VIGIL SERVICE The Vigil Service, is the first funeral rite for the deceased. Many times it is referred to as the Wake, or in our community, the Rosary. It usually, and preferably, takes place the day or evening before the Funeral Mass. The service is usually lead by a priest, deacon or lay minister at the funeral home, church or in some cases in the family home. This is a time for family, with support from the church community, to gather in prayer for the soul of the deceased. Traditionally, the complete Vigil Service has come to be replaced with the simple praying of the Rosary. While the Rosary is a powerful devotional prayer that plays an important role in the faith of many Catholics, it alone does not fulfill the Liturgical Rites. The Vigil Service may follow a structured format which includes Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Prayer of Intercession and a Concluding Rite. An acceptable alternative to the Vigil Service devotions, would be to substitute The Liturgy of the Hours (Morning or Evening Prayer). Appropriate music should be included at the Vigil Service. The Church Liturgy DEATH AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH At the very center of the Catholic Faith is the Paschal Mystery. That Jesus’ life, death and resurrection gives us hope that we may also rise from death to new life. As members of the Catholic Community we believe that Jesus rose from the dead, in dying He destroyed our death, and in rising from the dead, He restored our life. The Catholic Church assures us that we are not alone during this time. We, as part of the larger church community, are called upon to help our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We are tasked with a great responsibility and thankfully, the Catholic Church lays out specific guidelines for us to follow. The Order of Christian Funerals offers beautiful ceremonies to celebrate the life of a loved one. Families are encouraged to be actively involved in the process of planning the Funeral Liturgy in accordance with their parish. Many parish communities offer a list of reading and musical selections and may urge family or friends to be actively involved. For a detailed list of readings and musical selections visit www.asfcca.org. ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS The Order of Christian Funerals was approved by the National Conference of Bishops as a guide detailing the Liturgical Rites of the Catholic Church at the time of death. The Order of Christian Funerals outlines a three-part structure consisting of: • The Vigil Service • The Funeral Liturgy • The Rite of Committal While the preference of the Church is to have a traditional casket burial with the body present for all services, there is an understanding that circumstances may require alternative services. The Church offers acceptable alternatives for these situations. We believe death is the end of our time on earth and entry into eternal life with God. The rites laid out by the Order of Christian Funerals reflect and strengthen this belief. The celebration of these funeral rites serves as a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and seeks to bring consolation and hope to family and friends at a time of grief. 10 Catholic Cemetery Association - Funeral Planning Guide