Christian Funerals

Christian funerals are quite somber as physical death is seen as the end of the person’s time on earth. Christians believe that when a person dies they face judgment by God. Those who pass judgment enter heaven and those who do not go to hell. Catholics also believe in purgatory which is where people you have not been judged wait.

The following information is an abbreviated version of the article on Christian funerals found on the BBC:

- Christian funerals are held within 1 week of the person’s death.

- The funeral usually takes place in a church or crematorium.

- At the service, the priest will start with a reading form the scriptures. This is typically ‘The Lord is my shepherd’.

- The priest will then talk about the deceased. This is usually quite a personal reading and someone close to the deceased may read a poem or say some words.

- Prayers are then said. These are typically prayers of thanksgiving or penitence.

- A moment of silent reflection then follows.

- A commendation and farewell then follows.

- The committal is the last part of the service and involves lowering the casket into the grave or the lowering of the curtain on the casket in a crematorium