Funeral Information

Funeral Services > Rituals

Practices for honoring deceased loved ones often are based on religious rituals. The funeral director will be familiar with the rites of all denominations and traditions. Fraternal services and military services also dictate funeral rituals.

Religious Rituals

Protestant Services
There are many Protestant denominations, each having specific rites. Usually, Protestant rites are simple and straightforward, without the ritual and symbolism of Catholic services, for example. The clergy of certain Protestant denominations ask that the casket be closed before the service begins. Other Protestant groups have no objection to an open casket during services.

Catholic Services
When calling to pay their respects, Catholic visitors will often kneel before the casket in prayer. It is not expected that non-Catholics do likewise. When Catholics kneel during the service, non-Catholics should remain seated, but should rise when the congregation rises.

In the event a Rosary Service is held the evening before the funeral, the hours will be posted in the newspaper. Non-Catholics may attend Rosary Services, but this is not ordinarily done. Floral offerings should be sent in time to allow the funeral director to arrange them before the Rosary Service is held, usually early in the evening.

Catholic funeral services are always held in the church and during the forenoon. Non-Catholics should feel free to attend the funeral Mass.

Jewish Services
Conservative and Orthodox Jewish services provide that the casket be closed before the service begins, although the privilege of viewing the body before the service may be granted. Flowers are traditionally omitted in lieu of charitable memorial contributions. Apparel, casket and other appointments are simple and lack ornamentation.

The rites of the Reformed Jewish service can include elements of the Conservative and Orthodox traditions or more simplified. Hebrew is used in portions of the services in varying degrees.

Fraternal Services

Persons who have been active in fraternal organizations may have expressed a desire that the organization take part in the funeral service. The rites of many such organizations are beautiful, impressive and inspiringly religious.

Military Services

Any man or woman who has been honorably discharged from the military service of the United States is entitled to a military funeral, including a grave in a national cemetery, if desired. It should be noted, however, that there are certain restrictions regarding burial in national cemeteries. Ask your funeral director for counsel before you make this decision.