What You Should Know About Christian Funeral Services in Singapore Whether you’re attending or arranging the Christian memorial service of a loved one, it’s imperative that you know the essentials of this solemn event. Here are the things that you need to know about Christian funeral services in Singapore.
Funeral rites tend to vary based on the Christian denomination that the deceased belongs to. Here’s how most of them work. o
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When the person is on the brink of death, a minister or priest visits. The religious head would pray for the person and help them prepare for their passing by performing the Last Rites (anointing with holy oil). Once the person dies, his/her body is embalmed and placed in a casket. The casket may be kept open for some time to give the deceased’s friends and family time to say their goodbyes. The casket is taken to a chapel or church where a priest may conduct a mass (Called the Requiem Mass) or a service. Afterwards, the casket is transported for cremation or burial. It depends on the deceased’s or the family of the deceased’s wishes.
Despite their distinctions, Christian funeral rites all share the same objectives: to pay respects to the dead and to give those who were left behind a chance to mourn.
If the body is for burial …the family and friends of the deceased may offer more prayers before the coffin is lowered in the grave. The priest/minister may also conduct service. Flowers are sometimes thrown into the grave as it is being filled with earth. The grave is later marked out with a tombstone detailing the person’s name, date of birth, and date of life.
If the body is for cremation …the family and friends of the deceased may offer more prayers before the body is taken for cremation. The priest/minister may also conduct service. After the cremation, the ashes are returned to the deceased’s family for burial or scattering. In the past, cremation was not accepted by many Christians for they believe it would mean that the person will not be resurrected on the Day of Judgement.
How the funeral service plays out. Here’s the format of most services (before the burial or cremation) for Christian funerals in Singapore. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The priest/minister will start the service with a reading from the scriptures. He will offer a sermon in relation to the reading. He will talk about the person who passed away. He will offer prayers of penitence, thanksgiving, and readiness for death. He will conduct the committal, the final and most solemn part of the service.
The dos and don’ts of Christian Funeral Etiquette Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re attending a funeral.