Directing 2024/2025
Acknowledgment Cards - ANSWERSCards of recognition sent to friends for kindness shown to a
deceased's family.
Acolyte - ANSWERSAn alter attendant.
Adaptive Funeral Rite - ANSWERSA funeral rite that is adjusted to the needs and wants of those directly
involved; one which has been altered to suit the trends of the times.
Aftercare (Post -Funeral Follow-Up) - ANSWERSThose appropriate and helpful acts of counseling that
come after the funeral.
Allah - ANSWERSIn the Islam faith, the name of God.
Altar - ANSWERSAn elevated place of or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious
rites are performed; in the Christian faith, a table on which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is offered.
Alternative Container - ANSWERSAn unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure,
without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human
remains and which is made of fiberboard , pressed-wood, composition materials (with or without an
outside covering) or like materials.
Apostille - ANSWERSCertification/legalization of a document for international use; under terms of the
1961 Hague Convention.
Archbishop - ANSWERSIn the Roman Catholic faith, the head of an archdiocese.
,Aron - ANSWERSHebrew word meaning container; a casket made entirely of wood, containing no metal
parts.
Arrangements Conference - ANSWERSThe meeting between the funeral director and the client family
during which the funeral arrangements are discussed.
Artificial Grass - ANSWERSAn imitation of grass made in mat form and used at the cemetery to cover the
earth around the grave.
At-Need Counseling - ANSWERSCounseling with the family as they select the services and items of
merchandise in completing arrangements for the funeral service of their choice when a death has
occurred.
Bishop - ANSWERSLeader of multiple churches in a particular denomination; in the Roman Catholic faith,
the head of a diocese; in the LDS (Mormon) church, Bishop of the ward is leader of a single church.
Bonze - ANSWERSThe name of the Buddhist priest.
Book of Dates - ANSWERSA term used in the Buddhist faith to describe a calendar that is used to
determine an accurate time for casketing the body.
Brother - ANSWERSIn the Roman Catholic faith, a man who is a member of a religious order without
being ordained or while preparing for ordination.
Brotherhood - ANSWERSRelating to a social organization.
Burial-Trasit Permit (Disposition Permit) - ANSWERSA legal document, issued by a governmental agency,
authorizing transportation and/or disposition of a dead human body.
Canopy (Cemetery Tent) - ANSWERSA portable shelter used to cover the grave area during the
committal.
, Cantor - ANSWERSA religious singer who assists the clergy; assists the Rabbi in the Jewish faith; assists
the Priest in the Eastern Orthodox faith.
Cardinal - ANSWERSIn the Roman Catholic faith, a dignity conferred upon Bishops making them Princes
of the Church.
Cash advance - ANSWERSCash advance items may include, but are not limited to: Cemetery or
Crematory Services, Paul bearer's, public transportation, clergy honoraria, flowers, musicians or singers,
nurses, obituary notices, gratuities, and death certificates; sometimes called an accommodation or cash
disbursement.
Casket Bearer (Pallbearer) - ANSWERSOne who actively Bears or carries the casket during the funeral
service and at the committal service.
Celebrant - ANSWERSThe efficient who celebrates the mass and the Roman Catholic Church.
Cemetery - ANSWERSAn area of the ground set aside and dedicated for the final disposition of dead
human bodies.
Certified copy of a death certificate - ANSWERSA legal copy of the original death certificate.
Chancel - ANSWERSThe portion of the church surrounding the altar, usually in closing the clergy; area
behind the altar or communion rail.
Chapel - ANSWERSA building or designated area of a building in which the services are conducted
Chaplin - ANSWERSA person chosen to conduct religious exercises for the military, the chapel of an
institution or fraternal organization.
Chevrah Kadisha - ANSWERSHebrew phrase meaning "Holy Society," a group of men or women from the
synagogue who care for the dead; they may be referred to by laymen as the "washers;" in the past, took
care of all funeral arrangements and preparation for Jewish funerals.