Difference Between A Christian And Catholic Funeral
What Is The Difference Between A Christian And Catholic Funeral?
In Singapore, a Catholic and Christian funeral can seem like the same especially since they both have the same historical roots.
However, there are subtle differences and it would definitely do you well to be able to know them - for your general knowledge and to avoid any embarrassment that might occur due to you lack of knowledge.
Backdrop
Most Catholic Funerals will feature a Divine Mercy background behind the coffin while Christian Funerals will have a background that has a cross with accompanying bible verses.
Night Prayer
For both types of funerals, more people will usually attend on the final night of the funeral wake. However, for Catholic, there would be prayer groups surrounding the decedent in the coffin praying for the soul of the decedent. This prayer session usually last for about 30 to 45 minutes. This is in contrast to Christians who do not believe in the praying for souls. Christians will have their church’s pastor(s) and team give a night service and this is usually about an hour. A night service typically consists of worship and praise, some sharing of the word and eulogies. Oftentimes, the sharing of the word has some reference to how we should get to know Christ before we die and how life on Earth is only temporary.
Funeral Mass
Catholics will have an additional component on the final day of the funeral wake called the funeral mass and this is conducted at the decedent’s parish’s church. The funeral mass typically lasts for an hour before the cortege leaves for the final resting place. Christians only have a 15 minutes service where the pastor comes to the wake venue to conduct before the cortege leaves for the crematorium or burial ground.
Crucifix
You will see a crucifix at a Catholic funeral in Singapore but not in a Christian funeral. A crucifix differ from a normal cross in that it has Jesus on the cross (FYI).
A humble service done in remembrance of Mr Tee Hock Chwee, founder of Hock Hin Undertaker established since 1963
