I'm very upset over the whole thing, but I dont know what the proper thing to do at these things ...I already visited the family briefly to give my condolences. I hate that I probably cant get anyone to go with me because its going to be uncomfortable.
2006-07-13 03:37:44 · 7 answers · asked by PersianPrincess 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Well, if they are Catholic, look and see what time the parish wake service is. Be there about 15 minutes earlier.
Greet the family again, say" Again, I am truly sorry for your loss. John/Mary will be greatly missed by all who knew him/ her." ( You get the idea)
Sign the guest book....glance around for ANYONE you know...they are uncomfortable too. Look at the pictures the family has brought.
When the service begins, grab a seat. Pray. Sing.
Some families use this time for stories about the deceased. If you have a funny/touching story, they may open the floor for people to share. Catholics do not have eulogies at funerals ( at least they are not supposed to, I have seen it though, and it is very out of place in the funeral liturgy), so the eulogies are supposed to happen at the wake.
As you leave, say goodbye to the family. Offer to say a prayer for them.
It is common human decency to swallow your discomfort and step outside your comfort zone to attend a funeral and wake. No one likes them beacuse most people have a warped sense of death and think it is an end and a time of sadness , rather than a yime of joy that ther peson has gone to their reward.
I told my children if any of them cry at my funeral, I will HAUNT THEM!
2006-07-13 03:47:48 · answer #1 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just attend the service quietly. Sit towards the back. If there is a time for you to mingle, talk to the family members briefly (if their emotions allow it - you don't have to approach anyone who is bawling) to once more offer your condolences and view any pictures or things like that, then you can leave.
2006-07-13 03:42:33 · answer #2 · answered by cucumberlarry1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry that no one will go with you, this is not a social event. Just go, be respectful,sign your name in the book and if you see the family again,tell them that you are sorry.
2006-07-13 03:43:39 · answer #3 · answered by Sunshine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make an appearance, mumble something polite and then say you can't stay due to an appointment.
2006-07-13 03:43:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just go and be quite until someone speaks. No one will question you if you are silent. If prompted, just speak of good memories.
2006-07-13 04:06:43 · answer #5 · answered by Swordfish 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this has happened to me and I went alone and brought a plant as a symbol of life flowers die plants you have to kill or skip it and send a plant of your choice go to church and light a candle
2006-07-13 04:02:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
GO AND GO HOME!
2006-07-13 03:39:58 · answer #7 · answered by +++++ SPOOK ++++ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋