The Mystery of Death and Christian Funerals - #8

This is the format for the vigil, the first of the funeral rites. If the vigil takes place at the church, the family and others who have accompanied the body are greeted at the entrance. A procession leads them and the body of the deceased to the place where the community will hold its vigil. The ritual prayer takes place at the appointed time. If the vigil takes place at a funeral home, the mourners in the receiving line are seated and the ritual prayer takes place at the publicized time.

In the past we waited for the priest to come say the prayers for the deceased or we waited for a group of parishioners to come to say the rosary for the repose of the soul of the deceased. Now we gather for the vigil, the liturgical prayer of the church that is gathered in sorrow. Liturgical prayer needs the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly. The assembly participates when someone presides, reads, leads the song, and does the intercessory prayer. The presider should not do liturgical roles that belong to the baptized. Oftentimes family and parish members are eager to be called upon.

The format for the vigil prayer is simple. There are four parts (1) introduction, (2) the liturgy of the word, (3) the prayer of intercession, and (4) conclusion. Some parts are naturally spoken. Other parts are naturally sung. An opening song, the responsorial psalm, and even the intercessions are moments congenial to musical prayer.

(1) The assembly joins in the song that opens the introduction. "No. 58 The opening song or entrance song should be a profound expression of belief in eternal life and the resurrection of the dead, as well as a prayer of intercession for the dead." The presider greets the assembly and invites all to silence. The spoken prayer concludes the introduction.

(2) The liturgy of the word follows. This is the central part of the vigil. It includes a first reading, a responsorial psalm, a gospel reading and a homily. "#60. The purpose of the readings at the vigil is to proclaim the paschal mystery, teach remembrance of the dead, convey the hope of being gathered together in God's kingdom, and encourage the witness of Christian life. Above all, the readings tell of God's designs for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all that God has called his own. The responsorial psalm enables the community to respond in faith to the reading and to express its grief and its praise of God. In the selection of readings the needs of the mourners and the circumstances of the death should be kept in mind. # 61. A homily based on the readings is given at the vigil to help those present find strength and hope in God's saving word."

(3) In the intercessory prayer the assembly "calls upon God to comfort the mourners and to show mercy to the deceased. The prayer of intercession takes the form of a litany, the Lord's Prayer, and a concluding prayers." There is also for personal and communal remembrance." #62. After this prayer and before the blessing or at some other suitable time during the vigil, a member of the family or a friend of the deceased may speak in remembrance of the deceased."

(4) Conclusion. "# 63. The vigil concludes with a blessing, which may be followed by a liturgical song or a few moments of silent prayer or both."