If you have lost a loved one and you know they wanted to have a Catholic service, you may not be sure about whether to attend or not. People sometimes get worried about going to a very religious or traditional service, but it can be the best way to honor the life of the person and to get the closure that you need to start healing from the loss. If you are not sure about this and you want to still be able to honor the person as they would have wanted, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Tamarac, FL want you to remember. 

Remember that this is a very traditional service, so you want to wear something appropriate. Usually, this means wearing dark colors, including black, and avoiding anything that is too casual or revealing. You want to be respectful of the other people at the service and so you want to take the time to follow the procedures of the service. If you do not know when to stand or sit, or kneel, follow the lead of the other people. You also want to remember that you do not have to partake of communion if you do not want to.   

Something that you want to keep in mind is that there are three main parts to a Catholic service. The first part is the wake or viewing. This is where you will get a chance to say goodbye to the person who died and to see them one final time. It is something that can make a huge difference, especially for people who are struggling to get closure. The casket is usually there, though it may not be open. After the wake, there will be the funeral mass. The funeral mass takes place at the church where the person received sacraments during life. It can be a long service, so do plan for that. You also want to remember that the service will conclude with the casket being taken to the place of burial. The third part of the Catholic funeral service is the graveside burial.   

It is always appropriate to send a sympathy gift to the family. This is something that lets them know that you are thinking about them and that you have them in your thoughts. You can choose to send a sympathy card with a simple message. You can also decide to send them flowers. If that is what you want to do, remember to do so through a florist and to include a card. If you want to make a donation in the name of the deceased, ask the family first because not all of them will feel comfortable with this. Some people prefer to keep the death private.   

These are some tips that can help you attend the service of a loved one who wanted to have a traditional Catholic service. You can expect a long service and one that is very traditional. You can learn more about all of this or you can ask about other types of services by reaching out to a Tamarac, FL funeral home like us. We are here to help you with all of the arrangements you need to make after a death. Call us right now or visit us today.