November Prayer Booklet

In the month of November, the Church urges her children to pray for the dead. This booklet contains a prayer for each day of November – a thoughtful gift for… Read More

Understanding Symbols in the Catholic Funeral Mass

Many symbols are used during the funeral liturgy reflect the sacrament of Baptism — by which we share in Christ’s death and Resurrection. At the funeral Mass, we offer worship,… Read More

Coping With the Death of Your Loved One

How we process a loss is a unique experience. No one grieves in the same way. There are many different factors that influence how a person will grieve. Contrary to… Read More

Sacrament of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick, formerly called Extreme Unction or Last Rites, is explicitly referred to in Scripture. Since the very beginning, the Church has extended the healing ministry of… Read More

Hospice Care, End of Life Issues, and Advance Directives

Hospice care is a family-centered approach to pain management at the end stages of life that includes a primary caregiver, physician, nurses, home health aides, social workers, counselors, bereavement services,… Read More

Understanding Catholic Funerals – The Vigil, The Church Service, The Committal, Cremation

As Catholics, we fulfill our obligations to the deceased, with whom we remain connected, by lovingly following the rituals of the Church associated with death. In doing so, we proclaim… Read More

Practical Preparation – Details to Address: Your Will, Social Security, Veterans Affairs

All persons over 18 years of age should have a will. You should make a will as soon as possible because no one can plan for a sudden illness or… Read More

Scripture Readings & Suggested Music for Funerals

As a general rule, all corresponding texts from sacred Scripture in the funeral rites are interchangeable. In consultation with the family and close friends, the minister chooses the texts that… Read More