Funerals are something that we eventually observe, attend, or regrettably participate in as we go through life. These occurrences frequently bring about a great deal of bewilderment, anguish, and sometimes even an overall sense of loss.
Our four-part series, which explores the burial rituals, traditions, and rites of Singapore's four main religious groups, will provide you the answers you need. Our discussion of Catholic funeral customs, liturgy, and etiquette will take place in this second installment of the series. Continue reading to learn more!
WHAT IS A CATHOLIC FUNERAL?
A Catholic funeral can be mistaken for a Christian one at first appearance. Catholics hold a similar view to their Christian counterparts regarding the afterlife. They think that after death, a person's soul goes to either Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. The third location is specific to Catholicism and is important to the customs surrounding a Catholic funeral.
The practice of holding Mass before a funeral, where time is set aside to pray to God for mercy and the pardon of the deceased's sins, is caused by the belief in purgatory.
TRADITIONS OF CATHOLIC FUNERAL
What then constitutes a Catholic funeral in its purest form? Let's examine a few of the traditions, then.
Catholic funerals might be held at the void deck, in a funeral home, or in a Catholic church. A Catholic priest officiates at these funerals. A funeral Mass, a funeral vigil service (sometimes known as a wake or rosary service) at catholic funeral package, and a cemetery commitment are typically included in a conventional Catholic funeral. Cremation has grown in popularity in Singapore, despite the fact that burial is typically a component of a Catholic funeral.
The funeral rituals are performed by a priest who is usually a member of the same church where the deceased had been receiving sacraments during their lifetime. The vigil ceremony includes eulogies, prayers, and scripture readings, frequently to the backdrop of light musical music. The priest leads Mass, a Holy Communion, and a discourse at the funeral.
Holy Water is sprinkled on the coffin during the Catholic funeral mass, and the priest and family both recite blessings and scriptures. Following the consumption of bread and wine, the casket is blessed once again with holy water and incense.
Catholic funeral protocol and attire guidelines
Do these customs apply to us as mourners attending a wake? What is required of me if I don't practice the Catholic faith? Are there any particular considerations we should make when going to a Catholic wake? No matter what faith we practice, it is always polite and appropriate for us to become familiar with the traditions as visitors.
Family members might dress formally. But for visitors, casual attire is allowed as long as it's modest and comes in darker hues—black or neutral colors are a good bet. It may be necessary for attendees to change positions from sitting to standing to kneeling. You might not have to kneel if you're a visitor, but it's polite if you stand when others do. Even if you don't practice Catholicism, you are welcome to receive the priest's blessings during the procession; nevertheless, you should avoid receiving Communion.
Giving condolence money and sending sympathy stands are two more common ways to convey grief and condolence (whether floral or LED). Be sure to work with a licensed LED wreath provider if you plan to give the grieving family an LED sympathy stand because Singapore's government has lately tightened the regulations governing the exhibition of such stands.
Funerals are also increasingly incorporating wishing trees and remembrance books, where guests can express heartfelt condolences and share funny stories about the deceased.
