When a loved one passes away, the family commonly arranges a faith-based Funeral Program in Bel Air or a memorial service that is connected with their particular religious denomination. A family that belongs to a Roman Catholic church, for instance, may want to have the funeral at the church. The priest is the main speaker at this mass, although others can offer their thoughts toward the end of the service.
People who are not of the Catholic faith are, of course, completely welcome at the funeral, even if the service will be mass at a church. These guests will not participate in the eucharist and they are not expected to kneel or know the liturgy.
A Memorial Service
A memorial service is less formal than a Funeral Program in Bel Air, although the purpose is generally the same. Everyone gathers to express their condolences and to say farewell to the deceased person. Catholic families may opt for this kind of gathering instead of a full funeral with a visitation. They may understand that their loved one would not have wanted a formal service.
Burial, Cremation and Other Options
The Roman Catholic Church encourages families to choose burial instead of cremation, but cremation is allowed as long as the ashes are buried in a cemetery. A Catholic cemetery is preferable, but a different one may be selected. Ashes are not to be scattered or kept in an urn at home.
Another possibility is to have the urn placed in a columbarium. This is similar to a mausoleum, but it holds urns with ashes instead of caskets. The Church also approves of burial at sea, but the ashes must be in a sealed container. This is the only instance when not having a grave marker is acceptable.
Utmost Respect
The remains of a deceased person are to be treated with the utmost respect and always with the understanding that the body will be resurrected one day and the believer brought to Heaven. No matter which option the family prefers, arrangements can be made with an organization such as Evans Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services. Anyone who needs this kind of assistance may browse the website for information.
