There are many different types of services a loved one may choose to have. If your loved one was someone religious and who followed the Catholic faith, it can be a good idea to know how you can honor them correctly. If you have never been to a Catholic service before, there are some things you want to keep in mind. Here are the tips that directors of funeral homes in Covington, LA want you to know about attending one of these services.
A Catholic service usually has three parts. It begins with the viewing or wakes. That is when people get together, say the rosary, and offer each other comfort. The casket is usually present though it can be opened or closed. After that comes the funeral mass. This is a traditional mass that focuses on grieving and on the idea of resurrection. The casket will be brought in for the service and then taken back out for the final stage, the graveside service. This will be brief and take place right at the burial site.
A traditional Catholic funeral is a very somber occasion. It focuses on the death of the person as well as on the idea of resurrection through Christ, so you want to ensure you wear something appropriate for the service. It is something that can make a huge difference to ensure you are respectful to the family. It is a good idea to opt for conservative options and wear somber colors. Do follow the lead of other people if you do not know when to sit, stand, or kneel.
It is also a good idea to consider sending a sympathy gift to the family. This is something that can allow the person to feel less alone with their grief and that can let them know that you were thinking about them. A good choice is to send them a sympathy card. You could also send them flowers. If you choose to do this, we want to do so through a florist and you also want to include a card. Some people decide that they want to make a donation in the person’s honor but always check with the family before you do this. Some families prefer to keep death private.
When attending the service of a loved one, these are some important things you want to remember. A Catholic service can be beautiful, and it can offer lots of comfort whether you belong to that religion or not, so do consider attending even if you have never been to one before. You can learn more about these kinds of services or you can get the kind of help you need for making funerary arrangements by reaching out to a Covington, LA funeral home like us. We are here to answer all of the concerns you may have about attending a Catholic service and much more. Call us now or visit us today to learn more about all of the options we can offer.