RR Roman Catholic Terminology

Celebrant

a person who designs and officiates a personalized ceremony or rite; the officiant who celebrates the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.

Christian burial certificate/permit

(Christian Burial Permit, Priest Lines) - a letter or form from a priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for burial in a Roman Catholic Cemetery.

Crucifer

one who carries the crucifix/cross during an ecclesiastical procession.

Crucifix

a cross with a figure or image representing the body of Christ (Corpus).

Diocese

in the Roman Catholic faith, a geographical grouping of parishes under the jurisdiction of a Bishop

Eucharist

the consecrated elements of Holy Communion.

Final commendation

in the Roman Catholic faith, the ending portion of the Funeral Mass

Funeral liturgy

the name of the funeral service in the Roman Catholic tradition

Genuflect

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

Holy water

water blessed by a priest

Mass cards

of the written request for a Mass for a specific intention.

Pall

a symbolic cloth placed over the casket.

Paschal candle

in the Roman Catholic faith, a candle placed near the casket during the Funeral Mass that signifies the everlasting light of Christ.

Prayer cards

a card with the name of the decedent and a prayer or verse, which may or may not include the dates of birth and death.

Prayer rail (prie dieu, kneeler)

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

Rosary beads

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

Rosary service

a service at which rosary prayers are recited.

Sacrament of the sick

in the Roman Catholic faith, a sacrament given to those seriously ill or in danger of death to prepare their souls for eternity.

Scapular

in the Roman Catholic faith, 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.

Vigil candles

in the Roman Catholic faith, set of two candles that may be placed, one at the head and one at the foot of the casket, during the visitation period.

Wake service/vigil service

historically, a watch kept over the deceased; an all-night vigil.

Eucharistic minister

layperson sanctioned to administer Holy Communion and other assigned tasks.

Deacon

a subordinate officer in a Christian church.

Priest

a title conferred to clergy upon ordination in various religions.

Monsignor

an honorary title conferred upon a Roman Catholic priest.

Bishop

leader of multiple churches in a particular denomination; in the Roman Catholic faith, the head of a diocese; in the Latter-day Saints faith, Bishop of the ward is leader of a single congregation.

Archbishop

in the Roman Catholic faith, the head of an archdiocese.

Cardinal

in the Roman Catholic faith, Bishops who have the right to participate in a Papal election.

Pope

the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome.

Nun (Sister)

in the Roman Catholic faith, a woman who is a member of a religious order, especially one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Altar

an elevated place or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious rites are performed; in the Christian faith, a table on which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is offered.

Brother

in the Roman Catholic faith, a man who is a member of a religious order without being ordained.

Brotherhood

relating to a social or religious organization.

Mass

the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church.

Officiant

one who conducts or leads a service or ceremony.

Rosary prayers

a series of prayers in the Roman Catholic faith.