Pastors of churches in the archdiocese have been asked to conduct all funerals according to the new form beginning March 19 until further notice.

The pastors were asked to explain fully the meaning of the new rite at Sunday Masses and in parish bulletins.

The study of the new funeral rite is being carried out in about 50 dioceses in the United States, including Atlanta. The changes stress the new pastoral approach to death as an entrance to new life instead of a temporal, sad separation. They are based on Article 81 of the new liturgical constitution which says, “The rite for the burial of the dead should evidence more clearly the paschal character of Christ’s death…”

Although the sequence, Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) will be optional, it is urged that it be omitted because it conveys “an unduly fearsome concept of death.” Some of the principal changes and practices are: a much wider and more appropriate choice of spiritual lessons and psalms; the division of the rite into three “stations,” at the funeral parlor or home (farewell), at the church (the Eucharist), at the cemetery (final committal, the entrance to union with the Risen Christ);

A high degree of participation—vernacular texts, invocations in litany form, offertory procession, and wider reception of the Holy Eucharist; inclusion of family, friends and others present in the message of Christian faith. White vestments may be used, instead of black, to symbolize joy and hope in the mystery. The optional use of the Alleluia in the Introit and Gradual is encouraged.