Stations of a Catholic Funeral – Part 1: What is involved? – Funeral Facts with Deacon Marc

 Below is a transcript the the video:

Hello and welcome to funeral facts with Deacon Marc. This will be a section of a weekly blog where we talk about funeral facts from a Catholic perspective, something none of us really want to talk about but it’s important for all of us to understand because we all have to deal with it at one point or another with family, loved ones, and eventually with ourselves.

So, let us begin today. We’re talking about why do we have funerals and what is the order of Christian funerals?

The Church has had funerals since day one we can see that with Lazarus with Christ when he raised him from the dead and we throughout church history funerals have played an important role within the Catholic faith.  So, why do we have them?

I’ve asked this question to people and one of the most interesting responses I get was well we need do something with the body.

Well, yes we need do something with the body but we want do that respectfully and there are reasons why we have funerals, and really there are four primary reasons why we have funerals. We can have all these other reasons but there are four primary ones.

One, we want to worship God. We want to come together and worship Him for He gave us our lives, and He gave us that opportunity to be with that person and so we’re thanking Him and worship Him.

We’re also thanking God and remembering about His mercy that He has for us, His ultimate mercy. None of us deserve that mercy but He is merciful, loving, and we trust in His mercy and so we thank Him for that mercy.

The third reason is to fill that void of loss that we have with that person who’s no longer with us and so we come together as a community we pray with each other, we grieve with each other, and we’re filling that void with Christ and God at our center of our lives.

And then the fourth reason is probably maybe the most important reason is; we’re praying for that person on their journey. Christ told us that not everybody goes to heaven he says that the gate is narrow and the road is thin and not everybody is going to get through that and so we want to pray for that person on their journey on their journey to the heavenly Father.

Four reasons why we have Catholic funerals:

1) Worship God
2) Thank God for His mercy
3) Fill the void of loss with faith
4) Pray for the deceased

So then what does a funeral look like?

You know I can remember growing up when we had funerals it would seem like they would go on for an entire week and things have changed over the years but the one piece that has remained the same is there really are three stations to the order of Christian funerals.

First, we have the vigil, this is when the community comes together and they start remembering the person, they also start praying to God and coming together and filling that time with the love of God you know in a prayerful type of way.

The second piece is the funeral liturgy, typically this is the mass that can be a funeral liturgy outside of the mass but this is when we go to the source and summit the Eucharist and we pray for that person and we have that mass in honor and intention for that individual.

And then, finally we have the committal, and this is typically out of the grave site where we say the final prayers and we commend that individual to God and to their last lasting resting place.

And so there are those three stages and it’s interesting when you look at those three stages it really goes from the home, to the church, to the cemetery, and it’s like a procession of taking that person on a journey and we go on that journey with them. So, we’re going from the home of the vigil to the to the church with the mass and finally to the cemetery with the committal.

So, three stations we’ll be talking about those more in depth over the next couple weeks but that does for today’s issue of funeral facts with Deacon Marc.

We hope they have a blessed week!

 

Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services of Colorado
A Ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver

Funeral | Cremation | Cemetery |

funeral homes in Aurora, CO
What is the Role of a Pallbearer?

If you have been asked to be a pallbearer for a loved one’s funeral you may be a little nervous as you are unsure of what all that entails. However, as this is a huge honor you want to be there and do what you can for the grieving family. As directors of funeral homes in Aurora, CO. We understand this task can be a little dusting, and that’s why today we are going to cover what a pallbearer is as well as their roles and responsibilities.

What is a Pallbearer?

Most people have heard of pallbearers but are not sure exactly what their role is. A pallbearer’s main role is to assist with the carrying and placement of the casket during the funeral services as well as the gravesite.

How Many Pallbearers Are There?

There are typically six to eight pallbearers depending on the size of the casket. There may also be “honorable” pallbearers that do not actually help carry the casket but walk alongside it. The exact number of pallbearers is entirely up to the family.

Carrying the Casket

Each pallbearer will take their place next to the casket and assist in lifting and carrying it to its destination. While it is more normal to see men act as pallbearers, it is not uncommon for women to also take part. There are also sometimes honorable pallbearers who walk alongside the casket as they may be too weak due to age or illness to take part in the carrying.

What Are the Additional Duties of a Pallbearer?

As stated, the pallbearer’s main role is to carry the casket. This means that the pallbearers will gather at the funeral home and wait for the family to say their last goodbyes. The pallbearers will then carry the casket and place it in the hearse to be taken to the funeral location. There, the pallbearers will assist the funeral home directors in taking the casket out of the hearse.

When the funeral begins the pallbearers will carry the casket into the location and place it in the front of the room.funeral homes in Aurora, CO When the service is over they will then place the casket back into the hearse to be transported to the gravesite. Typically the pallbearers will be in a vehicle behind the hearse and follow it to the cemetery. There they will remove the casket from the hearse and place it at the graveside for the service.

Proper Attire for Pallbearers

A pallbearer should look respectful and dress appropriately. For men, this would typically mean a dark suit or black or another dark color. Shoes should also be nice and dressy. However, while style should be a big consideration when it comes to shoes, so should comfortability as they may have to walk for a long distance.

Final Thoughts

Being asked to be a pallbearer is a very big honor yet can be intimidating and leave you feeling anxious if you have not been one before. As directors of funeral homes in Aurora, CO. we want you to know that this is entirely common. We hope that today’s article gave you a little insight into this position and the role they play in the funeral. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us anytime.

funeral homes in Lakewood, CO
3 Popular Funeral Reception Serving Styles

If you are hosting a funeral reception, there will be many things to consider. Some of these are the location of the event, how many guests will be attending, and making sure there are enough items for everyone such as chairs. Another big decision is choosing what type of food to serve and the style it will be served in. Directors of funeral homes in Lakewood, CO. look at some of the most popular styles to help you better decide.

1. Plated/Table Style

This serving style is definitely the most formal of the three and is when guests will be seated at a table at a certain time for their meal. It is a more formal, “high-class” feel as guests remain seated as the food is brought to them. This style can either have just one course or many that include things like soup, salad, or dessert. Many times guests will choose their entrée and RSVP so that they don’t actually “order” at the time of the reception. The food is catered in or made at the location and is nice and hot as it arrives at the table. This serving style can be more costly because you will need servers to transport the food, refill drinks, and attend to the additional needs of the guests as they eat.

2. Buffet Style

If you would like something that can still look elegant but be a bit more casual than a table style, consider having a buffet. These are very popular for a number of reasons. One is that it can offer a wider variety of foods. With a plated table dinner, the choices of entrees may be limited to one or two, but with a buffet, you may be able to provide many more. Another benefit to buffets is that you don’t have the extra cost of servers. Of course, if you wish, you can always have servers behind the buffet table to plate the food for the guests.

3. Food Trucksfuneral homes in Lakewood, CO

The most casual and easy option that is growing in popularity is having food trucks at the location. This can be a great choice if the event is outside at a park or other outdoor location. With almost every city having several food trucks to choose from, you can offer your guests a wide variety of foods.

Food trucks also offer a very casual, almost more “party celebration” mood than a sit-down dinner or buffet. This can be a perfect choice for those who wish to have a more light-hearted and happy rather atmosphere rather than serious and solemn.

In Conclusion

Food is a large part of most funeral receptions. This is because we often associate food with love and comfort. Also, we want to show the guests who come appreciation by providing them with a meal. With so many options of serving styles, it doesn’t matter if the reception is held at a church, outside park, or funeral home in Lakewood, CO. as there is a style for every reception.

funeral home in Denver, CO
Guide to Sending Funeral Flowers

When you hear about a friend’s passing, you may want to send funeral flowers to the funeral home in Denver, CO. as a token of your love and condolences. However, there are some things you should know about sending funeral flowers as they are different than sympathy flowers that are sent to someone’s home. Keep reading as we explain more about funeral arrangements and what you need to know about sending them.

What Are Funeral Flowers

As mentioned, funeral flowers are different than sympathy flowers. When we talk about funeral flowers, we are referring to arrangements sent to the funeral home or church that will be used in the funeral as well as any other services. These are typically larger arrangements sent by family or very close family friends.

On the other hand, sympathy flowers are those arrangements that are sent to the family’s home by friends, coworkers, etc. These arrangements are smaller in scale and are meant to offer support and condolences.

Funeral Flower Arrangements

When sending funeral flowers, you will have many options for the types of flowers as well as the types of arrangements. Some of the most popular arrangement types are:

  • Sprays – These arrangements are made from long-stemmed plants and flowers and are typically seen covering the lid of the casket. They may also be seen being displayed on a flower stand
  • Crosses, Hearts, Other Shapes – These shaped arrangements are normally placed near the casket during the service.
  • Wreaths – A wreath arrangement is often displayed near the casket on an easel or other stand. These arrangements may also be taken to the burial site after the funeral service.

What Type of Flowers are Appropriate for Funeral Flowers

Different flowers carry different meanings. This is true when it comes to the type of lower as well as the color. Since flowers hold various meanings, you want to make sure your funeral flower arrangement only contains those flowers that are most appropriate. Some of the most commonly used flowers used in funeral arrangements are:

  • Lavender – Signifies grace and purity
  • Daises – Represent peace and hope
  • Yellow lilies – Express thankfulness
  • Irises – Represent faith, courage, wisdom, and admiration
  • Orchids – Signify hope, love, and courage
  • Gladiolus – Represent strength and integrity
  • Tulips – Express love, peace, and hope
  • Snapdragons – Show grace and strength
  • Calla Lilies – Express rebirth

Sending the Funeral Flowersfuneral home in Denver, CO

While sympathy flowers are for the family and sent to their home, funeral flowers are used in the services and therefore need to be sent to the funeral home or other location where the services will be taking place.

When you send your arrangement to the location, always be sure to include the family’s name or the name of the deceased so that the location will know what service they should go to.

Final Thoughts

If you wish to send funeral flowers, there are many online as well as local florists that can help you create a beautiful arrangement. If you would like to send one that is already premade, you can often find those online and locally as well.

To learn more about funeral flowers or services provided by funeral homes in Denver, CO., feel free to reach out to us anytime as we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

funeral homes in Thornton, CO
Using Art to Help Cope With Grief

Throughout history, people have turned to art to help them express their feelings and emotions. This is no different when it comes to working through and processing the grief of losing a loved one. These feelings may be intense, and you may not be sure how to handle them Through mediums such as painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, and more, people have gained many benefits. As directors of funeral homes in Thornton, CO., we understand how important is to handle your grief in a healthy way.

Benefits of Using Art to Cope with Grief

Other than letting your mind focus on something else and giving it a much-needed break from focusing on your loss, art provides several other benefits. One of the benefits creating provides is a sense of control. When you lose someone close to you, your whole world can feel out-of-sorts and out of control. Having an activity that is in your control can bring a little steadiness back into your life.

Another way art can help is to help get you in your “flow state”. This is when you are so immersed in an activity that you forget out everything else and achieve a sense of calmness. It is almost as if time stands still and feels very similar to when people sit and meditate. Your heart rate and stress levels lower and you simply feel “at the moment”.

How to Get Started

The good thing about using art to help cope with grief is that you don’t have to be an expert or even have ever tried anything artistic in the past. Anybody can do this. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Decide the medium – If you feel you want a peaceful, calm activity maybe select a mandala coloring book where you can sit quietly and color. If you are feeling more heightened emotions perhaps choose a big canvas and paint while standing or break tiles to create a mosaic.
  • Gather supplies – Get everything you need and have it ready to go. This will help you stay in the moment once you get started and not interrupt your flow to go and find something you forgot.
  • Let go of judgment – Take a deep breath and just start. Let go of any judgment or expectations and just letfuneral homes in Thornton, CO whatever comes up happen. This isn’t a piece of art you are trying to impress anyone with or win an award for, this piece is for you and you only.
  • Try different mediums – Don’t feel like you have to stick to just one medium. Give yourself permission to try several and see which one or ones you like and connect with the most.

Final Thoughts

As directors of funeral homes in Thornton, CO. we understand how important it is to handle your grief in a healthy way. While art may be a wonderful outlet for some, others may handle their grief better in other ways such as working out or journaling. If you would like more resources on grief support please reach out to us anytime as we are always here and available to help.

funeral homes in Aurora, CO
How to Personalize a Memorial Program

If you are planning a funeral service for a loved one with funeral homes in Aurora, CO. you may be looking for ways to make it more personalized. With the services being a time for friends and family to come together and pay tribute to the deceased, it is a wonderful time to add personal touches to express what your loved one was all about. One way to do this is in the designing of the funeral program.

The funeral program is a printed pamphlet that details the order and flow of the service. Each guest will be given one and they are typically a four-page program with a front cover, middle section, and back cover.

They typically include a picture of the deceased, an outline and details of services, a short obituary, a poem or passage, as well as a place that acknowledges anyone who the family would like to thank. While this is great information and you can certainly still include all of this, there are many ways to add a little extra and make it much more personal for your loved one.

Front Cover

Most programs will have one single image of the deceased on the front cover and while this can make a beautiful bold design, consider adding more images. You could make a collage and include images from your loved one’s life that were from major milestones such as their wedding or an award ceremony.

Perhaps they were an avid traveler and you could add images of them in the different cities or countries they visited. Maybe they loved music or dancing and you could show that in the images chosen. Think about what could display your loved one’s core personality and find images that express that to the guests.

Inside Pages

Inside the program is where you will find the details of the services as well as an obituary. This is most commonly designed on a two-page spread with the obituary on the left page and the order of services on the right page. If you would like to keep this length and layout of the program but want it more customized, you could consider the colors, fonts, or background image and tailor it more toward your loved one.

If you want to take it up a notch and add more personalization, you can certainly add another page or two to allow for more room to do so. With more space you could add things like:

  • Painting or drawings that your loved one made
  • Poems or song lyrics that they wrote
  • A list of their favorite charities or causes and ways people can help
  • A longer, more detailed obituary
  • Interesting facts about them. For example, if they traveled, you could create a list of all the places they visited

Back Coverfuneral homes in Aurora, CO

The back cover of the program is where you will find any acknowledgments as well as a list of any pallbearers. This is pretty standard and not much of a place to add extra information. Instead, to make it personalized, once again consider the colors, fonts, and perhaps a background image.

While planning services with funeral homes in Aurora, CO. there will be many things to think about, and designing the funeral program is one of them. Designing one that is unique and truly shows off your loved one’s personality is a wonderful way to honor them and their life.

funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO
How Funeral Services Help Us Heal

When talking to funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO. about services for your loved one who has passed, you may not realize just how important the funeral service is. Funerals are much more than just a way to say goodbye to our loved ones. These ceremonies also provide a system of support with our friends and family, allow us to reflect on the life of the deceased, and help us process the act of life and death.

If you are attending a funeral service for a friend or relative, let’s look a little deeper at some of the ways this ritual can help you in the healing process.

Acknowledge the Death

Although never easy, acknowledging the death of our loved ones is something we must face. Attending a funeral service helps us in facing and acknowledge the reality of death. It allows us to begin the process of grieving and do so in a safe space with friends and loved ones.

Be Surrounded by Support

With everyone at the service being there to show support and respect for the deceased and their family, it creates a wonderful space for support and love. Funerals allow everyone to feel this love and support and realize they are not alone in their grief. It’s a wonderful place to come together and help one another during this difficult time.

Pay Tribute to the Person Who Passed

During the services, there will most likely be eulogies given and perhaps other stories of the deceased will be shared. This gives everyone a chance to remember the loved one and hear stories about them that they may not have heard before.

As the services end, many people may stay behind sharing stories and more memories of the deceased. This gives a wonderful opportunity to really honor and pay tribute to the loved one and their life.

Ceremonies Give Us Comfort

With funeral services being a ritual or ceremony, this in itself can bring us comfort. With ceremonies having a structure, and a specific order of things, it can provide a sense of ease. In this difficult and uncertain time, having a ceremony that follows a structured outline can make us feel a little more stable and grounded. We know what to expect and we have something to focus on and follow.

Help Us Begin to Healfuneral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO

Funeral services are a way to say goodbye to the deceased and realize and accept the loss. These services also mark a time when we begin to heal. While the healing process will look different for everybody, the funeral service and being surrounded by love and support is a wonderful way to begin the journey.

Final Thoughts

Funeral services are ceremonies that not only pay tribute to the deceased but also allow friends and family members to be surrounded by love and support. When you are discussing services with funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO. know that this ceremony will help begin the grieving and healing process and is an important step in the journey, as it will help provide support, healing, acknowledgment, and closure.

funeral homes in Lakewood, CO
How to Make Your Loved One’s Headstone Unique

When making your funeral arrangements with funeral homes in Lakewood, CO., you are going to want to make the services personal and unique to them and their life. Many people carry this idea further by creating a headstone for their grave that is also very unique and customized to their loved one. If you would like to create a headstone that is one-of-a-kind for your loved one, there are many ways to do so. We are going to explore some of the most common design elements you can customize for your loved one’s headstone.

Headstone Shape and Design

One of the most prominent features of the headstone is its shape. With modern cutting and carving techniques, headstones can be shaped into just about any shape and design imaginable. Whether the family prefers a more traditional and elegant design such as a square or rounded top shape, other families may opt for something more free-flowing and choose a wavy or curvy design. Some other options for shapes include:

  • Oval with checks
  • Oval with shoulders
  • Ogee top
  • Half-round
  • Peon with checks
  • Offset peon top

Choosing the Headstone Color

The color of the headstone is the next design element to consider as it will make the most impact after the shape. The color choices will most likely depend on what material you choose but colors can often be found including rose, green, gray, black, red, and more. You can also choose to have the headstone include more than one color.

Font Choices

Not only will what is written on the headstone convey information such as your loved one’s name, date of birth, date of passing, etc., but will also affect the overall design aesthetic of the headstone.

The font you choose will play a part in the feel of the monument. For example, if you choose a curvy, cursive font, it appears to be more elegant and classy. While a very strong block font will give the appearance of being very rigid. Whichever font you choose, you want to make sure you do not sacrifice legibility for design. The font may look great, but if you can’t read what the words say, then go with another choice.

Additional Elements

Adding additional elements can really make the headstone unique to your loved one and stand out. Some additional items you could add include:funeral homes in Lakewood, CO

  • Portrait engraved directly on the stone
  • Sculptural elements such as a heart, cross, bird, angels, wings, etc.
  • A porcelain image being applied
  • A Bench added to the headstone
  • Vases included in the headstone design

Check With Your Cemetery

Before making any final decisions on the design of the headstone, always check with the cemetery first. This is because many cemeteries have rules on what is and what isn’t allowed. They may have regulations on what type of material the headstone can be or even what symbols are allowed. If you need additional help, headstone providers as well as funeral directors from funeral homes in Lakewood, CO. can assist you.

funeral homes in Denver, CO
A Guide to Porcelain Memorial Portraits

While once headstones only had options of what shape they came in as well as what was engraved on them, today there are several different ways families can personalize their loved one’s headstone. One such way is with porcelain portraits. These are wonderful additions as they can be added to the headstone at any time meaning that a family can add this personal touch to an existing headstone. As directors of funeral homes in Denver, CO. we often get asked about these embellishments so today we are answering some of the most commonly asked questions.

What Exactly is a Porcelain Memorial Portrait?

If you are not familiar with a porcelain memorial portrait, it is simply an image that is placed on a piece of porcelain and attached externally to a headstone. These porcelain portraits are made from a porcelain tablet that is baked to over 800 degrees Celsius. They are durable and stand up well to the elements. Due to their durability, many manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee.

What Shapes and Sizes are Available?

Porcelain portraits can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular shares are oval, rectangular, round, and heart-shaped. They can also be created in custom shapes. The same is true when it comes to sizes. Some providers may have standard sizes but these portraits can be made in custom sizes as well.

Are the Porcelain Portraits in Color?

Yes. While some families may choose to have the portrait created in black and white, these embellishments are available in color. While sometimes color is subject to fading over time, these portraits hold their color fairly well due to the fact the color pigment is added during the heating process making it very durable against fading.

How to Choose the Best Photo to Create the Portrait

While each porcelain memorial portrait provider may be able to offer slightly different options and/or services, there are a few things that are pretty universal when it comes to the image of the portrait. These things are:

  • The background can typically be removedfuneral homes in Denver, CO
  • Normally the image will need to be in a digital format and be a .jpeg file of at least 300 dpi
  • The colors of the end product may not match the photo exactly due to the pigments and the high temperatures they are heated to
  • It’s best to use the original photo if at all possible
  • Slight retouching and alterations can sometimes be done to the image
  • The image many times can be flipped (mirror image)
  • Black and white images can be colorized
  • The porcelain piece can be in the portrait or the landscape format

Final Thoughts

As directors of funeral homes in Denver, CO., we are often asked about ways to personalize services and headstones. We understand as you want your loved one’s final arrangements to be as unique as they were. Porcelain portraits are a wonderful way to add a personal touch to their headstone and show the world how wonderful your loved one was.

funeral homes in Thornton, CO
Casket Wraps: Creating a One-of-a-Kind Casket

Caskets today come in a variety of materials as well as styles. This is such a wonderful opportunity for families to choose options that truly reflect their loved one’s style and tastes. Another, newer option that is catching on is personalizing the deceased’s casket with a casket wrap. If you aren’t familiar with the customization option, directors of funeral homes in Thornton, CO. share what you need to know.

What is a Casket Wrap?

A casket wrap is a piece of vinyl that has been designed with a pattern, logo, portrait of the deceased, or any other image the family requests. The piece of vinyl is then applied to the casket with a process that gives the illusion of the actual casket itself being printed with the image. With the wrap being able to be so personalized, it is a very effective way to make the casket truly unique to your loved one.

Why Choose a Casket Wrap?

One reason that families may choose to have their loved one’s casket adorned with a vinyl wrap is that it can allow the family to create a truly one-of-a-kind casket for their loved one. With just about any image being able to apply, one family could have a casket that has a background pattern of flowers while another family may choose to have an image of a flag covering the casket.

And although there is the cost of the vinyl wrap, families may also be able to save a little money. They can do this by choosing a less expensive material for the casket since it will be covered by the wrap.

How Does the Process Work?funeral homes in Thornton, CO

While you can purchase casket wraps from a number of various dealers, the process for designing and installing them is fairly the same. The typical order will go something like this:

  • Communication – Contacting the company and talking with them about things like the date and location of the service is an important first step as it ensures the wrap can be designed and delivered on time.
  • Placing Your Order – Once you and the provider have agreed on the timeframe and any other issues, you will place your order either online or over the phone with them.
  • Design – Most providers will have options of stock images and designs you can use as well as offer customized designs. You will work with the provider and create the design. You may need to provide digital images or photographs to the provider.
  • Printing – The provider will then print the casket wrap on the vinyl material.
  • Shipping – If the provider is not local, they will then ship the wrap to your location.
  • Installing – Local providers will then apply the wrap to the casket. If the provider is not local, they will typically have a local 3rd party installer apply the wrap.

Final Thoughts

Vinyl wraps are not new as you have most likely seen them being used on commercial vans and cars. However, casket wraps are a newer and growing trend. With the ability to truly create a one-of-a-kind casket for your loved one, it is no wonder these wraps are so popular. Directors of funeral homes in Thornton, CO. can help you learn more about these wraps and if it is a good choice for your loved one’s casket.

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