RCIA

Planning Guide For a Catholic Funeral

Handling funeral arrangements and executing the last will & testament of a loved one is not something many people have experience completing. This booklet is designed to provide peace of… Read More

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

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

Lesson Planning for Adults

To help adults in the RCIA program understand the traditions of the Catholic Burial rite.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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