|
CELEBRATING
Christian
funerals:
"In the face
of death,
the Church
confidently
proclaims
that God has
created each
person for
eternal life
and that
Jesus, the
Son of God,
by his death
and
resurrection,
has broken
the chains
of sin and
death that
bound
humanity.
Christians
celebrate
the funeral
rites to
offer
worship,
praise, and
thanksgiving
to God for
the gift of
a life which
has now been
returned to
God, the
author of
life and the
hope of the
just."
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|
PRAYING
for our
beloved
departed:
"The Church
through its
funeral
rites
commends the
dead to
God's
merciful
love and
pleads for
the
forgiveness
of their
sins. At the
funeral
rites,
especially
at the
celebration
of the
eucharistic
sacrifice,
the
Christian
community
affirms and
expresses
the union of
the Church
on earth
with the
Church in
heaven in
the one
communion of
saints.
Though
separated
from the
living, the
dead are
still one
with
community of
believers on
earth and
benefit from
their
prayers and
intercession.
At the rite
of final
commendation
and
farewell,
the
community
acknowledges
the reality
of
separation
and commends
the deceased
to God. In
this way it
recognizes
the
spiritual
bond that
still exists
between the
living and
the dead and
proclaims
its belief
that all the
faithful
will be
raised up
and reunited
in the new
heavens and
a new earth,
where death
will be no
more."
|
|
COMFORTING
mourners:
"The
celebration
of the
Christian
funeral
brings hope
and
consolation
to the
living.
While
proclaiming
the Gospel
of Jesus
Christ and
witnessing
to Christian
hope in the
resurrection,
the funeral
rites also
recall to
all who take
part in them
God's mercy
and judgment
and meet the
human need
to turn
always to
God in times
of crisis...
'If one
member
suffers in
the body of
Christ which
is the
Church, all
the members
suffer with
that member'
(I
Corinthians
12:26). For
this reason,
those who
are baptized
into Christ
and
nourished at
the same
table of the
Lord are
responsible
for one
another ....
when a
member of
Christ's
body dies,
the faithful
are called
to a
ministry of
consolation
to those who
have
suffered the
loss of one
whom they
love ....
The Church
calls each
member of
Christ's
Body --
priest,
deacon,
layperson --
to
participate
in the
ministry of
consolation:
to care for
the dying,
to pray for
the dead, to
comfort
those who
mourn. "
|
|
SHOULDERING
our
responsibilities:
"Members of
the
community
should
console the
mourners
with words
of faith and
support and
with acts of
kindness,
for example,
assisting
them with
some of the
routine
tasks of
daily
living. The
community's
principal
involvement
in the
ministry of
consolation
is expressed
in its
active
participation
in the
celebration
of the
funeral
rites,
particularly
the vigil
for the
deceased,
the funeral
liturgy, and
the rite of
committal.
In the
celebration
of the
funeral
rites,
laymen and
laywomen may
serve as
readers,
musicians,
ushers,
pallbearers
and,
according to
existing
norms, as
special
ministers of
the
eucharist.
|
|
The
quotes above
are from the
Order of
Christian
Funerals,
approved for
use in the
United
States by
the National
Conference
of Catholic
Bishops and
confirmed by
the
Apostolic
See. 0
1989,1985,
International
Committee on
English in
the Liturgy,
Inc. (ICEL).
All rights
reserved.
Used with
permission.
|
======================================================
Some commonly asked
questions
Why do we
celebrate the
funeral rites?
In the
funeral rites we
pray for the
deceased, entrusting
them to God's mercy
and care. We honor
the body. We
comfort the living
in their grief. We
celebrate the
funeral rites not
only for the dead
but also for the
living.
Is cremation
permitted by the
Catholic Church?
Since 1963, the
Church has permitted
cremation as long as
the Church's
teaching on the
resurrection of the
body is upheld.
Respectful final
disposition of the
cremated remains
involves interment
or entombment.
Burial options
include a family
grave in a cemetery
marked with a
traditional memorial
stone or an urn
garden, a special
section in a
cemetery with small,
pre-dug graves for
urns.
How are the
rites celebrated for
someone who chooses
cremation?
The Church prefers
that the body be
present for the
Funeral Liturgy and
cremated following
the Final
Commendation of the
Liturgy. If there
is a serious reason,
it may be possible
to celebrate the
Funeral Liturgy in
the presence of
cremated remains.
What rites
can be used for
miscarried or
stillborn infants?
"Funeral Rites may
be celebrated for
children whose
parents intended
them to be Baptized
but who died before
Baptism. In these
celebrations the
Christian community
entrusts the child
to God's
all-embracing love."
(Order of Christian
Funeral #237)
What rites
can be used for a
suicide victim?
This person is
entrusted to God's
love and mercy and
is therefore
entitled to the
usual Funeral Rites.
What is done
for a lapsed
Catholic?
By virtue of Baptism
this person is
entitled to the
prayers of the
Church including the
Funeral Rites.
What is the
proper place for the
Funeral Rites?
The Vigil service is
celebrated in the
presence of the body
either in the
funeral home or the
Parish Church the
night before. The
Funeral Mass is
always celebrated in
the Church. The
Commital Rite is
preferably
celebrated at the
grave or the tomb.
Why do we
recommend viewing in
the Church before
the funeral?
Gathering at the
Church before the
Funeral Mass begins
allows family and
friends a time to
console one another,
to say final
goodbyes, and to
enter into the
spirit of prayer.
Where
can I find the text
for the prayers of
the funeral service?
The
Order of Christian
Funerals is the text
of all Catholic
funeral rites
approved for use in
the United States of
America. It has been
in mandatory use in
all Latin rite
Catholic parishes of
the United States
since All Souls Day,
November 2, 1989.
All the major
Catholic book
publishers have a
ritual edition.
There is a
less-expensive,
paperback Study
Edition published
by:
Liturgy Training
Publications
1800 North Hermitage
Avenue
Chicago, IL
60622-1101
Phone: (800)
933-1800
Fax: (800) 933-7094
E-Mail Orders:
orders@ltp.org
What
is the Rite of
Committal?
The Rite of
Committal is the
third station of the
Catholic funeral
liturgy, after the
Vigil (usually the
day or night before
the funeral) and the
Funeral Mass (or
Funeral Liturgy
outside Mass). It is
normally celebrated
at the site of
burial.
The rite
begins with an
Invitation to
prayer, followed by
a Scripture Verse,
for which there are
several options.
Then comes the
Prayer over the
Place of Committal,
with seven text
options. Next comes
the Committal
itself, for which
there are also seven
text options.
Then come the
Intercessions (four
text options), the
Lord's Prayer, a
Concluding Prayer
(five), the Prayer
over the People,
with two forms of
the final blessing,
depending on whether
the minister is a
cleric or not, and a
dismissal.
A song may
conclude the rite.
Where it is the
custom, some sign or
gesture of
leave-taking may be
made.
Why is the
grave or tomb the
preferred site for
the Rite of
Committal?
The grave or tomb is
preferred because
the prayers from the
ritual express
clearly the finality
of placing the body
in the ground or in
the tomb.
======================================================
Order of Christian
Funerals
THE
ORDER OF CHRISTIAN
FUNERALS has three
principal parts: the
Vigil for the Deceased;
the Funeral Mass or the
Funeral Liturgy outside
Mass; the Rite of
Committal.
VIGIL FOR THE DECEASED
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Greeting
Opening Song
Invitation to Prayer
Opening Prayer
LITURGY OF
THE WORD
Scripture
Readings with
Responsorial Psalm
Homily
PRAYER OF
INTERCESSION
Litany
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayer (A
family member or
friend may speak in
remembrance
of the deceased.)
CONCLUDING
RITE
Blessing
Song and/or a few
minutes of silent
prayer
======================================================
FUNERAL MASS
(A family member or
friend may speak in
remembrance
of the deceased.)
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Greeting &
Sprinkling with Holy
Water
Placing of the Pall
(and Christian
Symbols)
Entrance Procession
Song
Opening Prayer
LITURGY OF
THE WORD
Scripture
Readings with
Responsorial Psalm
and Gospel
Acclamation
(Lector Guide)
Homily (Notes)
General
Intercessions
(Family
chooses
Selection A OR
Selection B)
Prayer of the
Faithfull NOTES
LITURGY OF
THE EUCHARIST
Preparation
of the Altar and the
Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer
Communion Rite
FINAL
COMMENDATION
Invitation
to Prayer
Song of Farewell and
Incense
Prayer of
Commendation
PROCESSION
TO THE PLACE OF
COMMITTAL
======================================================
RITE OF COMMITTAL
Invitation
Scripture Verse
Prayer over the
Place of
Committal
Committal
Intercessions
The Lord's
Prayer
Concluding
Prayer
Prayer over the
People
======================================================
Readings for a Christian
Funeral
When
possible and desired,
family and friends
should actively
participate in planning
the funeral rites. Our
parish is blessed to
have the services of a
bereavement minister,
who will assist the
family in choosing the
Scripture readings,
readers, intercessory
prayers, with the life
of the deceased in mind,
to encourage and console
those who mourn.
|
Old
Testament
Reading I from
the
Old
Testament
(for
all
Liturgical
Seasons
except
Easter)
Choose 1
Job 19:1, 23-27a
Wisdom 3:1-9
Wisdom 3:1-6,9
Wisdom 4:7-15
Isaiah 25:6a,
7-9
Lamentations
3:17-26
Daniel 12:1-3
2 Maccabees
12:43-46
Reading I from
the
New
Testament during
the Season of
Easter
(Easter
Monday through
the day before
Pentecost
Sunday)
Choose 1
Acts 10:34-43
Acts 10:34-36,
42-43
Revelation 14:13
Revelation
20:11 -
21:1
Revelation
21:1-5a, 6b-7
|
New
Testament
Reading II from
the
New Testament
Romans 5:5-11
Romans 5:17-21
Romans 6:3-9
Romans 8:14-23
Romans 8:3lb-35,
37-39
Romans 14:7-9,
l0b-12
I Corinthians
15:20-28
I Corinthians
15:20-23
I Corinthians
15:51-57
2 Corinthians
4:14 -5:1
2 Corinthians
5:1,
6-10
Philippians
3:20-21
1 Thessalonians
4:13-18
2 Timothy 2:8-13
1 John 3:1-2
1 John 3:14-16
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Gospel
Chosen by
the Priest.
Matthew 5:1-12a
Matthew 11:25-30
Matthew 25:1-13
Mathew 25:31-46
Mark 15:33-39,
16:1-6
Luke 7:11-17
Luke 12:35-40
Luke 23:33,
39-43
Luke 23: 44-46,
50, 52-53;
24:1-6a
Luke 24:13-35
John 5:24-29
John 6:37-40
John 6:51-58
John 11: 17-27
John 11:32-45
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======================================================
Music for a Christian
Funeral
This is a list of
appropriate songs for a
Catholic funeral Mass.
We hope it will be of
aid to you at a
difficult time. A
parish representative
will help you with your
planning. During the
season of Lent, we do
not sing "alleluia."
|
(Numbers
refer to
2012
Breaking
Bread) |
|
Gathering
Hymn |
|
Abide With
Me 648 |
|
Amazing
Grace 424 |
|
Be Not
Afraid 426 |
|
For All The
Saints 739 |
|
I Know that
My Redeemer
Lives |
|
Duke Street
version 602/Soper
version –
689 |
|
Yes, I Shall
Arise 687 |
|
Scripture
Response/Psalm |
|
Psalm 23:
The Lord is
my shepherd |
|
Psalm 25:
Remember
your mercies
O Lord |
|
Psalm 27:
The Lord is
my Light |
|
Psalm 42:
Like a deer
that longs |
|
Psalm 63: My
soul is
thirting |
|
Psalm 103:
The Lord is
Kind &
Merciful |
|
Psalm 116: I
will walk in
the presence
of the Lord |
|
Psalm 130:
Out of the
Depths |
|
Psalm 131:
As a child
rests |
|
Preparation
of the
Altar |
|
All I Ask of
You 467 |
|
Beyond the
Days
(appropriate
during Lent)
121 |
|
Blest Are
They 635 |
|
Center of My
Life 531 |
|
Eye Has Not
Seen 446 |
|
Holy
Darkness
(appropriate
during
Advent) 487 |
|
I Have Loved
You 625 |
|
I Heard the
Voice of
Jesus 495 |
|
I, the Lord
(appropriate
during
Easter) 698 |
|
In Praise of
God’s
Name-INSERT-
St Anthony
Church |
|
Like a
Shepherd 629 |
|
Lord Your
Have Come
522 |
|
On Eagle’s
Wings 433 |
|
Parable 696 |
|
Peace
(appropriate
during
Eastertide)
506 |
|
Prayer of
Saint
Francis 508 |
|
Shepherd Me,
O God 497 |
|
Softly and
Tenderly,
Jesus is
Calling 671 |
|
Song of
David–INSERT
at St
Anthony
Church |
|
The King of
Love My
Shepherd is
502 |
|
The Lord is
My Light 692 |
|
Turn To Me
673 |
|
We Have Been
Told 519 |
|
We Will Rise
Again 442 |
|
We Walk By
Faith 448 |
|
You Are Mine
491 |
|
You Are Near
443 |
|
|
|
Communion
Hymn |
|
Adoro Te
Devote 408 |
|
Eat this
Bread 351 |
|
Gift of
Finest Wheat
327 |
|
God is Love
(Joncas
version) 463 |
|
God’s Holy
Gifts 335 |
|
Humbly Lord
We Worship
You 204 |
|
I Am the
Bread of
Life 343 |
|
I Have Loved
You 625 |
|
Jesus, Come
To Us
(Advent) 388 |
|
Lord, by
Your Cross
and
Resurrection
328 |
|
Now We
Remain 523 |
|
On Eagle’s
Wings 433 |
|
One Bread,
One Body 357 |
|
Panis
Angelicus
366 |
|
Shepherd me
o God 4976 |
|
Shepherd of
Souls 364 |
|
Soul of My
Savior 207 |
|
Taste and
See (Moore)
333 |
|
We Remember
535 |
|
You are Mine
476 |
|
Meditation
Hymn |
|
Ave Maria
¨
Schubert
¨
Bach-Gounod
¨
chant |
|
Dell’Aurora
Tu Sorgi Piu
Bella |
|
Hail Mary:
Gentle Woman |
|
Lady of
Knock |
|
Salve Regina
- gregorian
chant |
|
Song of
Farewell |
|
May God
Bless and
Keep You 386 |
|
May the
Choir of
Angels 7695 |
|
O Loving God
(Londonderry
Air version)
694 |
|
Jesus
Remember Me
(Lenten
Season only)
401 |
|
Closing Hymn |
|
Alleluia!
The Strife
Is O’er
(Easter) |
|
At the
Lamb’s High
Feast
(Easter) 172 |
|
Crown Him
With Many
Crowns 750 |
|
Eternal
Father
Strong to
Save 652 |
|
(appropriate
for career
military/veterans) |
|
How Great
Thou Art 418 |
|
I Am the
Bread of
Life 343 |
|
In Praise of
God’s Name
INSERT - St
Anthony
Church |
|
I Know that
my Redeemer
Lives |
|
Duke Street
version 602/Soper
version -
689 |
|
In Paradisum
(Gregorian
chant) 842 |
|
On Eagle’s
Wings 433 |
|
Sing With
All the
Saints of
Glory 592 |
======================================================
Symbolic Elements
Paschal (Easter) Candle:
First lit at the Easter
Vigil and burns near the
casket or urn during the
Funeral Mass. The candle
represents the Light of
the Risen Christ, who
has overcome darkness
and death by His
Resurrection.
Holy Water:
Holy water reminds us of
the saving waters of
baptism. At the
reception of the body
the priest sprinkles the
casket or urn with holy
water; its use calls to
mind the deceased’s
baptism and initiation
into the community of
faith. In the rite of
Final Commendation, it
may also signify
farewell.
Incense:
Blessing the casket or
urn with incense during
the funeral liturgy is a
sign of honor to the
deceased, which through
baptism became the
temple of the Holy
Spirit. The rising of
the incense smoke is a
symbol of our prayers
and a sign of farewell
of our departed one
rising to God.
Funeral Pall:
The funeral pall (a
large white cloth)
reminds us of the
garment given at baptism
and therefore
symbolizing our life in
Christ and that we are
all equal in the eyes of
God. At the reception of
the body, the pall is
draped over the casket
following the blessing
with holy water. Family
members are encouraged
to take part in the
placing of the pall, as
well as placing a family
crucifix, rosary, or a
bible on the pall. An
American flag (folded)
may also be placed on
the pall.
======================================================
Some Practicalities
Cremation:
The Church strongly
prefers that cremation
take place after the
full funeral liturgy
with the body. The
presence of the body
most clearly brings to
mind the life and death
of the person and better
expresses the values
that the Church affirms
in its rites. However,
when this is not
possible, all the usual
rites which are
celebrated with the body
present may also be
celebrated in the
presence of the cremains
(cremated remains).
During the rites, the
cremains are treated
with the same dignity
and respect as the body.
The cremains are to be
sealed in a worthy
vessel, and may be
carried in procession
and/or placed on a table
near
the altar. It is a
Catholic practice that
the cremains are buried
in their entirety. If
the burial is to take
place at sea, please
check with your mortuary
regarding civil
regulations.
======================================================
Priests or Deacons from
other Parishes:
If a family would like
to invite a priest or a
deacon from another
parish to preside at any
of the funeral rites,
they are most welcome.
======================================================
A Final Thought on
Catholic Funerals
As members of the body
of Christ, when one
suffers, we all suffer.
Therefore, we are called
on as a community to
care for the dying, to
console those who mourn,
and to participate in
the funeral rites. The
celebration of a
Christian funeral brings
hope and consolation to
the living. Prayerful
preparation and planning
of the funeral rites
will help you and your
loved ones deal
successfully and
gracefully with the
ultimate rite of passage
through death to eternal
life.
======================================================
Lector Guide
The
Church calls the parish
community to participate
fully in the ministry of
consolation: to care for
the dying, to pray for
the dead, to comfort
those who mourn and to
take an active role in
the Funeral Liturgy. You
have been asked by the
family to serve as a
Reader (Lector) at the
Mass of Christian Burial
for . The Church
believes that God is
present in the
Scriptures. When you
read from Scripture you
are doing more than
reciting the words you
are proclaiming the Word
of God.
You have been provided
with a copy of the
reading/s to review and
practice. Practice with
the reading, not only
for pronunciation, but
pray for the Holy Spirit
to help you understand
the spiritual meaning of
the passage.
Read aloud, either to
yourself or to another
person. Begin with “A
Reading from …” (Do not
recite the chapter and
verse). Speak slowly and
use the punctuation
marks as guides to help
you pace the reading. At
the end of the last
sentence of the passage
allow for a moment of
sacred silence by
pausing for 10 to 15
seconds before saying
“The Word of the Lord.”
On the day of the
Funeral, a Bereavement
Minister will call you
by name when it is time
for you to proclaim the
reading. It is not
necessary for you to
bring the reading with
you to the Ambo
(pulpit). It will
already be in place for
you. Approach the Altar
with reverence and make
a slight bow from the
waist in front of the
Altar before you proceed
to the Ambo. When you
are finished go to the
front of the altar and
bow and then return your
place. If you are also
to proclaim the second
reading, you may be
seated in the sanctuary
near the Ambo during the
responsorial psalm.
======================================================
NOTES FOR HOMILY:
Spouse: Living:
Deceased: Years Married:
Names of Children:
Number of Grandchildren:
Number of Great
Grandchildren:
Names of Parents if
Living: Father: Mother:
Names of Siblings:
How would you like the
deceased to be
remembered by family and
friends?
What was his/her
greatest virtue or
attribute?
How did s/he live
his/her vocation to
married or single life?
What did faith mean to
him/her?
Did s/he have any
particular religious
devotions?
What connections did
s/he have with our
parish community?
======================================================
Intercession Version A
PRIEST: Brothers and
sisters, Jesus Christ is
risen from the dead and
sits at the right hand
of the Father, where he
intercedes for his
Church. Confident that
God hears the voices of
those who trust in the
Lord Jesus, we join our
prayers to his:
READER: Our response
will be HEAR OUR PRAYER.
In Baptism, Name
received the light of
Christ. Scatter the
darkness now and lead
him/her over the waters
of death. Lord, in your
mercy….
Our, brother/sister Name
was nourished at the
table of the Savior.
Welcome him/her into the
halls of the heavenly
banquet. Lord, in your
mercy…
Many friends and family
members have gone before
us and await the
kingdom. Grant them an
everlasting home with
your Son. Lord, in your
mercy….
Many people die by
violence, war and famine
each day. Show your
mercy to those who
suffer so unjustly these
sins against your love
and gather them to the
eternal kingdom of
peace. Lord, in your
mercy…
Those who trusted in the
Lord now sleep in the
Lord. Give refreshment,
rest and peace to all
whose faith is known to
you alone. Lord, in your
mercy…
The family of Name seeks
comfort and consolation.
Heal their pain and
dispel the darkness and
doubt that come from
grief. Lord, in your
mercy…
We are assembled here in
faith and confidence to
pray for our
brother/sister Name.
Strengthen our hope so
that we may live in the
expectation of your
Son’s coming. Lord, in
your mercy…
And now we ask you Lord
to hear the petitions we
hold silently in our
hearts. (PAUSE) Lord, in
your mercy…
PRIEST: Lord God, giver
of peace and healer of
souls, hear the prayers
of the Redeemer, Jesus
Christ, and the voices
of all your people,
whose lives were
purchased by the blood
of the Lamb. Forgive the
sins of all who sleep in
Christ and grant them a
place in the Kingdom. We
ask this through Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Intercession Version B
PRIEST:
God, the almighty
Father, raised Christ
his Son from the dead;
with confidence we ask
him to save all his
people, living and dead:
READER: Our response
will be LORD, HEAR OUR
PRAYER.
For, Name, who in
Baptism was given the
pledge of eternal life
that s/he may now be
admitted to the company
of saints, we pray to
the Lord…
For our brother/sister,
Name , who ate the body
of Christ, the bread of
life, that s/he may be
raised up on the last
day, we pray to the
Lord….
For our deceased
relatives and friends
and for all who have
helped us, that they may
have the reward of their
goodness, we pray to the
Lord….
For those who have
fallen asleep in the
hope of rising again,
that they may see God
face to face, we pray to
the Lord…
For the family and
friends of our
brother/sister, Name,
that they may be
consoled in their grief
by the Lord, who wept at
the death of his friend
Lazarus, we pray to the
Lord…
For all of us assembled
here to worship in
faith, that we may be
gathered together again
in God’s kingdom and for
all the petitions we
hold silently in our
hearts, (PAUSE) we pray
to the Lord…
PRIEST:
God, our shelter and our
strength, you listen to
the cry of your people:
hear the prayers we
offer for our departed
brothers and sisters.
Cleanse them of their
sins and grant them the
fullness of redemption.
We ask this through
Christ Our Lord. Amen
======================================================
Prayer of the Faithfull
The Church calls the
parish community to
participate fully in the
ministry of consolation:
to care for the dying,
to pray for the dead, to
comfort those who mourn
and to take an active
role in the Funeral
Liturgy. You have been
asked by the family to
read the Prayer of the
Faithful at the Mass of
Christian Burial for .
The Prayer of the
Faithful is the prayer,
not only of the family
and friends, but also of
the entire Church
community. We ask God to
welcome the deceased
into Heaven and to
console those who have
lost a loved one
You have been provided
with a copy of the
Prayer of the Faithful
to review and practice.
Read aloud, either to
yourself or to another
person. Begin with “Our
response will be ...”
Speak slowly and use the
punctuation marks as
guides to help you pace
the reading.
On the day of the
Funeral, a Bereavement
Minister will call you
by name when it is time
for the Prayer of the
Faithful. It is not
necessary for you to
bring the reading with
you to the Ambo
(pulpit). It will
already be in place for
you. Approach the Altar
with reverence and make
a slight bow from the
waist in front of the
Altar before you proceed
to the Ambo. When you
are finished, wait for
Father to complete his
prayer before you leave
the Ambo. When Father
finishes his prayer go
to the front of the
altar and bow and then
return your place.
======================================================
Words of Remembrance
In the funeral rites
of the Catholic Church,
we do not speak of
“delivering a eulogy”
but of offering “Words
of Remembrance.” The
funeral liturgy focuses
on the life, saving
death and resurrection
of Jesus Christ. During
the funeral liturgy, we
pray for our deceased
and commit them to God’s
mercy. Of course, we
remember the life of our
loved ones during the
funeral liturgy, but we
do so specifically in
the context of Faith –
marking the end of the
deceased’s journey,
which began at the
Sacrament of Baptism.
It is this context of
faith that should govern
all that is shared in
the “Words of
Remembrance”. This goes
beyond the fact that the
deceased may have
regularly assisted at
Mass. The remembrance
should also relate how
the deceased lived his
or her faith as a loving
daughter or son, wife or
husband, mother or
father, or friend.
Only one person may
deliver a remembrance.
All remembrances offered
in church must be
submitted in advance and
in writing for the
approval of the Pastor.
They must be no more
than 2 typewritten pages
doubled spaced. They
will be delivered 5
minutes prior to the
beginning of the Mass.
Appropriate venues
for extensive and/or
varied types of
reflections include the
wake service, the
graveside service, and
the luncheon afterwards.
This could actually
provide a very special
blessing for the
bereaved family, as they
could share stories,
both humorous or deeply
touching, in a setting
conducive to broader
participation. We
understand the pain of
those who have recently
suffered a loss, and the
need to reminisce about
the loved one. We
believe that by
accepting the Church's
guidance on distinctive
nature and form of its
worship, we are serving
everyone's best
interests. Maintaining
the spiritual and
liturgical integrity of
the Mass is a most
loving thing to do for
all. If you chose to
offer the Words of
Remembrance in church we
trust that you will
honor and abide by these
guidelines.
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