So my best friend's grandfather passed away recently, and since I am really close to the whole family, I've been asked to be a pallbearer. I'm not Catholic, and honestly not really religious at all. I know it's pretty important, but I honestly have no idea what to do. I've read into it and understand the basics, but can't really get a firm idea of what it means in a more modern setting or what the modern responsibilities would be. Is there anyone that is Catholic or that knows more about this that can help shed some light?
If you're not Catholic, just don't go up for the host (communion). You can drink the wine, though, if you like wine. Otherwise, just stand when other people stand and sit when they sit. Usually, the priest will tell you all these things. Other than that, just don't drop the casket.
Being a pallbearer simply means to carry the coffin, usually just from inside the church out to the hearse and perhaps from the hearse to the grave site. You'll be briefed on what to do a few minutes ahead of time and it's not a difficult task.
The Catholic part of it doesn't really mean anything except regarding location. Being a pallbearer is about the same everywhere. It also means that there's a funeral mass to be part of. In that you just sit, stand, kneel, and shake hands when others do it. Don't go up for communion though.
All you have to do is help carry the casket from the hearse to the church and back again. Dress respectably like you are going to church. Just sit quietly through the service if you don't want to participate in it or don't know what to do. If the service is at a funeral home the funeral director will tell you what you need to do.
just do as others have explained , but Matthew is wrong, the wine is part of the Eucharist so you do not partake of either the host or wine , as a sign of respect
Roman Catholic Pallbearer?
