Funeral

[clef0628]

I have to attend and be in a Catholic Mass for a funeral of my great-grandma. I'm doing something in it too. Anyhow, this it feels wried for me take part in this funeral, and being in church and everything. My Mom's side of the faimly is Catholic, they do not know my ture beliefs. I keep that to myself, because they would not understand. Anyhow, it just feels weird doing this. Part of thinks I should not take part. But, I'm mainly doing it to make everyone else happy. I remenber my grandfathers funeral last year. It was weird sitting in church, the words they said meant nothing to me. Anyhow, ever do something for the Christian side of your family and feel out of place. Because I'm really going to feel out of place at this thing on Friday. At least in my sadness, maybe no one will notice how out of place I am.

[Faery-Wings]

Geez, it has already been 8 years :( MY grandmother passed away and while I wasn't Pagan at the time, I had no part in the Catholic church. At her funeral, my mom asked me to take Communion. At first I really didn't want to , but then realized since, to me, it was not the body and blood, just a cracker (and a icky tasting one at that LOL), it was no big deal. I knew my grandma would see I was doing it for her.

Then when my kids were born, I had them Christened. I felt obligated to do something for them and figured it was just a way for my family to bestow blessings on them in a way they knew how. Again, I was not Pagan (or at least admittting it to myself) at this time. As for telling the Church that I was going to bring them to Masses and raise them Catholic, I felt that they got my money which is, in many cases, all they want. :D

Anyway, my thoughts would be to go ahead and do it. your great grandma will understand. Simply look at it in a way your Pagan mind can connect with it. And there will be other non Catholics there too. I'll never forget my husband's first experience with a Cath. Mass. He was sooo confused LOL!

Also, my sympathies to you and your family! Good luck.

Chris

[Mariposa De La Luna]

I think you should look at it as honoring your great-grandmother the way she would like.

I remember when my grandmother died and they were praying the rosary for her I felt rediculus (sp?). This was one of the best and beautifullest women I know and she was going to heaven, no doubt about it. I hope to meet her again in the next life. I was not sad at all. The All blessed her and gave her the kind of death she wished for, quick and painless. But regardless I would be there.

You are not out of place in the church, everyone else there will also be mourning the passing of your great-grandmother. Blessings to you and your family.

[clef0628]

I guess I could look at as honoring my great-grandmother the way she would like. Although, she would of perfer a small funeral then my grandma is making it out to be. Oh, well. As for not feeling sad that is hard. This is the 3rd death I had to go though, I felt sad at all of them. I know they are happy in the afterlife but, for some reason, maybe because I will not see them for a while, I feel sad. Either way it will feel odd at the church. But, I'll get though it.

[Mariposa De La Luna]

I'm sorry i didn't mean to say you shouldn't feel sad. Sadness is part of the healing process, it is a natural and appropriate feeling.

[Lilu]

When my step-brother died his mother decided to do a big Catholic funeral for him. The only thing that wasn't Christian was all the African music he was so fond of. But all the prayers, etc. were Christian, and while it wasn't my religion, it didn't make me uncomfortable to be there.

If there are prayers and stuff I don't agree with, I don't say them. You can just bow your head and say your own prayer in your mind. Funerals aren't about religion, they're about paying your respects and saying good bye. Sure, going into a church and listening to a Mass can be a little weird, but it's only as difficult as you want to make it.

We were all asked to take Communion at my brother's funeral. I refused to, I did however go up with the others, and instead of taking communion I asked the priest for a blessing (often given to people who haven't done their first holy communion yet). Perhaps you can think of some of these options.

BB
Lilu

[rantnraven]

Though it is difficult to loose someone, however close, we should remember that it was an honor to have known them - especially a Great-grand parent.

I had heard many a story about mine but never had the please of knowing them as they had passed long before my return.

As for the church? It's a big building where followers go to worship; it is not a scary place. Because you are Pagan matters not. Go there and show your Love. That's is the best we can do.

Blessed be. My heart to you in your time of sorrow,
Thoma