Vigil for a Deceased Child
It is good to wait in silence for the Lord
Go to the Introductory Rites
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
Go to the Prayer of Intercession
Go to the Concluding Rite
INTRODUCTION
243 The vigil for the deceased is the principal celebration of the Christian community during the time before the funeral liturgy or, if there is no funeral liturgy, before the rite of committal. The vigil may take the form of a liturgy of the word, as described in Part I, nos. 57-68, or of some part of the office for the dead.
244 The vigil may be celebrated at a convenient time in the home of the deceased child, in the funeral home, parlor or chapel of rest, or in some other suitable place. The vigil may also be celebrated in the church, but at a time well before the funeral liturgy, so that the funeral liturgy will not be lengthy and the liturgy of the word repetitious. When the body is brought to the church for the celebration of the vigil, the vigil begins with the rite of reception (see no. 58). Otherwise the vigil begins with a greeting, followed by an opening song, an invitation to prayer, and an opening prayer.
245 After the opening prayer, the vigil continues with the liturgy of the word, which usually includes a first reading, responsorial psalm, gospel reading, and homily. If there is to be only one reading, however, it should be the gospel reading. The prayer of intercession, which includes a litany, the Lord’s Prayer, and a concluding prayer, then follows. Alternative concluding prayers are provided for use in the case of a baptized child or of a child who died before baptism. The vigil concludes with a blessing, which may be followed by a song or a few moments of silent prayer or both.
246 The minister should adapt the vigil to the circumstances. If, for example, a large number of children are present or if the vigil is held in the home of the deceased child, elements of the rite may be simplified or shortened and other elements or symbols that have special meaning for those taking part may be incorporated into the celebration. If custom and circumstances suggest, a member or a friend of the family may speak in remembrance of the deceased child.
247 The vigil celebrated at the church may begin with the rite of reception (nos. 248-252) which then serves as the introductory rite. Otherwise the vigil may begin with an opening song followed by a greeting (no. 248) and the invitation to prayer (no. 253).
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Greeting
248 The minister, with assisting ministers, goes to the door of the church and using one of the following greetings, or in similar words, greets those present.
A May Christ Jesus, who welcomed children and laid his hands in blessing upon them, comfort you with his peace and be always with you.
R. And with your spirit.
B May the God of hope give you the fullness of peace, and may the Lord of life be always with you.
R. And with your spirit.
C The grace and peace of God our Father, who raised Jesus from the dead, be always with you.
R. And with your spirit.
D May the Father of mercies, the God of all consolation, be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
Sprinkling with Holy Water or Brief Address
249 If the child was baptized, the minister sprinkles the coffin with holy water (option A). If the child died before baptism, the sprinkling with holy water is omitted and a brief address is given (option B).
A Sprinkling with Holy Water—If the child was baptized, the minister then sprinkles the coffin with holy water, saying:
In the waters of Baptism
N. died with Christ and rose with him to new life.
May he (she) now share with him eternal glory.
B Brief Address— If the child died before baptism, the minister may then address the mourners in the following or similar words.
My brothers and sisters, the Lord is a faithful God who created us all after his own image. All things are of his making, all creation awaits the day of salvation. We now entrust the soul of N. to the abundant mercy of God, that our beloved child may find a home in his kingdom.
Placing of the Pall
250 If it is the custom in the local community and the child was baptized, the pall is then placed on the coffin by family members, friends, or the minister.
Entrance Procession
251 The paschal candle may be placed beforehand near the position the coffin will occupy at the conclusion of the procession. The minister and assisting ministers precede the coffin and the mourners into the church. During the procession a psalm, song, or responsory is sung (see no. 403).
1
403.1. Saints of God, come to his (her) aid!
Hasten to meet him (her), Angels of the Lord!
R. Receive his (her) soul and present him (her) to God the Most High.
May Christ, who called you, take you to himself;
may angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham.
R. Receive his (her) soul and present him (her) to God the Most High.
Eternal rest grant unto him (her), O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him (her).
R. Receive his (her) soul and present him (her) to God the Most High.
Continue with the Opening Rites
2
403.2. Lord our God, receive your servant,
for whom you shed your Blood.
R. Remember, Lord, that we are dust: like grass, like a flower of the field.
Merciful Lord, I tremble before you,
ashamed of the things I have done.
R. Remember, Lord, that we are dust: like grass, like a flower of the field.
Continue with the Opening Rites
3
403.3 You knew me, Lord, before I was born.
You shaped me into your image and likeness.
R. I breathe forth my spirit to you, my Creator.
Merciful Lord, I tremble before you:
I am ashamed of the things I have done;
do not condemn me when you come in judgment.
R. I breathe forth my spirit to you, my Creator.
Continue with the Opening Rites
4
403.4 I know that my Redeemer lives:
on the last day I shall rise again.
R. And in my flesh I shall see God.
Or
R. On the last day I shall rise again.
I shall see him myself, face to face;
and my own eyes shall behold my Savior.
R. And in my flesh I shall see God.
Or
R. On the last day I shall rise again.
Within my heart this hope I cherish:
that in my flesh I shall see God.
R. And in my flesh I shall see God.
Or
R. On the last day I shall rise again.
Continue with the Opening Rites
5
403.5. I know that my Redeemer lives,
And on that final day of days,
His voice shall bid me rise again:
Unending joy, unceasing praise!
This hope I cherish in my heart:
To stand on earth, my flesh restored,
And, not a stranger but a friend,
Behold my Savior and my Lord.
Continue with the Opening Rites
6
403.6. Lazarus you raised, O Lord, from the decay of the tomb.
R. Grant your servant rest, a haven of pardon and peace.
Eternal rest, O Lord,
and your perpetual light.
R. Grant your servant rest, a haven of pardon and peace.
Continue with the Opening Rites
7
403.7. You shattered the gates of bronze
and preached to the spirits in prison.
R. Deliver me, Lord, from the streets of darkness.
A light and a revelation
to those confined in darkness.
R. Deliver me, Lord, from the streets of darkness.
“Redeemer, you have come,”
they cried, the prisoners of silence.
R. Deliver me, Lord, from the streets of darkness.
Eternal rest, O Lord,
and your perpetual light.
R. Deliver me, Lord, from the streets of darkness.
Placing of Christian Symbols
252 A symbol of the Christian life, such as a cross, may be carried in procession, then placed on the coffin, either in silence or as a text from no. 400 is said.
400 The following texts may be used during the “Reception at the Church” when placing Christian symbols on the coffin. Nos. 1 and 2 are for deceased persons who were baptized; no. 3 is for a child who died before Baptism.
Book of the Gospels or Bible—While the Book of the Gospels or Bible is placed on the coffin, the minister says in these or similar words:
In life N. cherished the Gospel of Christ. May Christ now greet him (her) with these words of eternal life: Come, blessed of my Father!
2 Cross—While a cross is placed on the coffin, the minister says in these or similar words:
In Baptism N. received the Sign of the Cross. May he (she) now share in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
3 Cross—During the presentation of a cross in the case of a child who died before Baptism, the minister says in these or similar words:
The cross we have brought here today was carried by the Lord Jesus in the hour of his suffering. We place it now on (near) this coffin as a sign of our hope for N.
As the cross is placed on (or near) the coffin, the minister says:
Lord Jesus Christ, you loved us unto death. Let this cross be a sign of your love for N. and for the people you have gathered here today.
Invitation to Prayer
253 In the following or similar words, the minister invites those present to pray.
Let us pray for this child and entrust him (her) to the care of our loving God.
Pause for silent prayer.
Opening Prayer
254 The minister says one of the following prayers.
A baptized child 1 A baptized child 2 A baptized child 3 A baptized child 4 A baptized child 5 A baptized child 6 A baptized child 7 A child who died before baptism 1 A child who died before baptism 2 A stillborn child
A 254.A A baptized child 1
To you, O Lord,
we humbly entrust this child,
so precious in your sight.
Take him (her) into your arms
and welcome him (her) into paradise,
where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain,
but the fullness of peace and joy
with your Son and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
B 254.B A baptized child 2
Lord, in our grief we call upon your mercy:
open your ears to our prayers,
and one day unite us again with N.,
who, we firmly trust,
already enjoys eternal life in your kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
399.8 A baptized child 3
Lord of all gentleness,
surround us with your care
and comfort us in our sorrow,
for we grieve at the loss of this (little) child.
As you washed N. in the waters of baptism
and welcomed him (her) into the life of heaven,
so call us one day
to be united with him (her)
and share for ever the joy of your kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
399.9 A baptized child 4
Eternal Father,
through the intercession of Mary,
who bore your Son and stood by the Cross as he died,
grant to these parents in their grief
the assistance of her presence,
the comfort of her faith,
and the reward of her prayers.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
399.10 A baptized child 5
Lord God,
source and destiny of our lives,
in your loving providence
you gave us N.
to grow in wisdom, age, and grace.
Now you have called him (her) to yourself.
We grieve over the loss of one so young
and struggle to understand your purpose.
Draw him (her) to yourself
and give him (her) full stature in Christ.
May he (she) stand with all the Angels and Saints,
who know your love and praise your saving will.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
399.11 A baptized child 6
Most compassionate God,
whoin the counsels of your wisdom
have called this little child to yourself
on the threshold of life,
listen kindly to our prayers
and grant that one day we may inherit eternal life with him (her),
whom, by the grace of Baptism, you have adopted
as your own child
and who we believe is dwelling even now in your Kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
399.12 A baptized child 7
O God, who know that our hearts
are weighed down by grief
at the death of this young child,
grant that, while we weep for him (her),
who at your bidding has departed this life so soon,
we have faith that he(she) has gained
an eternal home in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
254.C/399.13 A child who died before Baptism 1
Receive the prayers of your faithful, Lord,
and grant that those you allow to be weighed down
by their longing for the child taken from them
may be raised up by faith to hope in your compassion.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
399.14 A child who died before baptism 2
O God, searcher of hearts and most loving consoler,
who know the faith of these parents,
grant that, as they mourn their child,
now departed from this life,
they may be assured
that he (she) has been entrusted to your loving divine compassion.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
399.15 A stillborn child
Lord God,
ever caring and gentle,
we commit to your love this little one,
quickened to life for so short a time.
Enfold him (her) in eternal life.
We pray for his (her) parents
who are saddened by the loss of their child.
Give them courage
and help them in their pain and grief.
May they all meet one day
in the joy and peace of your Kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
255 The celebration continues with the Liturgy of the Word. Other readings, psalms, and gospel readings are given in Part III and can be found in Readings for the Funerals of Children, found in the ‘Rites’ section of the iBreviary.
First Reading
256 A reader proclaims the first reading.
1 Jn 3:1-2
We shall see God as he really is.
A reading from the first Letter of Saint John
Beloved:
See what love the Father has bestowed on us
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us
is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
The word of the Lord.
257 The following Psalm is sung or said or another psalm or song.
R.(1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Gospel
258 The Gospel reading is then proclaimed.
Mk 10:13-16
The kingdom of God belongs to little children.
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark
People were bringing children to him that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.
Homily
259 A brief homily on the readings is then given.
Litany
260 The minister leads those present in the following litany.
The Lord Jesus is the lover of his people and our only sure hope. Let us ask him to deepen our faith and sustain us in this dark hour.
Assisting minister:
You became a little child for our sake, sharing our human life.
To you we pray:
R. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
You grew in wisdom, age, and grace and learned obedience through suffering.
To you we pray:
R. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
You welcomed children, promising them your Kingdom.
To you we pray:
R. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
You comforted those who mourned the loss of children and friends.
To you we pray:
R. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
You took upon yourself the suffering and death of us all.
To you we pray:
R. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
You promised to raise up those who believe in you, just as you were raised up in glory by the Father.
To you we pray:
R. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
The Lord’s Prayer
261 Using one of the following invitations, or in similar words, the minister invites those present to pray the Lord’s Prayer.
A Together let us pray for strength, for acceptance, and for the coming of the kingdom in the words our Savior taught us:
B In love, God calls us his children, for that indeed is what we are. We ask for the strength we need by praying in the words Jesus gave us:
All say:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Concluding Prayer
262 The minister says one of the following prayers or one of those provided in nos. 398-399. [See above, no. 254] Go to no. 254
A A baptized child
Lord of all gentleness,
surround us with your care
and comfort us in our sorrow,
for we grieve at the loss of this (little) child.
As you washed N. in the waters of Baptism
and welcomed him (her) into the life of heaven,
so call us one day
to be united with him (her) and share for ever
the joy of your Kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
B A child who died before baptism
Lord Jesus,
whose Mother stood grieving at the foot of the Cross,
look kindly on these parents
who have suffered the loss of their child (N).
Listen to the prayers of Mary on their behalf,
that their faith may be strong like hers
and find its promised reward,
for you live for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Blessing
263 The minister says:
Jesus said: “Let the children come to me. Do not keep them from me. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
A gesture, for example, signing the forehead of the deceased child with the sign of the cross, may accompany the following words.
Eternal rest grant unto him (her), O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon him (her).
May he (she) rest in peace.
R. Amen.
May his (her) soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
A A minister who is a priest or deacon says:
May the peace of God,
which is beyond all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God
and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
R. Amen.
May may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.
B A lay minister invokes God’s blessing and signs himself or herself with the sign of the cross, saying:
May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ
bless and console us
and gently wipe every tear from our eyes:
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
The vigil may conclude with a song or a few moments of silent prayer or both.