Order of Christian Funerals - Part II

In many cultures people have a long tradition of keeping watch or keeping vigil before the main funeral celebration.

In the Order of Christian Funerals (OCF) this keeping watch or Vigil has become ‘the principal Rite celebrated by the Christian Community in the time following death and before the Funeral Liturgy, or if there is no Funeral Liturgy, before the Rite of Committal.’  (OCF 54)

The Vigil may be celebrated in the home of the deceased, in the funeral home, church, or some other suitable place.  ‘Adaptations of the Vigil will often be suggested by the place in which the celebration occurs’ and the needs of the people.           (OCF 55)

The Vigil allows the Christian Community to keep watch with the family in prayer. It may be repeated more than once if the Funeral Liturgy or Rite of Committal is not to take place for a few days.  It should be adapted to each occasion.      (OCF 67)

‘Consoled by the redeeming word of God and by the abiding presence of Christ and his Spirit, the assembly at the Vigil calls upon the Father of mercy to receive the deceased into the kingdom of light and peace.’     (OCF 56)

The Vigil takes the form either of a Liturgy of the Word or of some part of the Office for the Dead.    (OCF 54)

If held in the church the reception of the body, normally reserved for the Funeral Liturgy may take place at the Vigil.  As in the Funeral Liturgy this occurs, if possible, at the entrance to the Church. 

This is to remind the community of the person’s welcome at Baptism.   When no priest or deacon is available, the vigil replaces the principal Funeral Liturgy.   Adaptations are made as required.

Liturgy of the Word

This celebration focuses on the proclamation of the Word.   Its structure is similar to the first part of the Mass.  After a greeting from the priest, deacon or lay minister, a hymn or psalm is sung by the community.  The opening prayer is then said and followed by scripture readings. Normally the Responsorial Psalm should be sung.  There is a rich selection of prayers and readings in the section on Additional Texts OCF 396ff.

There is provision in this rite for a member or friend of the family to speak in remembrance of the deceased.  Relatives or friends who have closely shared the person’s life may speak for a short period publicly in remembrance of the deceased.  This remembrance should say how the deceased lived out their Baptismal promise.  Usually this is after the concluding prayer and blessing where we pray that God may gently wipe away every tear from our eyes.   (OCF 81)

Personal Mementos

Christian symbols remind the community of ways in which the person was nourished in the living out of their Baptism such as a Bible or rosary beads.   Other mementos such as tools of trade, photos, etc. may also be used during these other minor rites and the Vigil.  

Choice of Music

Whenever possible, music should be provided for the Vigil and other minor Rites.  Music ‘allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey.’    (OCF30)  

During the Funeral Liturgy

It is not appropriate to use recorded music as it’s use is often in breach of copyright and denies the role of those assembled.  A favourite piece of secular music that had significance for the deceased may however be used during these minor rites.  

Office of the Hours

The Office of the Hours is one of the Christian Church's oldest forms of prayer. The OCF provides a liturgy for the Office for the Dead, in both Morning and Evening Prayer.  It may be used at the time of Vigil or preceding the procession to place of committal. ‘In praying the psalms of the Office for the Dead, the assembly offers God praise and intercedes for the deceased person and the mourners in the words of prayer that Jesus himself used during his life on earth.’        (OCF 355)

The structure of this liturgy is outlined in OCF 352 -367.

Parishes need to be aware of options provided by the Vigil liturgy and encouraged to gather to keep watch using this form of prayer.

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This article was originally published in  ‘Christian Funerals’. ©  Diocese of Parramatta.  2004, 2007. Reprinted with permission.