Ever since the early days of the church, bereaved families and close friends have gathered together at the death of a Christian. Prayers and rituals bring comfort and consolation for those who are grieving. Planning the Catholic Funeral clearly and carefully takes the bereaved through the significant moments in the ritual for funerals by providing an overview of the funeral, as well as space to write down decisions while going through the planning process. This planning guide, written in accordance with the Order of Christian Funerals, is a valuable tool at the time of the funeral, whether the death was unexpected or planned for in advance.
Planning the Catholic Funeral is an important tool for the pastoral staff, lectors, musicians, and those who assist grieving family and friends to effectively plan ministries that celebrate the death of a Christian in a meaningful and loving way. With this book, a difficult and often confusing time is transformed into a time of pastoral liturgical care for the bereaved. Planning the Catholic Funeral allows those who are grieving, as well as those who are assisting them, to appreciate the funeral as a journey taken with the parish community.
Chapters in Planning the Catholic Funeral are Funeral Home and Parish, The Body, Scheduling the Main Funeral Liturgy, Scheduling the Funeral Vigil—(Formerly 'the Wake'), Visitation, Leaders/Presiders, The Funeral Vigil (with Possible Reception of the Body, Pallbearers, Placing of the Pall, Placing of Christian Symbols, Altar Server(s), Lector(s), Selection of Scripture Readings, Homily, General Intercessions, Preparation of the Gifts, Ministers of Holy Communion, Music, Remembrance of the Deceased, The Rite of Committal, Memorabilia, Refreshment, Gathering in the Presence of the Body, Transfer of the Body to the Church or to the Place of Committal. Also includes a conclusion and appendices.
| Format: | Paperback book |
|---|---|
| Product code: | LP1524 |
| Dimensions: | 7" x 10" |
| Length: | 48 pages |
| Publisher: |
Liturgical Press
|
| ISBN: | 9780814615249 |
| 1-2 copies | $4.40 each |
|---|---|
| 3-9 copies | $4.20 each |
| 10-49 copies | $4.00 each |
| 50-99 copies | $3.90 each |
| 100+ copies | $3.75 each |
Praise
The use of this book will give the bereaved families the solace necessary to accept death in a truly Christian manner.
Father Curley has written a detailed and sensitive guide for implementing the Order of Christian Funerals both for those who are planning a funeral following the death of a loved one and for those who wish to plan far in advance of death. A lucid description of the roles of those who minister during the funeral journey and options are clearly presented. This book is a valuable asset to both the family and to anyone in the Ministry of Consolation who assists the family in the preparations for the prayerful and meaningful celebration of the funeral ritual. The potential for story telling and story writing help the grief process and this tool can be utilized in the teachable moments occasioned by a death.
This booklet is an excellent guide provided by the Catholic Church to assist Catholic families in preparing a traditional Catholic funeral from the church.
Preparing a funeral liturgy means talking with a family that may not be able to communicate well through the grief or understand the process. Fr. Terence Curley's book Planning the Catholic Funeral is written in a workbook-like format that makes it easier for both priest and family to work with.
This is an invaluable resource for individuals and families, and a tremendously useful tool for parish staff involved in bereavement ministry.
Father Curley has written a detailed and sensitive guide for implementing the Order of Christian Funerals both for those who are planning a funeral following the death of a loved one and for those who wish to plan far in advance of death. A lucid description of the roles of those who minister during the funeral journey and options are clearly presented. This book is a valuable asset to both the family and to anyone in the Ministry of Consolation who assists the family in the preparations for the prayerful and meaningful celebration of the funeral ritual. The potential for story telling and story writing help the grief process and this tool can be utilized in the teachable moments occasioned by a death. Appendices include a Scripture Selection Guide, a Music List, and a Summary of Requests and Information. This little book is a 'must' for ministers of consolation.
Fr. Terence Curley's latest book Planning the Catholic Funeral sets the guidelines for mourners to plan the rituals for a meaningful funeral and to celebrate the life of a loved one. His experience with ministering to the grieving shows readers the Catholic Church supports them in their time of loss.
I would strongly recommend every funeral home obtain a copy and discuss it with their local Parish priest.
As a resource to help a parish liturgy committee look at how funerals are conducted in the parish, Curley's booklet could be very useful, encouraging the local Church to minister more directly to the community.
Author
Father Terence P. Curley, D.Min., pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Nahant, Massachusetts, is a licensed mental health counselor with over twenty years of experience ministering to the grieving. He is also an adjunct staff member of the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Boston. He has written numerous publications specializing in the area of separation and loss, including The Ministry of Consolers from the Collegeville Ministry series, published by Liturgical Press.
