Part of RCIA Program
New Catholics should be shown the beauty of the Catholic burial tradition. These videos and publications provide opportunities for learning and discussion on the topics of death, burial, and resurrection.
Video
A Meditation on Death by Bishop Donald Hying
(3:49) – In the wake of the COVID pandemic, Bishop Hying shares his experience of the death of loved ones. The raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mk 5:21ff) illuminates the power… Read More
Aids
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
Educational Materials
Lesson Planning for Adults
To help adults in the RCIA program understand the traditions of the Catholic Burial rite.
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
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
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
Video
Why a Catholic Funeral Part Two
(1:38) – This is a short video that uses the testimony of loved ones to focus on the beauty and the healing powers of a funeral. It shows that the… Read More
Video
Understanding Death Series - What Will Heaven Be Like
(6:13) – Several people pondering the reality of Heaven help us to envision what we have to look forward to after our death. The ultimate relationship with Jesus is what… Read More
Video
Understanding Death Series - Culture of Death
(4:42) – Various parts of our culture have created a numbness to death. If we do not have hope in God, then this numbness creeps into our lives. When we… Read More
Video
Death and Burial Talk - Scott Hahn (short)
(4:20) – Dr. Scott Hahn offers a short theological and practical reflection on death in his inimitable style. Perfect for setting the tone for parish funeral and cemetery planning nights.… Read More