Ethan Walker
A Catholic funeral is divided into three stages: the vigil, the funeral liturgy, and the rite of committal. The vigil, or wake, is a gathering held before the funeral where friends and family honour and remember the deceased. It usually takes place at the home of the deceased, a funeral home, or another convenient location. The funeral liturgy is an act of worship where the community gathers with the family to praise and thank God and to seek strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery. The rite of committal is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of the deceased and is usually celebrated at the place of committal, beside the open grave or place of interment. After the funeral, there may be a luncheon, wake, or memorial, depending on the culture and religion of the bereaved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Wake, luncheon, memorial, reception, repast, stypa |
| Timing | Day of the funeral, sometimes the night before or after |
| Location | Restaurant, bar, hall, home, funeral home |
| Attendees | Family, friends, mourners |
| Food and drink | Yes |
| Entertainment | Storytelling, music, readings, singing, dancing |
| Purpose | Honour and remember the deceased, provide hospitality, express thoughts and feelings |
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What You'll Learn
- Luncheons, wakes, repasts, memorials, and receptions are names for the gathering
- The vigil service includes readings, reflection, and prayers
- Funeral liturgy is an act of worship, not an expression of grief
- The rite of committal is the final act of the community of faith
- Catholic funeral rites are divided into three parts: vigil, liturgy, and committal
Luncheons, wakes, repasts, memorials, and receptions are names for the gathering
The gathering after a Catholic funeral can be called a luncheon, a wake, a repast, a memorial, or a reception. The specific term used often depends on cultural and religious factors, as well as the timing and location of the gathering.
A "luncheon" is commonly used to refer to a gathering at a restaurant after a funeral, where attendees eat and leave. Luncheons typically follow morning funerals.
A "wake" is a social gathering held before or after the funeral service, usually involving food, drink, storytelling, music, singing, and dancing. It is often a positive and socially supportive atmosphere that focuses on the life of the deceased. Wakes can be held at funeral homes, bars, halls, or in the home of the deceased. In some cultures, the body is present at the wake, which may also be referred to as a visitation.
A "repast" is commonly used by Black communities to refer to a meal after the funeral, especially when it is provided by the church.
A "memorial" is often held more than a week after the death or in cases where there was no funeral or graveside service.
A "reception" is a general term used to refer to a gathering after a funeral, especially if it is held outside the home.
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The vigil service includes readings, reflection, and prayers
The vigil service, also known as the Prayer Vigil, is an important part of the Catholic funeral rite. It usually takes place during the period of visitation and viewing at the funeral home or the family home, on the eve of the funeral. The vigil service is a time for the Christian community to gather with the family and friends of the deceased to pray, reflect, and find strength in Christ's presence. It can take the form of a Service of the Word, with readings from Sacred Scripture, or it can be one of the prayers from the Office for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours.
The reflection during the vigil service is a time for those gathered to silently reflect on their own personal journeys in light of the Easter revelation. This is followed by the Service of Light, where the building is lit only by the Easter Candle and the individual participants' candles. If the vigil lasts all night, there may be specific points for eating and drinking related to the readings until the climax is reached in the Service of Light.
The prayers during the vigil service may include the Rosary, which is often prayed around the coffin. There may also be special prayers to accompany the leave-taking of the person who has died, such as the priest sprinkling the coffin with holy water and incensing it. The vigil service is a time for the community to seek strength and comfort in their shared grief and to celebrate the life of the deceased.
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Funeral liturgy is an act of worship, not an expression of grief
A Catholic funeral is divided into several stations or parts, each with its own purpose. The first is the Reception of the Body, also called the Prayer Vigil or the Vigil Service. This usually takes place the night before the funeral when the coffin is brought into the church and people gather to pray and reflect. Mourners may pray the Rosary around the coffin, and there may be music, readings, and the sharing of memories.
The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. It is an act of worship and praise to God for Christ's victory over sin and death, and to commend the deceased to God's mercy and compassion. It is not merely an expression of grief. The liturgy is usually celebrated at a Mass, where Holy Communion is offered. Family and friends may bring the bread and wine to the altar ahead of the Eucharistic Prayer. After Communion, a family member or friend may speak in memory of the deceased.
The Rite of Committal is the conclusion of the funeral rite and is usually celebrated beside the open grave or place of interment. The priest reads a verse of scripture and says special prayers, and the mourners recite the Lord's Prayer. The rite ends with a blessing, and often a hymn or song.
The gathering after a Catholic funeral is called a wake if it takes place before the funeral, and a luncheon if it is held after the funeral service.
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The rite of committal is the final act of the community of faith
The Catholic funeral rite is divided into three parts: the vigil, the funeral liturgy, and the rite of committal. The vigil is a prayer service usually held the evening before the funeral. It is a time for the bereaved family to receive love and support from their Christian brothers and sisters and to share stories as they honour and remember the deceased. The funeral liturgy is the central expression of faith for the Catholic community after the loss of a loved one. It is an act of worship in which the family and friends of the deceased gather with the Church to give praise and thanks to God for Christ's victory over sin and death. The funeral liturgy may be celebrated at a Requiem Mass, or when Mass cannot be celebrated, it can be held at the Church or in the funeral home.
The Rite of Committal is the conclusion of the funeral rite and is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. It is usually celebrated at the place of committal, that is, beside the open grave or place of interment. In committing the body to its resting place, the community expresses the hope that the deceased awaits the glory of the resurrection. The priest reads a verse of scripture and says special prayers. The rite ends with those gathered reciting the Lord's Prayer and the priest delivering a blessing, and may conclude with a hymn or song.
The Catholic funeral rite is a time-honoured tradition that allows the Catholic community to gather in support of the bereaved and to commend their departed loved ones into God's loving and merciful hands. While burial remains the typical and preferred practice, it is not uncommon for Catholics to choose cremation. The Church teaches that the body should be treated with respect and dignity as God's creation and as a former temple of the Holy Spirit.
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Catholic funeral rites are divided into three parts: vigil, liturgy, and committal
Catholic funeral rites are divided into three parts: the Vigil, the Liturgy, and the Committal. Each rite serves a distinct purpose and can be personalised to impart a deeper meaning relevant to the life of the deceased and to those who mourn.
The Vigil for the Deceased, also called "The Wake", is traditionally the first liturgy celebrated by the Christian community after death and before the funeral Mass. The Vigil is when the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer to God and finds strength in Christ's presence. The Vigil Service usually takes place during the period of visitation and viewing at the funeral home. It is a time to remember the life of the deceased and commend them to God. The Vigil Service can include readings from Sacred Scripture, reflections, and prayers.
The Funeral Liturgy, or Funeral Mass, is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. The community gathers with family and friends to praise God for Christ's victory over sin and death. The Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place, and members of the family or friends may bring gifts, bread, or wine to the altar. Holy Communion is then offered, and a family member or friend may speak in memory of the deceased. The Liturgy is ordinarily celebrated in church but may also be held in the home of the deceased, a funeral home, or a cemetery chapel.
The Rite of Committal, sometimes called "The Burial", is the conclusion of the funeral rites. It is the final act of the community caring for the body of the deceased and committing it to its resting place. The Rite of Committal is usually celebrated beside the open burial space, where the community expresses their farewell prayers. The rite ends with those gathered reciting the Lord's Prayer and the priest delivering a blessing, often followed by a hymn or song.
The gathering after a Catholic funeral, where family and friends eat and drink together, may be called a luncheon, a wake, a memorial, or a repast.
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Frequently asked questions
The gathering after a Catholic funeral can be called a reception, luncheon, or wake. A memorial is held more than a week after the death or if there was no funeral or graveside service.
A wake is a social gathering that takes place before or after a funeral service. It is usually held at the funeral home, but can also be held at a bar, hall, or the deceased's home. Friends and family gather to eat, drink, and share stories about the deceased.
A wake is a time for mourners to express their thoughts and feelings about the deceased and to provide support to one another. It is also a way to honour the deceased and commemorate their life.
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