Ruless & Regulations for Permanent Deacons

[terribrawner]

Hello,

A close friend has passed and they are having a Rosary and Prayer Service (no Funeral Mass). Would a Deacon be able to Bless the Body of the Deceased before burial or would a Priest need to do it.

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

Hello,

A close friend has passed and they are having a Rosary and Prayer Service (no Funeral Mass). Would a Deacon be able to Bless the Body of the Deceased before burial or would a Priest need to do it.

In our diocese, it is common for deacons to conduct the Vigil Service at the funeral home, and occasionally, that becomes the only service held for the deceased if that’s the family’s wish.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

In the absence of clergy, even a lay person may do so.

 

[otjm]

They can say the prayers at the grave site and bless the grave.

 

[FrDavid96]

Hello,

A close friend has passed and they are having a Rosary and Prayer Service (no Funeral Mass). Would a Deacon be able to Bless the Body of the Deceased before burial or would a Priest need to do it.

Yes, absolutely.

The only time this would not be permitted would be if a priest is actually there at the time.