SJ Catholics, a little help please?

I've attended countless Catholic weddings, christenings and even six or seven midnight masses. I've never attended a rosary service the night before a funeral.

What is it? Just a recitation of the rosary led by the priest?

And what do you wear? Is it less formal than the funeral? Slacks and a shirt instead of a suit? Would nice jeans and a blazer work?

 

It's a prayer service. Probably just people praying the rosary. I guess the priest would be there. I'm Catholic and have been to lots of Catholic funerals but never to a rosary service. I'm sure slacks and a shirt would be fine but I wouldn't wear jeans even if they were nice.

 

Dress shirt/ dress slacks / blazer is way to go. Tie does not hurt. If priest leads it will be easy to follow along. You won't need to know the steps of rosary prior. You can fake what you don't know.

Typically rosary is said at wake - usually at funeral home

 

So is this kind of a Catholics-only sort of deal? Will a protestant be out of place?

 

Not at all - its a Christian service. You will be more than welcome. the important thing is that you are paying your respects not whether you can say the Our Father 10 times fast.

If it's an Irish wake - all the better - you can drink/ tell stories and have a few good laughs and crys.

 

No, if you were close to the person, you're never out of place. Lots of non-Catholics even attend Mass. They just can't participate in the sacraments without being converted. (Communion, Confession, etc). You'll be fine. I'd just go and make an appearance.

 

That was Saturday night. And another one is planned for after the funeral on Tuesday.

 

Just don't make the Lupica mistake at funeral - when the offertory is brought up to alter - it is not wine and cheese.

 

Never wear jeans to church.

 

Probably not. I'm orthodox and we do the same thing.

I don't recall ever hearing an announcement that all protestants leave the room or anything.

 

Two things you can count on...

1. This won't be short. Every Catholic event I have ever attended was longer than I thought it was going to last.
2. I hope your knees are ready for a workout. Down and up. Down and up. Down and up.

 

I'm Catholic, and I've never heard of a rosary service.