What to Know About Catholic Services

Attending the service of a loved one is always a good choice. It allows you to say goodbye and to get the closure you need. If you have been invited to a Catholic service, however, you may not be sure what you can expect. If that is the case, then it can make a difference to know a bit about what Catholic funerary services are like. Here are the things that directors of funeral homes in DeWitt, NY want you to know.

Something you want to keep in mind is that a traditional Catholic service has three parts. It begins with the wake or viewing. Here, people will recite the rosary and offer each other comfort. The casket is usually present, though it is not always open. The funeral mass comes next. The casket is brought in during a procession and it receives the blessing of the priest. This is a very traditional service, so be sure that you pay attention to when everyone stands up, kneels, and sits down. At the end of the mass, the casket is taken to the place of burial where there will be the committal of the body to the earth.

Do remember that the service is a somber one. Not only do Catholics focus on the death of the person, but they also bring in the idea of resurrection and sin. Be sure that you wear something appropriate. Avoid anything too bright, casual, or revealing. You want to stick to more conservative color options so that you do not offend anyone. Also, be sure that you are respectful to the traditions. If you do not want to kneel when everyone else does, at least bow your head.

You should consider sending a sympathy gift to the family of the deceased. That is something that can let them know you are thinking of them. Most people choose to send sympathy cards. You can also consider sending them flower arrangements. If you choose to do this, be sure that you do so through a florist and that you send a note with them. If you want to make a donation in the person’s name, take some time to ask the family about it.

These are some crucial things you want to remember when getting ready to attend a traditional Catholic service. This can be an important way to say goodbye to your loved one and to get the closure you need. If that is something that you want to do, knowing what to expect from this kind of service is essential. You can learn more about all of this or you can ask any questions you may have about traditional service by reaching out to a DeWitt, NY funeral home like us. We have years of experience and we can offer the exact kind of guidance you need when attending a service. You can call us right now or you can visit us right now to speak with one of our experts about all of this.