Gathering in the Presence of the Body
from
The Roman Ritual:
The Order of Christian Funerals
revised by decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council
published by authority of Pope Paul VI

GATHERING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE BODY

If we have died with Christ, we believe we shall also live with him

109 This rite provides a model of prayer that may be used when the family first gathers in the presence of the body, when the body is to be prepared for burial, or after it has been prepared. The family members, in assembling in the presence of the body, confront in the most immediate way the fact of their loss and the mystery of death. Because cultural attitudes and practices on such occasions may vary, the minister should adapt the rite.

110 Through the presence of the minister and others and through the celebration of this brief rite, the community seeks to be with the mourners in their need and to provide an atmosphere of sensitive concern and confident faith. In prayer and gesture those present show reverence for the body of the deceased as a temple of the life-giving Spirit and ask, in that same Spirit, for the eternal life promised to the faithful.

111 The minister should try to be as attentive as possible to the particular needs of the mourners. The minister begins the rite at an opportune moment and, as much as possible, in an atmosphere of calm and recollection. The pause for silent prayer after the Scripture verse can be especially helpful in this regard.

SIGN OF THE CROSS

112 The minister and those present sign themselves with the sign of the cross and the minister says:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

R: Amen.

SCRIPTURE VERSE

113 One of the following or another brief Scripture verse is read.

A Matthew 11:28-30

My brothers and sisters, Jesus says:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

B John 14:1-3

My brothers and sisters, Jesus says:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

Pause for silent prayer.

SPRINKLING WITH HOLY WATER

114 Using one of the following formularies, the minister may sprinkle the body with holy water.

A The Lord is our shepherd
and leads us to streams of living water.

B Let this water call to mind our baptism into Christ
who by his death and resurrection has redeemed us.

C The Lord God lives in his holy temple yet abides in our midst.
Since in baptism N. became God’s temple
and the Spirit of God lived in him/her,
with reverence we bless his/her mortal body.

PSALM

115 One of the following psalms is sung or said…

A Psalm 130

R: I hope in the Lord, I trust in his word.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
Lord, hear my voice!
O let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleading. R:

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,
Lord, who would survive?
But with you is found forgiveness:
for this we revere you. R:

My soul is waiting for the Lord,
I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord
more than watchman for daybreak. R:

Because with the Lord there is mercy
and fullness of redemption,
Israel indeed he will redeem
from all its iniquity. R:

B Psalm 115 and 116

R: I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.

How gracious is the Lord, and just;
our God has compassion.
The Lord protects the simple hearts;
I was helpless so he saved me. R:

I trusted, even when I said:
“I am sorely afflicted,”
and when I said in my alarm:
“No man can be trusted.” R:

O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds. R:

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