Bring edible gifts like casseroles, sandwiches, baked goods, or fruit baskets so the family doesn’t have to worry about food. They may even share it with guests. Cards are also a great thing to bring to a wake at home, especially when you write a heartfelt message celebrating the deceased.
What do you take to a Catholic wake?
Catholic Funeral Mass Etiquette and Dress Code
A dark-colored suit and tie for men is often seen as traditional attire, but need not be so formal. Meanwhile, a black dress or suit for female mourners is also considered appropriate.
What do you give a Catholic when someone dies?
Depending on the traditions and customs observed by the individual the most traditional items include sympathy flowers, baked goods and desserts, fruit, dried fruit, & nuts, and assorted chocolates.
Do you bring anything to a wake?
An edible gift (think fruit baskets, sandwich plates or baked goods) is always a good thing to bring to a wake, especially if it’s held in a private home. Cards can also be brought with you to a private wake.
Do you take anything to a Catholic funeral?
If they’re having a funeral Mass, family and friends bring bread or wine to the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer. Holy Communion follows their offerings. After Communion, a family member or very close friend speaks in memory of the deceased.
Do you bring flowers to a wake?
Should I bring flowers to a wake? You should not bring flowers. If you would like to send flowers to the family, you can send them to the family’s home or send them directly to the funeral home so they can display them at the service.
What is proper etiquette for a wake?
It’s not mandatory to view the body, but you can stop and say a silent prayer if you wish. After passing the casket, approach the family and introduce yourself if necessary. Say a few kind words about the deceased, shake their hands, give them hugs, offer a warm smile – any small gesture will be appropriate.
What does a Catholic priest do when someone dies?
The Catholic Funeral Service
Priests lead the Funeral Mass, and may also lead the funeral liturgy (service). … However, only a priest or a deacon may delivery the homily (sermon), which will also serve to remember the deceased by incorporating examples from the deceased’s life.
What do you do at a Catholic wake?
It may be held at a Catholic church, a funeral home, the family home or an alternate location. During this time, those in attendance offer prayers and condolences to the family and may observe the scripture through readings and reflections. Eulogies, singing and poetry readings may also be offered during the vigil.
Is there food at a wake?
Wakes are usually arranged for just after the funeral service and cremation or burial. … There’s usually food and drink available at the wake provided by either the funeral organisers, an external caterer or brought by the guests themselves.
Is it OK to go to the funeral but not the wake?
The short answer is, yes. It’s usually just fine to attend both the wake and the funeral. Especially if the person who dies was someone you knew very well. In fact, most people would consider it the respectable thing to do.
How do Catholics prepare for a funeral?
Checklist for Planning a Catholic Funeral Service
- Look for a will or end-of-life plans. …
- Contact the funeral director. …
- Contact the church. …
- Create a budget. …
- Decide on cremation or burial. …
- Choose pre-funeral services. …
- Decide on the funeral service. …
- Plan the Rite of Committal and reception.
What happens the night before a Catholic funeral?
What happens before a Catholic funeral? After a Catholic has died their family may hold a prayer vigil on the evening before their funeral, sometimes called reception of the body. … At the prayer vigil, mourners are encouraged to pray in remembrance of the person who has died.
What happens at a Catholic funeral?
The rite of the funeral Mass includes the blessing of the casket with holy water, a procession, the reciting of various blessings and readings from the Bible by family and the Priest, the offering of bread and wine, another blessing of the casket with holy water and incense, and culminates with a recessional.