In the Roman Catholic faith, what is typically held at the funeral home the evening before the funeral mass?

In the Roman Catholic faith, the event typically held at the funeral home the evening before the funeral mass is a wake service. This gathering serves as a time for family and friends to come together to remember the deceased, share stories, and offer condolences.

The wake allows for communal grieving and provides an opportunity for individuals to honor the life of the departed prior to the formal funeral service. It often includes prayers, readings, and a time for personal reflections, creating a space for comfort and support among those who are mourning.

In contrast, a memorial service and a requiem mass represent different formats of honoring the deceased. A memorial service can occur at various times and places, while a requiem mass is a specific liturgical service offered for the repose of the soul, typically part of the funeral mass itself. A final gathering, while similar in spirit to a wake, is not a term traditionally associated with Roman Catholic funeral customs, making the wake service the more appropriate answer.