This could be at a private home or backyard, in a local park or at a rented meeting space. If the memorial mass is held soon after the time of death, the etiquette for what to wear will be very similar to that of a funeral. If it is held later on, such as on an anniversary, it's not unusual for the ceremony to be a bit more casual. When in doubt, it's best to wear dark, somber colors that are conservative in style.
Business clothes can also work for a memorial mass. Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops and casual clothes. Some memorial services are more celebratory and are even called "Celebrations of Life" and the invitation may ask you to wear more informal clothes with brighter colors.
Whether you're attending a memorial mass or a funeral mass, your participation as an attendee will be much the same. Remember that the focus of the ceremony is to honor the passing of a loved one and to follow the traditions of the particular Christian denomination. If you're not sure what to do or what to wear, ask a family member or priest who will appreciate your interest in making sure you're participating appropriately in this solemn event.
What Is a Memorial Mass? For example: If the body is not available, such as being lost at sea or cremation, then a memorial mass is appropriate.
Memorial masses also often occur if family and friends were not able to get together at the time of the funeral, such as during a pandemic or natural disaster. A memorial mass may also occur if much planning and time is required to have friends and family travel to one location for the event.
Memorial Mass vs. Funeral Mass There are a few major differences between a memorial mass and a funeral mass. In a memorial mass, the body of the deceased is not present. Here, the Priest honors the individual with words of wisdom, praise, and acknowledgment of devotion.
After the Homily, a selection of up to six Universal Prayers will be spoken by the Priest. Two examples are:. If a loved one had a particular fondness for some texts, the Liturgy of the Word would be the time to read them. Otherwise, the parish Priest will provide any assistance needed in selecting these readings if the family is unsure. The Priest will reference the body and blood of Christ.
And it is believed that through prayer, the bread fully represents Jesus's body and the wine, blood. Both of which Jesus gave on behalf of mankind so that their sins may be redeemed. Commonly, family members assist the Priest during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Two people will bring the bread and wine to the Priest, and the number of needed Eucharistic Ministers will help distribute communion with him.
Those who are part of the Catholic faith follow the Procession forward to receive communion. Otherwise, those who are not Catholic often remain in the pews until the completion of the Liturgy. Many people who aren't Catholic attend memorial and funeral Masses out of respect for the deceased. So, there's no reason to feel uncomfortable while others move around you to participate in the ceremony. The Final Commendation is an optional part of the service and is unlike a Eulogy. Eulogies are suitable for wakes, family gatherings, and funeral ads placed in newspapers.
They are often emotional speeches, intended to bring people to laughter and tears while citing stories from the deceased and things they've accomplished in their lives. However, this Final Commendation is about deepening the faith of those in attendance while offering comfort in a distressing time.
A chosen family member will cover topics such as:. Priests recommend that the Final Commendation remain short, that the speaker prepares the commentary ahead of time, and that they thank everyone for their prayers and love during such a difficult time. Those words may include answers to the following questions:. The person giving the Final Commendation has an opportunity to help their family heal, reflect on life and relationships with the deceased, and come to understand better the bonds they have with faith during life—and those who have passed.
As the deceased's body is absent, the family can not participate in the Procession to the Place of Committal. That said, this is generally the conclusion of the Mass where the Priest offers some additional prayers before the body is committed to the Earth. In a Memorial Mass, the Priest will simply conclude the Mass and dismiss everyone. To learn more about planning a post-service reception, see our article Post-Funeral Reception. Memorial services may be held at any time that is convenient or significant to you.
Many people hold memorial services in the weeks following the death, and also hold memorial services on the first anniversary of the death. Buy the book that prepares you for the unexpected. Skip to main content. Memorial Service Location Memorial services may be held in any location. Memorial Service Features There is no formal structure to a memorial service.
Post-Memorial Service Reception After the memorial service, it is common to have a reception , which can be held at a funeral home, religious place of worship, a family home, or another location that can accommodate all those who attended the service.
0コメント