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One of the first questions that comes to mind for anyone who’s not familiar with planning or attending a Catholic funeral in Brooklyn is — how long will it last? Catholic funerals are notoriously long, ranging from a minimum of one hour to more than two hours as a rule.
While a Catholic funeral in Brooklyn varies depending on factors like how many people are doing readings, whether it’s a high mass or just Communion and what type of post-funeral reception is being offered, block out no less than an hour for the event. And that doesn’t include driving to the cemetery for the burial service.
At Harmony Funeral Home, we provide funeral services, memorial services and affordable Brooklyn burial services for people of many different religious beliefs.
We’ve received “Best of the Best” awards from the National Funeral Directors Association. The NFDA has also recognized us for excellence in funeral services and honored us for outstanding community service and innovative funeral practices.
What Should I Wear to a Catholic Funeral in Brooklyn?
Catholics tend to be traditional as a rule and closely follow the guidance of the founding fathers and the current papacy. As such, you’ll typically find a Catholic funeral in Brooklyn is a solemn ceremony held in a church. Formal dark clothing is the best choice. And a black veil wouldn’t hurt. Catholic funeral etiquette tips include:
- Men usually wear a dark suit in black or gray.
- Women wear a dark dress or pantsuit.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Jewelry should be simple and not gaudy or flashy.
- Shoes are closed-toed.
- Women may wear a hat or veil.
- Men must be hatless.
It’s important to be respectful of the grieving family. It’s not appropriate to wear revealing clothes, or to wear jeans, sweatshirts, hoodies or sportswear to a Catholic funeral.
Are There Different Parts of a Catholic Funeral in Brooklyn?
One of the customs that makes Catholic and evangelical Haitian services so unique is that they’re steeped in religious tradition and rituals. A typical Catholic funeral in Brooklyn usually includes three parts:
- The wake, also called the vigil service, is held the evening before the funeral. By this time, the coffin has been transported to the funeral home for viewing. The wake provides a chance for family and friends to get together, share memories and pay respects to the bereaved. A priest may preside, and people may pray the rosary. A prayer vigil gives the family some quiet time to prepare for the upcoming funeral.
- Catholic funeral. The funeral itself can be done with or without a mass. If the person who died was Catholic, there’s likely to be a funeral Mass. Non-baptized Catholics can get a Catholic funeral under certain circumstance, like if they were married to a Catholic and attended Mass regularly or if their own minister isn’t available.
- If the deceased is to be buried at a cemetery, the coffin is transported to the graveside and mourners follow. A priest or deacon reads scriptures by the grave, says prayers and delivers a blessing. If the deceased is to be cremated, the coffin is brought to the crematorium.
After the funeral service is complete, there’s usually a reception that allows family and friends to relax and mingle. It may be held at the home of a family member or at a restaurant, in a church hall or other public place.
What Happens During a Catholic Funeral in Brooklyn?
There’s a lot of sitting and standing at a Catholic funeral, which follows along with the Mass. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to do ahead of time; parishioners usually are accommodating for guests. A Catholic funeral mass is known as a Requiem Mass. Things to expect include:
- A priest waits at the door of the church for the casket. He sprinkles the casket with holy water and covers the casket with a large white cloth known as a pall. This symbolizes entry into eternal life.
- The casket is carried into the church. The priest leads the procession to the altar, and the casket is placed on a platform.
- There are usually readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament, which may have been chosen and read by the family.
- The priest delivers a sermon, reflecting on the life of the deceased and the belief that they have moved onto eternal life.
- Family members chosen ahead of time may take turns speaking from the pulpit.
- There are prayers led by the priest.
- During the Mass, people alternate between sitting, standing and kneeling.
- Holy Communion is part of the Mass. Catholics come forward to receive the Eucharist. Non-Catholics don’t receive Holy Communion. They may remain sitting or come forward with arms crossed during this part of the service.
- There are concluding prayers or a second eulogy after Holy Communion.
- The priest sprinkles the casket with holy water again, and the casket is carried out of the church.
Brooklyn has several Catholic cemeteries. At the graveside, the grave is blessed with holy water. The church encourages burial rather than cremation, but cremation isn’t forbidden. You do have to bring the cremains to a consecrated site rather than scattering ashes or keeping an urn at home.
Are There Ways to Personalize a Catholic Funeral in Brooklyn?
Even though the Catholic church can be very ritualistic, there are ways to personalize a Catholic funeral in Brooklyn and personalization is usually encouraged as long as it doesn’t interfere with the rites of the church. Some ways the funeral can be personalized include:
- Choosing specific scripture readings and requesting that family members do the readings
- Picking out specific hymns or songs to be played during the funeral
- Getting family members to act as pallbearers or singers
- Allowing brief personal comments during the funeral or encouraging mourners to make comments during the wake or at the graveside
Knowing what to expect at Catholic funeral services can help you feel more comfortable arranging one or attending. Contact Harmony Funeral Home for help and guidance to give your loved one the perfect Catholic send-off.
Harmony Funeral Home
2200 Clarendon Rd.,
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 469-6666