Content for Your Parish Website
Your parish website may have a section on Funerals, these videos and publications will be very helpful to your parishioners.
Marketing Materials
Order for Visiting a Cemetery
This order is a solemn commemoration of the departed whose bodies lie in a cemetery. It may be used on All Souls Day, Memorial Day, on the anniversary of the death or burial of a particular deceased person, or when a gravestone or cemetery monument is erected. The service may also be adopted for use by individuals when they visit the grave of a relative or friend.
Educational Materials
Catholic Cemetery Parish Engagement
The following are age-appropriate lesson plans prepared by a team of experienced catechists that can serve as a supplemental formation to your existing catechetical curriculum. Each focuses on a different… Read More
Aids
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
Aids
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
Aids
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
Aids
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
Aids
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
Aids
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
Aids
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
Marketing Materials
Considering Cremation
A must-read for those "considering cremation" purely based on cost and/or a lack of understanding of Catholic guidelines.
Video
Three Sacred Moments
(5:11) – This video is a clear description of the three-part journey of Christian burial. It explains the importance of the Vigil, the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal.… Read More
Video
Why a Catholic Funeral Part One
(2:18) – With testimonies from priests and family members, this short video shows the importance of a Catholic funeral not only for the deceased but also for those left behind.… Read More