Christianity
CHRISTIAN DEATH AND BURIAL
Christians believe that when someone dies, the good people will go to Heaven and the sinners will go to Hell. Hell is a place where they have no access to God. A funeral is held for friends and family to mourn the dead person but also to give thanks for their life.
If is known that someone is dying, a priest or minister will help them to prepare for death by bing sorry for their sins. Holy Communion (bread and wine) may be given depending on the health of the person. In the Roman Catholic church, a priest will anoint the person with holy oil and this is called the Last Rites.
People sometimes leave a will or instructions on how they want their funeral to be. The may also state whether they want to be buried or cremated.
The dead body is washed and either dressed in their own clothes or wrapped in a shroud (a white cloth). The body is then placed in a coffin. Sometimes the coffin is left open for people to pay their last respects.
Friends and family can show sympathy by:
If is known that someone is dying, a priest or minister will help them to prepare for death by bing sorry for their sins. Holy Communion (bread and wine) may be given depending on the health of the person. In the Roman Catholic church, a priest will anoint the person with holy oil and this is called the Last Rites.
People sometimes leave a will or instructions on how they want their funeral to be. The may also state whether they want to be buried or cremated.
The dead body is washed and either dressed in their own clothes or wrapped in a shroud (a white cloth). The body is then placed in a coffin. Sometimes the coffin is left open for people to pay their last respects.
Friends and family can show sympathy by:
- Sending a note or card of condolence
- Sending a mass card which can be obtained at a Catholic church or sometimes the funeral home
- Sending flowers to the family
- Sending a donation to a charity selected by the family
- Helping the family by bringing meals to their home are ways to support them
The funeral
A funeral is held about a week after death and it can take place in a church or at a crematorium (a place where bodies are cremated).
- The Gathering: the priest will start the service with this reading from the scriptures:
- Readings and sermon: a psalm from the Bible is read out. Verses from the Old or New Testament are also read.
- Personal readings: The priest or a member of the family will talk about the person who has died.
- Prayers: prayers are said.
- Reflection: Silent time to think about the dead person.
- Commendation and farewell: The priest speaks these words: "Let us commend (the person's name) to the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer."
- Hymns or songs may be sung throughout the service.
Burial or Cremation
- The committal: this is probably the saddest moment of the service. At a burial, this is when the coffin is lowered into the grave. At a cremation, the curtains are closed around the coffin.
A prayer is said:
"We therefore commit (his or her) body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life."
The burial follows a church service and the family and friends of the dead go by the grave for the Committal. It is tradition to throw some dust/mud onto the coffin. A short prayer will be said by the minister or priest.
For those who wish to be cremated, the body is taken to a crematorium to be burned. The ashes are put into an urn and given to the family, who may choose to keep them or scatter them in a place that meant something special to the dead person.
Catholic funerals
A Catholic funeral is slightly different and can be with or without Mass (called a Requiem Mass):
He leads the coffin and congregation through the church. Holy water is sprinkled and there is an opening song and prayer.
- The Vigil for the Deceased: this is a service of prayers, songs and talks (usually at the church) before the day of the funeral.
- Introductory rites: the priest greets the congregation and says:
He leads the coffin and congregation through the church. Holy water is sprinkled and there is an opening song and prayer.
- Liturgy of the Word: readings from the Bible are read, as well as a sermon and a Psalm.
- Liturgy of the Eucharist: there is the offering of bread and wine, a Eucharist prayer is said and Holy Communion is taken.
- Final commendation: Mass ends, prayers are said and the coffin is taken out of the church.
- Rite of Committal: prayers are said at the graveside for burial and before the curtains close for cremation.
- Friends will often send their sympathies in the form of cards and/or flowers to the deceased’s family.
After
On special occasions such as the dead person’s birthday, Christmas or anniversary of the death, family and friends may come and visit the grave. Flowers will usually be placed on the grave as a sign of respect.