Question
Question
Why do people use water at Funeral Masses to sprinkle the casket? When is this done during the service?
--Wondering in Waterville
Answer
Answer
The sprinkling with holy water at the beginning of the Funeral Mass reminds us of our baptism and that the person who has died entered into the life-giving waters of baptism and the life of the church. If there is no sprinkling of holy water at the beginning of the Funeral Mass, and not done for a good reason, it can be done either at the Preparation of the Gifts or during the "Song of Farewell" at the end of the Funeral Mass.