I'm use to going to funeral homes for a normal funeral but i've never had to go to a catholic one or even one in a church. I just don't want any surprises.
2007-03-05 07:34:40 · 14 answers · asked by TJ815 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Follow the lead of the rest of the congregation as to sit, stand, or kneel. If kneeling is against your particular beliefs, sit politely and quietly during periods of kneeling.
Because Catholics believe in the literal transubstatiation of the Eucharist, if you do not share this belief, you should not receive the communion, as it would be a lie before God since you are not in communion with the Catholic Church. If you are from a faith that believes in the literal transubstantiation, but are uncertain if you should receive, speak to the priest before hand.
If you cannot receive but wish to go forward, go forward with your arms over your chest to the priest (not the lay minister who may be assisting), and he will bless you. The appropriate response after the blessing is to say 'amen' and return to your seat and kneel (if your beliefs permit kneeling) or sitting (if not).
If you have any other questions, show up early and speak with the priest, he would be more than happy to assist in helping you make appropriate decisions about manner and style of worship so that you can participate to the full without crossing cultural and theological boundaries, and you can be assured he will not judge you for not being Catholic.
2007-03-05 07:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will experience one of the most uplifting funerals you have ever seen!
You see, for Catholics, death is a beginning- a BIRTH into eternal life! A Catholic funeral is a beautiful proclamation of the sanctity of life and the hope we have for eternal life with God.
It is a normal Mass, but you will see things like the casket being sprinkled with Holy wATER ( as a remembrance of the baptism of the deceased), incense ( purification of the casket).
You won't hear a eulogy, unless it is at the wake at the funeral home or after the main part of the Mass - just before the very end. Eulogies are expressly forbidden during Mass becuse they tend to dwell on sadness and the Mass is meant to be a joyful experience.
2007-03-06 00:34:13 · answer #2 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a beautiful service. Do not be afraid to go and just follow along. Most of the priests realize that at a funeral there are several people who are not Catholic and so they give kind of a running explanation of what they are doing. The only thing I will say is do not go up for Holy Communion as you are not a Catholic and now that I have told you, you would be judged by the Lord for doing it if you did it now anyway. God Bless you and enjoy the presence of the Lord as he is truly there at Holy Communion.
2007-03-05 15:48:00 · answer #3 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at my catholic elementary school the student body used to have to go to funerals for ppl we didnt even know and had a funeral like every other week. The catholic funerals are very very long, and dragged out i tried falling asleep but the nuns dont like that much. take some energy drinks
2007-03-05 15:45:40 · answer #4 · answered by Convuluted and excluded 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother went ot a Maori funeral in NZ and it lasted a whole weekend with feasting and partying and nose rubbing, wailing women, she had never experienced anything like it but she said it was fascinating and so different from the way we deal with death, I'd say just go along and take it as it comes, it's sure not to be as different as the Maori funeral so you will be quite safe... but that's a shame really.
2007-03-05 15:40:56 · answer #5 · answered by CHEESUS GROYST 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Incense! It can bring on an asthma attack, which I found out this year when I went to my first Catholic funeral.
(Sorry Marie for ruining your lovely service with my coughing and spluttering:()
2007-03-05 15:38:01 · answer #6 · answered by True Blue Brit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
oh! your going to be surprise alright,they believe you don't go to heaven,you can live any way you want to ,at your funeral they pray you into a place where you have to suffer alto,i think it's called purgatory,than you go to heaven,i was brough up catholic.
2007-03-05 15:44:50 · answer #7 · answered by parkituse j 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the dead do not rise at the catholic services.
2007-03-05 15:37:55 · answer #8 · answered by Tribble Macher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah bring a pillow and a LARGE coffee so you dont fall out and snore.
seriously... no surprises. you enter and just be there.... if you are nervous try to be there on time so maybe you will run into someone to go in with.
2007-03-05 15:39:36 · answer #9 · answered by larrydoyle52 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are sensitive/asthmatic to strong scents I'd suggest stepping out when they swing the censer with the incense in it. It is quite strong.
2007-03-05 15:38:52 · answer #10 · answered by genaddt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋