Acolyte would be authorize to do, such as an invitation to prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection before saying the rosary?
. . g

In the absence of a cleric, a layman, or laymen, can lead any of the wake services. That is the way we usually do it. We have a team of two or three who share it. This makes it more a community effort. Also it is helpful to have a couple others responding to the prayers so you don’t get lonely up there.
The preferred form for the wake is The Office of the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours, or a Liturgy of the Word [First half of the mass], or another that I can’t recall at the moment. While that is the preference of the Church, most wakes have a rosary because “that is the way we have always done it.” I think you are free to use whichever best suits the circumstances.
I like to do the rosary with the Glorious Mysteries. I add a short scripture reading [from the selections for the funeral mass] before each mystery. I also add in a couple of other prayers I have picked up through the years.