Roman Catholic Vocab

Clergy titles, customary paraphernalia, etc

Acolyte

A lay assistant to a bishop or priest during a liturgical celebration, responsible for various duties such as carrying candles, assisting in the preparation of the altar, and guiding the service.

Bishop

A senior member of the clergy in the Roman Catholic Church, responsible for overseeing a diocese and providing spiritual leadership.

Brother

A member of a religious order who is not ordained as a priest, typically engaged in community service, teaching, or other pastoral work.

Brotherhood

A Christian community of brothers, often within a monastic or religious order, who live and work together while upholding shared spiritual values.

Cardinal

A high-ranking official in the Roman Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope, who advises him and can elect a new Pope.

Celebrant

The priest who leads the liturgical celebration, especially the Mass, and performs the sacraments.

Christian Burial Certificate

A document issued by a church attesting to the burial of a deceased person, often required for funerals or memorial services.

aka priest lines

aka Christian burial permit

Committal Service

The portion of the funeral conducted at the place of disposition.

Crucifier/ Cross Bearer

One who carries the cross during an ecclesiastical procession.

Crucifix

A cross with a figure or image to represent the body of Christ

Deacon

A subordinate officer in a Christian church

Diocese

A geographical grouping of parishes under the jurisdiction of a bishop.

Eucharist

The consecrated elements of Holy Communion

Eucharist Minister

A layperson sanctioned to administer Holy Communion and other assigned tasks.

Eulogy

An oration praising a person, usually after death.

Final Commendation

The ending portion of the Funeral Mass

Funeral Liturgy

Funeral Mass

Genuflect

The act of bending the knee as an indication of reverence or as an act of humility.

Holy Water

Water blessed by a priest.

Kneeler

A small bench placed in front of the casket or urn to allow a person to kneel for prayer.

Layperson

A person without special training or who hasn’t been ordained.

Mass

The liturgical celebration of the Eucharist.

Mass Card

The written request for a Mass with a specific intention.

Monsignor

An honorary title conferred upon a priest.

Nun

A woman who is a member (sister) of a religious order. Especially one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Pall

A symbolic cloth placed over the casket.

Paschal Candle

A candle placed near the casket during the Funeral Mass to signify the everlasting light of Christ.

Pope

The head of the Church and the Bishop of Rome

Prayer Card

A card with the name of the decedent plus a prayer or verse. May also include birthday and deathday.

Priest

A title conferred to clergy upon being ordained.

Procession

The movement, in an orderly fashion, at the beginning of a service

Recession

The movement, in an orderly fashion, at the end of a service.

Reverend

A title used to address a member of the clergy.

Rosary Beads

A chain of adjoining beads and a crucifix used as an aid in the recitation of prayers.

Sacrament of the Sick

Given to those in serious danger of death in order to prepare their souls for eternity.

Scapular

A piece of cloth or a medal having religious significance - usually worn around the neck.

Sign of the Cross

A symbolic sign of the Cross, made with the right hand.

Vestements

Ritual garments worn by the clergy

Vigil

A prayer or scripture service usually held at the funeral establishment the evening before the funeral.

Vigil Lights

A set of 2 candles that may be placed during the visitation period. One at the foot, one at the head.

Wake

An all-night vigil.