For the past three weeks, the “Liturgy in our Diocese” focused on the Celebration of Christian Funerals in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa. This week, our focus is on the actual FUNERAL MASS. The following information is taken directly from the Funeral Guidelines for the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa as approved by Bishop Ryan Jimenez on May 05, 2019.
In the Funeral Mass, we must ensure that the readings, prayers, psalms and music should be proclaimed or sung with understanding, conviction and reverence. The rites should be celebrated in an atmosphere of simple beauty, in a setting that encourages participation. (OCF #21)
Before the mass begins, the casket is already situated by the Paschal Candle. The pall (the large white cloth that covers the casket) is already in place. And since the body of the deceased was already received during the Vigil or Responso, the Mass begins in the usual way. (OCF, #158)
The Funeral Mass consists of three main parts. The first part is the Introductory Rites which consists of the Entrance, the Greeting, the Penitential Rite and the Collect.
The second part is the Liturgy of the Word which consist of the Readings, the Gospel, the Homily and the Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful. The reading can be either one or two readings depending on circumstances. It is however the policy of the Diocese, in compliance with the ritual book that only biblical readings are to be used and may not be replaced by non-biblical readings. This part of the Funeral Mass is assigned to readers and the deacon. It is discouraged however to have family of the deceased do the readings unless he/she is a lector of a particular parish. It has been observed in previous funerals that there is a tendency of a family member to breakdown emotionally while reading, thus interrupting the solemnity of the celebration. If however the family wishes to do so, such individual must be properly trained in the proclamation of the Word or at least have public speaking experience. (OCF, #66)
The third part is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. During the Offertory, the Procession of the Gifts takes place. The Procession of the gifts symbolizes our participation in the Eucharist and in the mission of the Church. The gifts brought forward are bread and wine and this is done by family members. It is the matter for the Eucharistic Action and since the Offertory is about offering to God, it is not appropriate to use this occasion to offer gifts for the priest or anyone else at that time. It is strongly suggested that if a family wants to give a gift to the priest that this be done either before or after the Eucharistic Celebration.
In trying to decide what can be brought up during the offertory procession in a funeral mass, we must keep in mind that gifts offered and brought up during the Procession of the Gifts are for the church such as hosts or church wine. So, with this said, if a family decides to bring up flowers during the procession, the flowers are for the church and is inappropriate to take it back after the funeral mass.
After the Presentation of Gifts, the Funeral Mass is celebrated in the usual manner.
Thank you and May God Bless Us All.
