ROLE OF THE FUNERAL HOME THROUGHOUT THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS The funeral directors and staff may continue to assist the family throughout The Funeral Rite, which may span a few days. Their roles and responsibilities may vary depending on the type of services the family selected. Generally, their responsibilities may be as follows: • VIGIL SERVICE Funeral directors will set-up for the Vigil Service at either the funeral home or the Church. They will be responsible for placing any flower arrangements next to the body of the deceased, handing out prayer/memorial cards to family and friends, making announcements, etc. They will remain at the Vigil until the end of the Service. • MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL OR FUNERAL LITURGY The funeral director will make sure that the body of the deceased is transported to the Church for Mass of Christian Burial or Funeral Liturgy. Prior to the Mass, at either the funeral home or the church, the funeral director may gather the immediate family around the casket to the make the sign of the cross over the forehead of the deceased if this has not been done previously at the Vigil Service. The casket will then be closed for the final time. This Rite offers the family a moment of spiritual support. The funeral director will ensure that the active and honorary pallbearers are prepared and understand their responsibilities. They will also continue to guide and support the family. At the conclusion of the liturgy, the funeral director will direct everyone to their vehicles to begin the funeral procession to the cemetery. • RITE OF COMMITTAL AT THE CEMETERY Upon arrival at the cemetery, the funeral director will lead everyone to the graveside and instruct the pallbearers to carry the casket or urn to the gravesite. Once everyone has gathered at the gravesite, the leader will begin the Rite of Committal, which includes the final prayers, blessings and music. If the family has chosen other celebrations to occur at the gravesite, the funeral director will assist in its’ coordination. This may include releasing of doves, military honors or organizational presentations. The service usually concludes with the lowering of the casket or urn into the earth. The funeral home’s role does not cease when services conclude. They will follow-up with families to ensure that all necessary documents have been provided and completed. They are also a good resource for grief support. Rosario Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM 18 Catholic Cemetery Association - Funeral Planning Guide