Funeral Arrangement Materials

Information for Areas regarding the loss of a member. 

Where to Begin?

Contact Carla Gunerard (carla@orderofmaltaamerican.org) to notify the NY Office of the death of a member and provide the following information, if available:

• Link to obituary 
• Funeral arrangements
• Instructions for members interested in attending the funeral services
• Did the family member request a funeral pall? 

Please note that some Areas have their own funeral pall. The NY Office also has several that can be borrowed for the service. Carla will provide you with information on how to receive and send back the funeral pall.

Protocols for Wakes and Funerals 

We strongly recommend that an Area Leader or designated local member contact the family of the deceased regarding their wishes on the formal presence of the Order of Malta at the wake and/or funeral.

If your formal presence is requested:

• Call the parish rectory to discuss what time, if at all, a priest (or deacon) plans to offer prayers at the wake and also the time he suggests for the presence of members of the Order for participation in prayers. That is a courtesy to avoid interfering with the priest’s service or permitting a separation between the two prayer services if desired by the priest or the deceased’s family.
• Designate a member to be in charge of the members’ movements.
• Designate a member to do readings and to say the prayer of the Order and other prayers in memory of the deceased member,  if desired by the priest or the deceased’s family.
• Click here to download prayer petitions that can be read by a celebrant.
• Click here to download prayer petitions that can be read by a reader.
• Click here to read a full listing of protocols for wakes and funerals. 

Should I Wear My Robe or Cape?

Members planning to attend should speak with the family of the deceased regarding whether or not they would like the members in attendance to wear their robes or capes. Whatever is suitable should be determined by the Area Chair, or a designated member.

If members choose to attend in their robes or capes, someone must secure for them a private vesting area. Please consult the undertaker about the cloakroom facility during the wake.

Can the Deceased Be Buried in their Robe or Cape?

Deceased members can be buried in their robe or cape, but NOT their decorations. Family members also have the option to keep the robe or cape and decorations in remembrance of their loved one, if they choose.

However, these items should not be discarded, sold, or donated. Please contact the NY Office if these items are unwanted. 

Can the Order of Malta Flag Be Included in the Procession?

Members should NOT process with the Order of Malta flag during the Funeral Mass. As an alternative, the flag can be placed at the altar during the Mass. 

Suggested Arrangements at Funeral

Click here to view the suggested arrangements at a funeral. 

Procedure for Member Funeral with Cremains

With more members opting for cremation and still wanting involvement of the Order of Malta, the Connecticut – South West Area put in place the following procedure in conjunction with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Trexler, Executive Director, and a diocesan official so that going forward this procedure can be used throughout their diocese. (Please note that each pastor and local diocese needs to approve of this procedure.) Members are reminded that without a casket, there is no honor guard.

• A local Dame embroidered a white cloth with the red Order of Malta cross that was placed on the table that would hold the cremains. This was all put in place prior to the funeral beginning. Click here to see photo. 
• While many times the family is just seated prior to the funeral that does not have a casket, they also have the option of processing in. This needs to be discussed with the family of the deceased member prior to planning a procession to determine what they would like to do. The purpose of the Order of Malta processing during a funeral with cremains is either to
  • To lead the family into and out of church that day.
  • Participate in the funeral procession in support of the family and deceased member.
• Depending on who will be participating in the procession, Members of the Order of Malta are to follow any other groups who are not part of a religious order (Knights of Columbus for instance). Members of the Order of Malta process in 2×2 (women on the right, men on the left, current or previous Area Leadership leading the procession, then BOC members, then other members present). The family follows the OOM should they choose to process into the church, and then the clergy. All members reverence the altar and sit together on the right side of the church, the family sits on the left side.
• After the funeral, the same order is followed leaving the church. Members then line the narthex of the church, leading the way outside to where family members would leave for the cemetery.
• Members should be reminded to bring their cape/robe, large decoration, and wear dark pants, dress, shoes. The church should have a place for you to vest.
• If possible, those members present for the funeral should come together before the procession and pray the Daily Prayer of the Order as a group.