Tips for Attending a Catholic Service

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Langeland Sterenberg Yntema Funeral Homes under Cremation Services
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cremation services in Hamilton, MI

It is always a good idea to attend the service of a loved one so that you can get the closure you need after their passing. That is something that can make the process of grieving a bit easier, letting you say goodbye to them as they would have wanted. If the person was Catholic and the family is planning a Catholic service, it can be a good idea to remember a few things about Catholic services. Here are the tips that directors of cremation services in Hamilton, MI want you to know.

A traditional Catholic service will usually have three parts to it: the wake, the funeral mass, and the graveside service. The whole thing starts with the viewing or wake. That is when you get to go up to the casket to say goodbye and when you also get to attend the visitation with the family. After that comes the funeral mass. The funeral mass takes place at the church where the person received sacraments throughout life, and it is a very somber service. The casket is always there but it is not always open. Be sure that you pay attention to the entire service so that you can be respectful. These services tend to be a bit longer than other types of funeral services. From the funeral mass, the casket is taken to the place of burial, where there will be a short graveside service. After this, there might be a reception, but it is not always so.

You want to remember that Catholic services are very traditional and very somber. This means that you want to be respectful and wear something appropriate to the service. Dark colors are always a good choice and remember not to wear anything too casual or revealing. You do not have to partake of communion if you do not want to or if you are not allowed to because you are not Catholic, but you do still want to follow the service as instructed. This means standing, kneeling, or sitting when called to do so. If you do not know when to do all of this, follow the lead of someone who does.

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Something else to remember is that you want to send the family a sympathy gift. A sympathy gift is something that can really make a difference for the family. It can be a sympathy card, which lets them know that you are thinking of them. You can also choose to send them flowers. Flowers can be a great option, especially when you add a card with them. It is preferable that you send them through a florist, too. If you want to make a donation in the name of the person who died, be sure that you ask the family if they are all right with that.

These are some crucial things to consider as you get ready to choose whether or not to attend the service. You can learn more about all of this by reaching out to a Hamilton, MI cremation services provider like us. We are here to help you with all of the decisions you need to make, so call us right now.