During the coming days and nights, Murphy will concentrate on fulfilling the mandates of his faith's famously codified liturgy, rites and customs. With death come specifics. With the death of a pope come particulars of vastly public proportions.

Photo here. Bunting there. Certain prayers. Selected songs. And plenty of parishioners who have never experienced the death of their pontiff. Plenty more who have never experienced the death of a pontiff as popular as Pope John Paul II.

``People like rituals, and there are rituals no matter the faith,'' said Murphy, 52. Once the director of Hillsborough County's recycling task force, the Massachusetts native embraces his new and exacting role.

``In the Islamic faith, there is a prayer mat. In the Jewish faith, there is a shawl,'' said Murphy, a photographer who once served as vice president of the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. ``Think of a baby with a special blanket, an adult with his favorite T-shirt. It reflects warmth and humanity.''

The Rev. Desmond Daly of Christ the King concurs. He, too, said rituals bring comfort and solace, whether the person is spiritual or not, whether the event is faith-based or not.

``Think of the presidential inauguration ceremony we had in January,'' Daly said. ``It has nothing to do with religion, and yet it is filled with ritual, rites primarily dictated by history. It focuses our attention on that one moment, that one event, that one feeling. And it spiritualizes it in some way. In fact, we create rituals around those things we think are most important.''

Essentially, the Catholic rituals that accompany the pope's death will be the same wherever they occur, in churches from Riverview to Rio de Janeiro.

Daly, like Murphy, finds these traditions riveting, a celebration of life and spirituality. He motioned to the painting of the Holy Father that his church chose to display, a melange of gold and garnet that features a succession of portraits: a youthful pope to an aging, beloved pontiff. Daly also hopes to hear one of his favorite hymns, ``Pie Jesu.''

Although their days and nights will be demanding, Daly and Murphy appreciate how such events, although sad, bring the community closer. Both expect many non-Catholics to join in special services at Christ the King.

``Everyone is invited,'' Murphy said, ``all the time, anytime.''

Customs

Churches open: Catholic churches may be open around the clock for the official mourning period of nine days. Call for information.

Parish Mass: A Mass will be celebrated for the Holy Father and will include specific sacraments, prayers and Scripture readings.

Bunting of entrances: White bunting, which represents rebirth, and violet bunting, which represents mourning, will be draped over major church entrances.

Music: Certain musical selections are suggested to help parishioners mourn. For example, ""Be Not Afraid'' is considered appropriate for all services, ""We Will Rise Again'' is suggested for young adults, and ""New and Eternal Day'' may be suitable for children.

Photo and candles: A photo of the Holy Father may be placed along with the Easter candle near the front or at the entrance to the church.

Prayers: Parishes and parochial schools will be asked for immediate prayers. Suggested for adults: recitation of the Rosary using the ""Sorrowful Mysteries.'' For children: a song such as ""Be With Me, Lord'' and a prayer from ""Prayers for Sad Days.''

Reporter Jennifer Barrs can be reached at (813) 259-7832