Office for the Dead

Some days ago, a commentator asked about the Office for the Dead. We blogged extensively on the funeral rites almost ten years ago. It seems that while I devoted a number of posts to the praenotanda, or instruction from the rite, I glossed over the actual celebrations of the Liturgy of the Hours here and here.

After a decade, perhaps it’s time to correct this. The Order of Christian Funerals does give pastors, ministers, and mourners a number of options. Rather than bewilder the point, I think I will focus more on what I would consider an ideal observance. Something streamlined, with minimal options to cloud the issue.

For either Morning or Evening Prayer, I would include a reception of the body. Why? Because these liturgies are best celebrated in the parish church or perhaps a chapel on the parish campus. From there, we’ll move to the psalms and the rest of the liturgy. A few dozen short posts over the next month. I might start up seriously in another few days. If you have topic suggestions or questions, feel free to write in the comments below.