For people of faith, religion plays a major role not only in life, but also in death.
Hence, funerals don’t necessarily follow one specific template and can vary from religion to religion.
In the case of Roman Catholics, death is not the end of life. During this final chapter of their life journey, their time on Earth is commemorated via a funeral before they reunite with God in Heaven.
Whether you’re of the Catholic faith or not, it could be good to have general knowledge about holding a catholic funeral in Singapore. After all, you never know when this might come in handy, whether for yourself or someone you know.
The Process Of A Catholic Funeral
1. Secure Parish Venue & Priest
As with all funerals, it would be particularly helpful to engage a funeral director to help you out with organising the funeral. Besides having the experience and expertise to navigate the process with you, he or she can also offer support and comfort in a time of heightened grief.
However, should you choose to handle it on your own, the first step would be to arrange the funeral at the parish church of the deceased.
Prior to arranging the time or day of funeral and cremation, the parish will have to secure an available priest to conduct the funeral service and rites.
2. Book The Crematorium
Once the dates are secure, you can then proceed to book a slot at the crematorium, where the Rites of Committal will be carried out and final prayers can be offered by the deceased’s loved ones.
3. Logistics Will Be Handled By The Parish
All other logistics related to the funeral day and rites will then be directed to the parish that is conducting the funeral.
This includes the Vigil Service (or wake) where family members and friends of the deceased can pay their last respects for up to 7 days. During this period, there will also be nightly prayers conducted by prayer groups from the parish.
Before cremation or burial, there will also be a Final Day Memorial Mass.
Catholic Funerals In Singapore: 4 Things To Note
Now that you know more about the process, here are some customs and traditions to take note of so that you’re better prepared – be it for organising or attending a Catholic funeral.
1. Roman Catholic Priests Will Be Present To Hold The Funeral Mass & Last Rites
Like you would in a church service, expect to see priests around. They would be responsible for conducting funeral mass and the last rites throughout the duration of the funeral wake.
2. Hymns Will Be Sung And The Atmosphere Will Be Solemn & Formal
Apart from that, there will also be prayers and hymns sung throughout the wake.
Even though in a typical church setting, hymns would bring about a lively and happy atmosphere, do anticipate a more formal and solemn setting at a Catholic funeral.
3. Modest Dressing With Darker Colours Is Advised
If you’re attending a Catholic funeral, it is advised to dress in darker colours such as black, dark grey, navy blue or brown.
Out of respect, you should also make it a point to dress modestly when visiting the church – that means ensuring that your shoulders and knees are covered.
4. Can Be held In Both HDB Void Deck Or Funeral Parlour
Although Catholic funeral wakes are largely held in a parish church, this isn’t always the case in Singapore.
Sometimes the wake can be held at a funeral parlour or HDB void deck, so there is the flexibility of organising it at a convenient location or closer to the home of the deceased if that’s what he or she prefers.
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