What is the Difference between Funeral Mass and Memorial Mass?

The last thing we ever want to deal with is to plan a funeral for a loved one. The emotional impact that death gives to the grieving family and friends is truly devastating. And because of this, we sometimes find ourselves at a loss as to how to prepare the funeral service or memorial service for our dear departed.

But before you go on with the planning, it might be a great idea to first understand the difference between a funeral mass and a memorial mass. This article aims to address one of the most common questions that grieving family members have, "What is the difference between funeral mass and memorial mass?"

What is a Funeral Mass?

By definition, a funeral mass is a form of mass celebration in honor of the deceased. It is also called the Requiem Mass and this funeral celebration is often being practiced by the Roman Catholics. Even if we now live in the modern times, it's still quite obvious that tradition still rules in the way Catholic funeral rites are being set up.

During the funeral mass, the bier that is holding the body will be positioned centrally right close to the church sanctuary. The funeral mass will begin with an opening prayer and then followed by the Liturgyof the Word. The mass will also include the some readings from the Bible. Basically, the funeral mass is just like a traditional Catholic mass, but the entire celebration will be dedicated solely to the deceased.

What is a Memorial Mass?

The memorial mass is another service that Catholics will hold in honor of the deceased person. But unlike the funeral mass where the body of the deceased is inside the church, in memorial mass, the deceased person's body is not present. It is often celebrated right after the body has been buried or right after the cremation. Usually, memorial mass is celebrated within thirty days from the death of the deceased.

A traditional memorial mass also includes readings from the Bible and blessings from the priest as well. It basically provides a way for the grieving family members and friends to honor the deceased even after the person has been buried. The mass is also an avenue for family members to remember the deceased and their memories with him or her. Just like with the funeral mass, the memorial mass must be planned ahead and it should be held at a time and date wherein most family members and friends are around.

So what is the Difference?

Given the definitions of funeral mass and memorial mass above, it can be concluded that the funeral mass is the kind of mass where there is a body present or when the body of the deceased is right inside a casket in front of the people attending the mass. On the other hand, a memorial mass is a mass celebrated in honor of the dead but the biggest difference is that, in memorial mass, nobody is present and is often celebrated several days after the body is buried.

Other resources to consider:

Best Way to Plan for a Funeral Service
Ways to Pay Respects to the Dead
A Complete Memorial Service Guide