The placing of a Christian symbol on the coffin is optional, but if done, OCF 134 has a brief instruction on it:
134. If in this rite a symbol of the Christian life is to be placed on the coffin, it is carried in the procession and placed on the coffin by a family member, friend, or the minister at the conclusion of the procession.
Logical. Put the object on the coffin after it has been moved into position.
Todd,
These articles would include a crucifix and bible, yes?
Yes, Charles, or rosaries,pictures of saints especially if the deceased had a devotion to a certain saint.
As I noted before, when my cousin lost her battle with cancer, her 5 siblings and mother carried sheaves of wheat to lay on top of the pall when the remains reached the head of the aisle.
And the one moment from Senator Kennedy’s funeral I remember fondly was the sight of his wife, sister and sister-in-law laying and adjusting the pall on his remains.