All About Committal Services

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation • September 6, 2022

A Committal service is a graveside service in which you commit the body to the ground, or bury the body. These services are generally the final goodbye for the family before the deceased is buried. For instance, many choose to have this ceremony at funeral homes in Morrison, IL, which offer support with pre-arrangement options. So, if you're planning a service or want more details, you can always contact us at (815) 626-1131 for more guidance on making arrangements.

A committal service is a brief ceremony held at the graveside or cremation site where family and friends say their final goodbyes. It marks when the body is committed to the ground or the ashes are laid to rest, often following a funeral service.

What is a Committal Service?

It is a short ceremony that takes place at the graveside. It gives family and friends a chance to say a final goodbye to the person who passed away. During this time, loved ones may commit the body to the earth or, in the case of cremation committals, place ashes in a special spot. These ceremonies usually happen after the main funeral service, but they can also stand alone. They are brief, typically lasting about 20 minutes, allowing for a peaceful farewell.

The committal service meaning is rooted in the Book of Common Prayer, which includes the phrase, "We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust," symbolizing hope for eternal life. Depending on their beliefs, families may choose religious or non-religious versions of the service. For example, a Christian committal service focuses on the person's journey to God, while non-religious services emphasize reflection and sharing memories

What Happens at a Committal Service?

A committal service is the final part of saying goodbye to a loved one. It usually occurs at the graveside, where family and friends gather to lay the person to rest. Above all, this service is a peaceful moment to reflect on their life and offer prayers or memories. Let’s break down what typically happens during a committal service, from start to finish.

Arriving at the Final Resting Place

People usually arrive at the gravesite after the funeral service. Close family members often sit in chairs set up near the grave. Readings, prayers, or other words of comfort may be shared during this quiet and solemn moment, where everyone gathers to pay their last respects.

Prayers and Readings

For religious committal services, a priest or officiant leads the ceremony. They offer prayers, such as the well-known phrase, “earth to earth, ashes to ashes,” from the Book of Common Prayer. This part lasts around 20 minutes, and it’s filled with comforting words and scripture.

Paying Respects

During the service, family and friends can come forward to pay their respects. They might stand near the grave and say a few words about the person who has passed. After that, they can reflect on memories or simply offer quiet support to the family.

Lowering the Coffin

Loved ones gently lower the coffin into the grave. As they do, they may throw flowers or soil into the grave, symbolizing the return of the body to the ground. This emotional moment marks the person’s final resting place.

Offering Condolences

Once the service ends, people often stay to offer condolences to the family. This is a time for kind words and support, helping loved ones through grief. In addition, it allows people to come together and share memories of the person they lost.

Non-Religious Committal Services

For a non-religious committal service, the focus is more on remembering the person’s life rather than prayers. A celebrant may lead the service, reading poems or giving a speech that the family has chosen. Above all, this service is about offering a final goodbye in a more personal way.

What’s the Difference Between a Funeral and Committal Service?

A funeral service usually happens indoors, like in a church or funeral home. It is a longer ceremony with readings, prayers, and speeches about the person’s life.
A committal service is shorter and takes place at the graveside or another final resting place. The focus is on saying goodbye as the body or ashes are laid to rest.
In a religious committal service, there are often prayers that talk about the resurrection to eternal life, giving hope and comfort to the family.
While both services can include readings and personal words, the funeral service is typically more detailed, with eulogies and reflections on the person’s life.
After the funeral service, the committal service is the final part of the ceremony, where family and friends gather at the burial site for a peaceful farewell.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Committal Service

Forgetting to plan for the weather: Since many committal services are outdoors, always plan for weather changes. Have umbrellas or tents ready for rain or shade for sunny days.
Not personalizing the service: A committal service is a personal moment. Avoid skipping special touches like readings, prayers, or meaningful items that reflect the life of the person.
Ignoring cultural or religious preferences: Whether it's a traditional burial or cremation committals, make sure to honor the family’s cultural or religious needs. For instance, in religious services, using phrases like ground earth to earth can be important.
Not involving the family: Some families prefer to take part in the ceremony. Allow them to contribute, whether through readings, prayers, or other personal gestures.
Rushing the service: Even though a committal service is short, give people time to reflect. Avoid rushing the process and allow everyone a peaceful moment to say goodbye.
Skipping logistics: Be sure to confirm important details like the time, place, and people involved. This includes preparing the site for cremation committals or traditional burials.

Types of Committal Services

A committal service can take different forms based on the wishes of the family. Below are the most common types, each offering a unique way to say goodbye to a loved one.

Full-Body Burial Committal Service

A full-body burial committal service takes place at the graveside. This service often happens after a funeral service. During this time, family and friends say a final resting goodbye as the body is lowered into the grave. There may be readings, prayers, and words from loved ones. In religious services, there are also mentions of the resurrection to eternal life for comfort.

Cremation Committal Service

During a cremation committal service, the family places the ashes in a meaningful spot. They can hold the ceremony at a burial site, columbarium, or another special place. Instead of burying the body, the family may bury or scatter the ashes. Like a full-body committal, there can be readings, prayers, or personal touches, offering a peaceful time for the family to say their final resting goodbye.

Alternative or Customized Committal Services

Some families choose alternative or customized committal services to better reflect their loved one’s wishes. Families can hold these services at unique locations like a garden or beach, depending on what feels special to them. You can personalize the service with favorite songs, photos, or even creative ways to handle the ashes. In other words, these options offer more flexibility to honor a loved one’s life.

Key Takeaway

A committal service provides a peaceful way for family and friends to say a final goodbye. Whether it's for a full-body burial or cremation committals, it allows a meaningful moment of closure. The service can be personalized with prayers, readings, or even music, depending on the family's wishes. At Schilling Funeral Home, we are here to guide you through every step. If you need help or have questions, please contact us for more information and support.

FAQs

How long does the service usually last?

These services are typically short and last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, the length can vary depending on personal choices, such as including readings or prayers. It is important to create a moment that feels right for the family.

Can the ceremony be personalized?

Yes, families can personalize the ceremony with songs, poems, or meaningful items. Some may choose to add personal stories, favorite readings, or symbolic gestures like releasing balloons or placing flowers.

Where can the ceremony take place?

The ceremony can happen in various places. Common locations include burial sites, columbariums, or even meaningful spots like a family garden or beach. The choice depends on the family’s wishes and the significance of the location.

Can ashes be scattered during the ceremony?

Yes, ashes can be scattered in a special location during the ceremony. Families often choose places with personal meaning, like a favorite park or a scenic spot that is important to the person.

Are religious elements required in the ceremony?

No, religious elements are not required. Some families prefer to include prayers and scriptures, while others may choose a non-religious approach with poems or personal reflections. It’s all about what feels right for the family.

Is it possible to hold the ceremony without a funeral beforehand?

Yes, you can hold this ceremony without having a funeral first. Some families choose to have it as a standalone event, creating a more intimate and direct way to say goodbye.

Can family members participate in the ceremony?

Absolutely. Family members are welcome to participate by sharing memories, reading poems, or saying a few words during the ceremony. This involvement can make the moment even more meaningful.

What happens after the ceremony?

After the ceremony, families often stay to offer condolences and share memories. Some may choose to gather for a reception or return home to reflect on the day’s events.

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