Attending a loved one’s funeral service is an important part of coming to terms with the loss. It can be complex, however, to think about attending a service that is very traditional, like a Catholic funeral. If you have been invited to one but are not sure what to expect, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Cabot, AR want you to remember so that you do not stress over this type of service.
You want to keep in mind that there are three general parts to a Catholic service. A Catholic service begins with the viewing or wake. That allows people the chance to see the person who died one final time and to get the closure they need to start healing. After that comes the traditional funeral mass. That includes the casket, though it may not be open. The priest will bless it and the service will end with a recessional, where the casket will be taken to the cemetery for a graveside service.
It is crucial to know that Catholic services are very somber. This means that you want to dress in a more conservative manner and in a way that honors the person who died. The service deals with the death as well as with the idea of resurrection, so do keep that in mind. If you are not sure about when to stand, sit, or kneel, be sure to follow the lead of others. You do not have to join in on the religious parts of the service, but be respectful.
It is always a good idea to send the family a sympathy gift. You want to let them know that you are there for them and that you are thinking about them. A good choice is to send them a sympathy card with your condolences. You can also consider sending them flowers. If you choose to do so, be sure you do it through a florist and include a card to let them know who sent it. If you want to make a donation in the person’s name, ask the family first, since some people are more private about these things.
These are all important things you want to consider when getting ready to attend the Catholic service for a loved one. You can get the closure you need after the loss while also ensuring that you offer the family the comfort they need to start healing after a loss. If you are not sure about what you can expect or if you want to know more about what a traditional Catholic service is like, you can reach out to a Cabot, AR funeral home like us. Our team is ready to answer all of the questions that you may have about this and much more, so do not hesitate to contact us. Call us right now or visit us today to speak with one of our experts about the many types of services we offer.