FSE 101. Funeral Directing-Ch. 1 & 2
and Voc. Set 1 (QUIZ 8-31)
When conducting funeral services, especially religious services of religions other than
your own, the funeral director must observe basic objectives: - answer You must pay
attention to details -they matter. Small things can "snowball" into bigger problems.
Attention to detail is what sets outstanding funeral directors apart from all the rest.
+Reverence for sacred objects- remember that these objects hold very deep, even
visceral, feelings for other people. Failure to follow this objective will be uncaring and
highly offensive.
+Appropriate deference to clergy/officiant- We would not expect the clergy to direct our
funerals or make arrangements. Likewise, we should not attempt to dictate the funeral
service, especially if it is in their place of worship. We should also call them by their
appropriate title (ask them!).
+Dignity and decorum- No matter if you believe the way that they do or not, always
carry yourself as a professional. Have empathy, care, and compassion. The pain of loss
is real for everyone, not just people like yourself.
+Smoothness of procedure- Experience helps with this one. Know what is expected.
Anticipate and respond.
+Flexibility and adaptation to various customs and cultures- Remember that other faiths
and cultures may do things differently. Adapt your services to meet their needs.
+Awareness of the honorarium policy and related fees for a particular clergy member
and religious body- Know the policy and requests of the clergy. Some clergy require
fees, some respectfully request them, some don't request but don't turn them down, and
some find them offensive.
+Awareness of local, regional, and cultural variations...even within the same religion
and denomination- Even within faiths and denominations, each church/parish or area
may do things just a little bit differently. Adapt as you move to other area. Know the
local preferences.
The Protestant Funeral Rite - answer-The term Protestant is used to describe many
different types of denominations.
-For the purpose of this course, we will define "Protestant" as, any Western Christian
church that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church.
-While many Protestant denominations are similar, they also have many differences.
, -You will also find that many Protestant churches within the same denomination have
many differences. Some of which are worship styles, music preferences, order of
worship, gender of clergy, etc.
-The following denominations are most widely known as being Protestant; Baptist,
Methodist, Church of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, and
Church of the Nazarene.
-One of the main differences within the Protestant denominations is the style and
structure of worship. We use the term Liturgical to describe the format of worship.
-Protestant churches are broken into two categories, liturgical or non-liturgical.
Liturgical Churches - answer-A Liturgical (or Eucharist centered) Protestant church is
one that has a very structured, consistent and somewhat rigid order or format of
worship. If you go to Oregon, Virginia or Alabama, the order of worship will be very
similar.
-Generally, in a Liturgical Protestant church, the order of worship is printed in a special
liturgical manual, hymnal, or book of prayer. The order of worship will also have the
rubrics, or directions that are to be followed for that type of service prior to the service.
-Although there may be some minor differences due to geography, custom and local
parish variances, Liturgical Protestant churches generally have the same order and
format of worship.
-Another distinguishing characteristic of the liturgical church is the architecture or shape
of the place of worship. Generally, in a liturgical church the shape of the place of
worship is that of a cross. The main isle to the alter has a focal point of a cross or
crucifix centered above the alter or on the alter. At the front of the nave or sanctuary the
cross bar of the cross is the transepts or wings at the front of the church.
-There is usually always a communion rail at the front of the church near the altar. It is
sometimes open in the middle or may be closed in the middle and open on the ends.
-An example of a liturgical Protestant denomination is Episcopal.
-In liturgical churches there are two lecterns at the front of the church. Generally
speaking, if you look at the altar, the Gospel lectern will be on the left and the Epistle
lectern will be on the right.
-In liturgical churches, certain activities or portions of the worship occur in specific
places. For example, the "sermon" or message from the clergy is generally made from
the Gospel lectern. Readings and prayers are generally made from the Epistle lectern.
-Notification of Clerg
Non-Liturgical Churches - answer-A non-liturgical (or scripture centered) Protestant
church is one where the order of worship is not as rigid and formal and is usually set by
the local congregation and its clergy.
-Architecture of a non-liturgical church is with a central lectern centered in the pulpit or
altar area of the church. Although some do, many non-liturgical Protestant churches do
not have communion rails.
-Examples of non-liturgical Protestant denominations are: Baptist, Methodist, Church of
Christ, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, and Church of the Nazarene.
-Notification of Clergy: No policy or procedure. Basically the same as liturgical.
-Removal of Remains: Same as liturgical.
and Voc. Set 1 (QUIZ 8-31)
When conducting funeral services, especially religious services of religions other than
your own, the funeral director must observe basic objectives: - answer You must pay
attention to details -they matter. Small things can "snowball" into bigger problems.
Attention to detail is what sets outstanding funeral directors apart from all the rest.
+Reverence for sacred objects- remember that these objects hold very deep, even
visceral, feelings for other people. Failure to follow this objective will be uncaring and
highly offensive.
+Appropriate deference to clergy/officiant- We would not expect the clergy to direct our
funerals or make arrangements. Likewise, we should not attempt to dictate the funeral
service, especially if it is in their place of worship. We should also call them by their
appropriate title (ask them!).
+Dignity and decorum- No matter if you believe the way that they do or not, always
carry yourself as a professional. Have empathy, care, and compassion. The pain of loss
is real for everyone, not just people like yourself.
+Smoothness of procedure- Experience helps with this one. Know what is expected.
Anticipate and respond.
+Flexibility and adaptation to various customs and cultures- Remember that other faiths
and cultures may do things differently. Adapt your services to meet their needs.
+Awareness of the honorarium policy and related fees for a particular clergy member
and religious body- Know the policy and requests of the clergy. Some clergy require
fees, some respectfully request them, some don't request but don't turn them down, and
some find them offensive.
+Awareness of local, regional, and cultural variations...even within the same religion
and denomination- Even within faiths and denominations, each church/parish or area
may do things just a little bit differently. Adapt as you move to other area. Know the
local preferences.
The Protestant Funeral Rite - answer-The term Protestant is used to describe many
different types of denominations.
-For the purpose of this course, we will define "Protestant" as, any Western Christian
church that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church.
-While many Protestant denominations are similar, they also have many differences.
, -You will also find that many Protestant churches within the same denomination have
many differences. Some of which are worship styles, music preferences, order of
worship, gender of clergy, etc.
-The following denominations are most widely known as being Protestant; Baptist,
Methodist, Church of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, and
Church of the Nazarene.
-One of the main differences within the Protestant denominations is the style and
structure of worship. We use the term Liturgical to describe the format of worship.
-Protestant churches are broken into two categories, liturgical or non-liturgical.
Liturgical Churches - answer-A Liturgical (or Eucharist centered) Protestant church is
one that has a very structured, consistent and somewhat rigid order or format of
worship. If you go to Oregon, Virginia or Alabama, the order of worship will be very
similar.
-Generally, in a Liturgical Protestant church, the order of worship is printed in a special
liturgical manual, hymnal, or book of prayer. The order of worship will also have the
rubrics, or directions that are to be followed for that type of service prior to the service.
-Although there may be some minor differences due to geography, custom and local
parish variances, Liturgical Protestant churches generally have the same order and
format of worship.
-Another distinguishing characteristic of the liturgical church is the architecture or shape
of the place of worship. Generally, in a liturgical church the shape of the place of
worship is that of a cross. The main isle to the alter has a focal point of a cross or
crucifix centered above the alter or on the alter. At the front of the nave or sanctuary the
cross bar of the cross is the transepts or wings at the front of the church.
-There is usually always a communion rail at the front of the church near the altar. It is
sometimes open in the middle or may be closed in the middle and open on the ends.
-An example of a liturgical Protestant denomination is Episcopal.
-In liturgical churches there are two lecterns at the front of the church. Generally
speaking, if you look at the altar, the Gospel lectern will be on the left and the Epistle
lectern will be on the right.
-In liturgical churches, certain activities or portions of the worship occur in specific
places. For example, the "sermon" or message from the clergy is generally made from
the Gospel lectern. Readings and prayers are generally made from the Epistle lectern.
-Notification of Clerg
Non-Liturgical Churches - answer-A non-liturgical (or scripture centered) Protestant
church is one where the order of worship is not as rigid and formal and is usually set by
the local congregation and its clergy.
-Architecture of a non-liturgical church is with a central lectern centered in the pulpit or
altar area of the church. Although some do, many non-liturgical Protestant churches do
not have communion rails.
-Examples of non-liturgical Protestant denominations are: Baptist, Methodist, Church of
Christ, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, and Church of the Nazarene.
-Notification of Clergy: No policy or procedure. Basically the same as liturgical.
-Removal of Remains: Same as liturgical.
