What is that big white sheet that Catholics cover the casket with for a funeral in the church?

 
Thanks for the Email. GREAT QUESTION. So, what is this "Big white sheet" that covers the casket?
It is called a "PALL" or "Casket Pall" or a "Mortcloth". The "PALL" comes from the Latin term meaning  CLOAK. The catholic church uses a Pall on the casket as emphasis that the funeral has moved from mourning the death to expressing hope in the resurrection with the promise that all who are baptized into Christ have "clothed themselves" with Christ, and that all who are buried with Christ in baptism will be raised with him when he comes again in Glory. It is especially appropriate to recall baptism— the beginning of a Christian life—( we had a white baptismal gown on) and as the body of someone who has faithfully served Christ during life enters the church for the last time. The pall also helps the congregation focus on the worship of God and the hope of the resurrection by de-emphasizing the relative expense of the casket and showing that we are all equal in the eyes of God.

      "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ"  he says. "In his/her baptism,__________put on Christ; in the day of Christ's coming, he/she shall be clothed with glory."( The casket is blessed by the Priest with Holy water, as in our Baptism, the Pall is then placed on the casket)

A "PALL" in general terms, out side of the catholic church use, can also be a U.S. Flag for a Veteran or a coat of arms flag for Foreign dignitary that is draped on their casket.

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