Funeral Directing Basics & Protestant Funeral Rites

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering funeral directing basics, liturgical and non-liturgical Protestant funeral rites, church architecture, processional orders, and committal services.

How is a Protestant defined in the text, and during what historical period did these denominations emerge?

"any Western Christian who is not adherent to the Roman Catholic Church."

broke away from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation.

differences between Liturgical and Non-Liturgical Protestant churches regarding their central focus and order of worship?

Liturgical churches are Eucharist-centered, following a prescribed order of worship specific to the denomination with the Eucharist or Holy Communion as the central element.

Non-Liturgical churches are scripture-centered, leaving the actual form or order of worship to the discretion of each individual church and/or minister.

What are "Rubrics" in liturgical worship, and what is an example

Rubrics are stated directions in a prayer book or liturgical manual regarding the order of service; Book of Common Prayer

What are the three prominent clergy titles in the Lutheran faith and their respective roles?

1. Deacon: A layperson who assists in worship, makes hospital and home visits, supports ordained clergy, and may act as the point of contact for funeral arrangements.

2. Pastor: An ordained minister who serves a specific church or congregation.

3. Bishop: An ordained pastor called to serve a group of congregations in a Synod.

Why do Liturgical Protestant churches classify themselves as "catholic" with a lowercase "c"?

catholic = universal

What architectural term describes a church built in the shape of a cross?

Cruciform.

Based on this floor plan of a liturgical church layout, what are the areas from the entrance to the altar area?

1. Narthex (entryway/foyer)

2. Nave (main body with seating)

3. Transepts (wings on either side)

4. Chancel (area around the altar enclosing clergy)

5. Sanctuary (sacred area containing the altar)

6. Altar

Epistle side

Epistle Lectern/Side on right side, readings and prayers.

Gospel side

Gospel Lectern/Side located on left side (as the congregation faces the altar), sermons are preached

What is the liturgical distinction between a Crucifer and an Acolyte?

Crucifer carries the processional cross in an ecclesiastical procession

Acolyte is an altar attendant who may carry other religious paraphernalia prior to and during the service.

What are the rules regarding clergy notification and removal of remains for deceased individuals of the Episcopal and Lutheran faiths?

no formal requirement for the funeral director to notify the local minister, and no religious mandates or restrictions regarding the removal of remains.

What mandates exist in liturgical Protestant traditions regarding preparation, dressing, and casketing of the deceased?

no mandates or restrictions on method or extent of preparation (such as embalming), choice of clothing and casket is left up to the family.

What is a pall, and what does it symbolize in a liturgical funeral service?

symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket, represents the righteousness of Christ bestowed at baptism and equality of all people before God.

According to this processional diagram, what is the proper order of entry down the center aisle for a liturgical Protestant funeral?

1. Crucifer

2. Officiant

3. Funeral Director

4. Casket Bearers alongside the Casket (foot first)

5. Funeral Director

6. Family

According to this diagram, what are the two acceptable placements for the casket before the altar in a liturgical Protestant church?

parallel or at a right angle relative to the altar.

According to this recessional diagram, what is the proper order of departure from the church?

1. Crucifer

2. Officiant

3. Funeral Director

4. Casket Bearers alongside the Casket (foot first)

5. Funeral Director

6. Family

Which elements are typically eliminated if a liturgical service is conducted at the funeral home instead of the church?

acolytes, the pall, incense, and formal rubrics

What options are permitted for final disposition in liturgical Protestant denominations?

The choice is left up to the family with no restrictions from the church; options include earth burial, entombment, cremation, burial at sea, or body donation to science.

What are common examples of Non-Liturgical Protestant denominations?

Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Church of Christ, Assembly of God, Church of God, and Nazarene churches.

What is the basic structure of a Non-Liturgical Protestant funeral service?

The basic order includes: Opening Prayer, Song, Obituary/Eulogy, Song, Message, and Benediction.

What is a cortege, and what is the standard order of vehicles in a non-liturgical procession to the cemetery?

A cortege is the funeral procession traveling to the cemetery. The order consists of: Lead car, Clergy, Funeral Coach, Family, and Other Mourners.

What is the distinction between active and honorary casketbearers?

Active casketbearers physically carry or bear the casket, whereas honorary casketbearers act as an escort or honor guard (often comprised of friends, family, or members of a fraternal organization/group).

What is an honorarium in the context of funeral services?

An honorarium is compensation or financial recognition given to an officiant or clergy member for services performed.