Ritual Moment 1:
Vigil For the Deceased
“The vigil for the deceased is the principal rite celebrated by the Christian community in the time following death and before the funeral liturgy. . . . It may take the form of a Liturgy of the Word or of some part of the Office for the Dead,” which comes from the Liturgy of the Hours (OCF, 54).
“At the vigil . . . the assembly keeps watch with the family and proclaims the saving and consoling word of God” (Smith, Facing Death, 25).
Led by a priest, deacon, or lay minister from the parish community, this liturgy is celebrated either at the Funeral Home, the Church (with the reception of the body before the period of visitation), or another place in which the wake or visitation is held.
This liturgy includes readings from Scripture, music, a homily, and words of remembrance by a member of the family.
First model
Vigil for the Deceased
[with Reception of the Body at Church]
Introductory Rites
Greeting
[Sprinkling with Holy Water
[Placing the Pall]
[Entrance Procession]
Opening Song
[Placing of Christian Symbols]
Invitation to prayer
Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading and silence
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Homily
Prayer of intercession
Litany
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding prayer
[Words of Remembrance]
Concluding Rite
Blessing
Second model
Option A
Vigil for the Deceased
—Office for the Dead—
Morning and/or Evening Prayer
[with Reception of the Body at Church]
Introductory Rites
Greeting
[Sprinkling with Holy Water]
Placing the Pall]
[Entrance Procession]
Opening Song
[Placing of Christian Symbols]
Invitation to prayer
Opening Prayer
Psalms
Reading and silence
Gospel Canticle
[Homily]
Intercessions
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding prayer
[Words of Remembrance]
Dismissal and Blessing
[Procession to the place of committal if Morning Prayer is the central funeral liturgy]
Second model
Option B
Vigil for the Deceased
—Office for the Dead—
Morning and/or Evening Prayer
Introductory Verse
Opening Song
Psalmody
Reading and silence
Gospel Canticle
(MP: Canticle of Zechariah;
EP: Canticle of Mary)
[Homily]
Intercessions
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding prayer
[Words of Remembrance]
Dismissal and Blessing
[Procession to the place of committal if Morning Prayer is the central funeral liturgy]