Scripture Readings for Catholic Funerals

Although Catholic funerals may appear the same as many Protestant funerals, the two are markedly different. Generally, in a Catholic funeral, the entire rite is performed for the family. Since the deceased has already passed, nothing is done for them. Although this seems cold, many religions concur. Catholic funerals are more than just a simple ceremony.

Refusal

One of the frequently discussed parts of a Catholic funeral is the Church's ability to refuse the funeral. If the deceased was Catholic, it does not guarantee that he or she gets a Catholic funeral. The Church can refuse if the deceased caused a rift in, spoke out against or caused problems for the Church. Those guilty of atrocities or inordinate amounts of sins, and also those who committed a mortal sin are sometimes denied a Catholic funeral. Some Catholic churches still do not allow suicide victims a Catholic funeral or burial, although this practice is largely abandoned.

Traditional arrangement

Although some churches may vary on this, the traditional arrangement starts with the deceased laying face up with his or her feet toward the priest. This symbolizes the position taken during Mass while the person was alive. During the service, once given in Latin, but now usually in English, the priest asks for God to bless this person, for light to shine down, and for a few people to speak about the deceased.

Scriptures

Requiem Mass incorporates portions of a normal mass, but certain sections are omitted or altered. Specifically, mentions of God's Glory, God our Father, Hallelujah and several other joyful themes and tones are left out, usually because they do not mesh with the solemnity of the funeral itself.

The conclusion of the service is the sprinkling of holy water and incense on the deceased, symbolic of complete and final absolution. From here, a procession usually takes the body to a burial plot, vault or mausoleum.