When facing the loss of a loved one, Catholics are often asked to help plan the funeral liturgy for a family member or friend. Questions about music at the funeral, Scriptural readings, words of remembrance, and other aspects of the wake, the funeral Mass, and the burial service frequently arise. This workshop will assist family members and friends to prepare prayerful and beautiful funeral liturgies that are faithful to Catholic belief and tradition and which give honor to the deceased in Christ.

Topics to be covered will include:

-Catholic understanding of death

-History of Catholic funeral rites

-Role of the funeral rites in the mourning process

-Liturgical options (readings, music, prayers, words of remembrance)

-Cremation questions

-The importance of the funeral Mass

Presenter: Fr. Matthew S. Ernest, S.T.D., Director of the archdiocesan Office of Liturgy and Professor at St. Joseph's Seminary