Mormon Funeral

They are usually held in an LDS (Latter Day Saint) chapel or a mortuary under the direction of the bishop of the ward. Funerals open and close with sacred funeral music and prayer, sometimes involving congregational singing or a choir.

The Mormon funeral service includes a time of sharing memories and funeral eulogy as well as talks about the Atonement, the Resurrection, life after death, and related doctrines that comfort and inspire the bereaved. Some families choose to have members or friends of the family talk about the life of the deceased or sing an appropriate funeral hymn. It is customary for a church member to begin the service with a prayer on behalf of the family.

Graveside services following the funeral is a simple dedication attended only by family and intimate friends. the one who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood (given authority, responsibility, and power by the Church of LDS to act in the name of Jesus Christ), usually a member or close friend of the family, dedicates the grave asking God to protect it as a hollowed resting place until the resurrection. Local law in some countries may dictate cremation rather than burial, but in the absence of such a law, burial is preferred because of its doctrinal symbolism. Ultimately, however, the decision is left to the family of the deceased.

Circumstances also may dictate a memorial service or a graveside service only. Bishops are counseled to show regard for family wishes in keeping with the spiritual and reverent nature of the occasion. Burial of the body usually follows a funeral or graveside service. The body of a deceased member of the church who has received the temple endowment (and the ceremony is taking place at an LDS temple) should be dressed in temple clothing. Relief society sisters dress deceased women, and priesthood brethren dress the men. When it is not possible to clothe the body, temple clothing may be laid over it.

A member of the bishopric typically presides at the burial where a simple, earnest prayer is offered to dedicate the grave. This prayer may include a dedication of the grave as a sacred resting - place until the resurrection if the person giving the prayer holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and has been asked to give such a dedication. The gravesite often becomes a sacred spot for the family of the deceased to visit and care for.

The Funeral Program Site offers many beautiful funeral program templates that are appropriate for an LDS funeral service. Browse our large selection of designs and download to begin creating your program today.