In my next several columns, I will be writing a series of columns that will provide you with information you need to know about some very practical matters, e.g., funerals, weddings, baptisms, etc. If there are other topics you would like me to address, let me know and I will include them if I can. Since November is the month during which Catholics traditionally remember their beloved departed, I have decided to begin with some practical information about what to do when it comes time to planning a funeral.

All of us know that we must face a moment such as this, but few of us know what has to be done, especially if we have not planned a funeral before. So what do you need to know about preparing for a funeral?

First, it is important to remember that the Church has a long established funeral ritual that has developed over the course of centuries. Accordingly, you do not have to make up or create a funeral liturgy. The Church has already created a powerful and reverent funeral liturgy that has three parts:

• (1) The Vigil for the Deceased;
• (2) The Funeral Liturgy
• (3) The Rite of Committal.

The Vigil for the Deceased is what we traditionally call the wake: It is the moment when the bereaved are comforted by their friends and relatives and the community of believers. At St. Mary?s the priest or deacon begins the wake service with a Vigil Service that consists of readings from scripture and other prayers that focus our attention on the mystery of the Resurrection. This service, which precedes the wake proper, lasts about fifteen minutes and helps the family to focus on what is central to their Catholic faith.

The Funeral Liturgy Proper occurs in the context of the Mass. The priest and minsters meet the family and the body of the deceased at the entrance of the Church, where the body is sprinkled with holy water that recalls the day of the deceased person?s baptism. The Mass then proceeds as usual, with readings and music focusing on the central mystery of the resurrection. After communion there is an occasion for a brief eulogy by one of the family members. The Liturgy then concludes with a brief but powerful commendation of the deceased and a procession to the place of burial.

The Rite of Committal. The body of the deceased is then brought to his or her place of final rest. This rite of commendation focuses our attention on the grave of the deceased and our hope in the resurrection of the dead.

Although the Church provides us with the funeral rite, the family of the deceased can help plan the funeral liturgy and participate in it in several ways. First, the family can choose readings and music for the funeral liturgy from a number of options provided by the Church. At St. Mary?s we have a small booklet that we give to the family with a list of approved readings and music. Second, members of the family who are qualified can do the readings or bring up the gifts. Likewise, one member of the family can offer a brief eulogy, about five minutes.

What about cremation? The Church allows cremation and the cremens are treated with same respect as the body. Cremation, however, must never be viewed as a denial of the resurrection of the body. For even though the body is cremated, God will raise it up as a resurrection body, transformed and renewed by God?s Spirit. Accordingly, the cremens should not be scattered but be given the same respect as the body which is buried.

During this month of November, as we remember our beloved deceased, let us renew our faith in the resurrection of the dead.