Roman Catholic Funeral Rite

Acolyte

Altar server at the Mass; altar attendant

Altar

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

Archbishop

Head of the Archdiocese

Archdiocese

Geographical grouping of one or more dioceses under the jurisdiction of an Archbishop

Bishop

Head of a territorial unit of The Church

Cardinal

Dignity conferred upon Bishops or Priests making them princes of the Roman Catholic Church

Casket Bearer

One who actively bears or carries the casket during the funeral service and the committal service

Celebrant

Officiant who celebrates the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church

Chancel

Area around the altar of the church, usually enclosing the clergy and other officials; one of two main areas of the church, the other being the nave

Christian Burial Certificate

Letter or form from a priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for funeral rites according to the laws of the Roman Catholic Church

Communion

Reception of the Eucharist (body and blood of Christ)

Cross

Religious emblem consisting of two plain bars which intersect at right angles to each other

Crucifer

One who carries the crucifix in a religious procession

Deacon

In the Roman Catholic faith, a member of the clerical order (clergy) just below a priest

Epistle Side

Right side of the church as the congregation faces the altar; contains the lectern from which the Old Testament and Epistle Lessons are read

Eucharist

Body and blood of Christ (consecrated elements of Holy Communion)

Eucharistic Minister

Layperson assigned to provide Holy Communion, after the elements have been blessed by a priest

Final Commendation

Ending portion of the Funeral Mass

Funeral Liturgy

Name of the funeral service in the Roman Catholic Church; formerly called the Mass of Christian Burial

Genuflect

Act of bending knee as an indication of reverence or an act of humility

Gospel Side

Left side of the church as the congregation faces the altar; place for the reading of the Gospels and delivery of the homily by the minister

Holy Water

Consecrated (blessed) water

INRI

Abbreviation for the Latin term meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jews"

Liturgical Worship

Prescribed order or form of worship specific to a particular denomination which will have the Eucharist or Holy Communion as its central element

Mass

Liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church

Mass Card

Document indicating the offering of a Mass for a specific intention

Monsignor

Honorary title conferred upon a Priest

Narthex

Vestibule or entry way to the church

Nave

Seating section of the main body of the church; one of two main areas of the church, the other being the chancel

Pall

Symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket in the vestibule of the church, signifying that in the eyes of God all people are created equal

Paschal Candle

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

Pope

Head of the Roman Catholic Church and Bishop of Rome

Prie Dieu

Kneeling rail for prayer

Priest

One ordained to carry out the works of the Church, subordinate to the Bishop; addressed as "Father"

Procession

Organized, predetermined method of moving from the narthex to the altar at the beginning of the funeral service

Recession

Organized, predetermined method of moving from the altar to the narthex at the end of the funeral service

Rite

A form of liturgy regulated by tradition and law

Rosary Beads

Beads and a crucifix used as an aid in the recitation of prayers

Rosary Prayers

Series of prayers consisting of the "Lord's Prayer," "Ave Maria," and "Glory Be to the Father"

Rubrics

In Liturgical churches, stated directions in a prayer book or liturgical manual regarding the order of service as approved by the denomination

Scapular

Piece of cloth or a medal with religious significance, usually worn around the neck

Sign of the Cross

Sign made with the right hand touching the forehead, breast, left shoulder, and right shoulder, successively

Transepts

Wings of the main part of the church which may serve as small chapels for baptisms, weddings, and even small funeral services

Vestments

Ritual garments worn by the clergy

Vigil for the Deceased

Formerly called the Wake or Rosary Service; a public prayer, focusing on the proclamation of God's Word; may be said in the funeral home, residence, or church, depending on where the visitation is taking place

Vigil Lights

In the Roman Catholic faith, a set of two candles, one placed at the head of the casket and one placed at the foot of the casket during the visitation period in the home or funeral home

Wake

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

Brother

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

Crucifix

a cross with a figure or image representing the body of christ

Diocese

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

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

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

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