Preparing for a Wake and a Funeral

We Christians recognize that by Baptism we are washed free of sin, as well as configured to Christ and incorporated into His Body. This is why, at our deepest reality, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Burying our deceased loved ones is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy. We recognize that the Communion of Saints is: the Church Militant (we who are here on earth), the Church Suffering (those souls in purgatory), and the Church Triumphant (those souls in Heaven).

What’s Involved?

When a person dies in a state of grace (right relationship with God) they may immediately enter into glory or experience some purification. At the Mass of Christian Resurrection we, the Church here on earth, pray for the soul that has passed. Our prayerful support assists the soul of our departed loved one as it prepares to enter God’s glory. We pray for the deceased but we also pray for those who mourn the passing of a loved one that they may be comforted by our faith in the love and mercy of God.

The Mass of Christian burial (The Funeral Mass or what was formerly the Requiem Mass) is evocative of Baptism. Holy Water is sprinkled on the casket, the Pascal Candle is lit, and a pall (white cloth) is draped over the casket. During the Mass incense is used to reverence the body of the deceased as it was a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Typically the Funeral Director will contact the parish to make arrangements for the Funeral Mass. You will be invited to choose from some selected scripture readings for the Mass and also pick the hymns. Family members and/or friends may act as lectors, pallbearers, and gift bearers. A eulogy may be offered by a family member or friend. It should be written, no more than 3 minutes, and should reflect the person’s goodness and faith in God.

It is important that the family take care to ensure that the remains of the deceased are properly reverenced. This means that remains ought to be interred in a Catholic cemetery (Office of Catholic Cemeteries  (718) 894-4888) with the souls of other believers as a sign of our communion of faith. If the remains are cremated, they ought to be placed in a cemetery niche or columbarium. It is understandable that we might want to keep the cremated remains at home with us because of our love for the deceased. Unfortunately, this practice can lead to great disrespect for the person we love if, because of death, old age, or simply the passage of time, the remains are discarded or misplaced.  We need a place that is dignified and permanent to go to pay our respect and offer prayers for the dead.