CATHOLIC FUNERALS: 

Normally a funeral of a Baptized Catholic should take place in a Catholic Church and with an appropriate Mass of Christian Burial and not in a Funeral Home or Grave Side Cemetery Service.  The Mass is our most important prayer and it is a reminder that we all share in the Paschal Mystery – the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  For Catholics the celebration of the Mass is both the source and the summit of our faith.  Therefore, when we celebrate the Mass at the time of death it is seen as the fullest expression of our faith in God’s abundant mercy, our hope in the resurrection of the dead, and the love that God has for us, which is not extinguished even by death.  As an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ we actively participate in the Funeral Mass.  Family members may choose the Scripture reading for the Mass, proclaim the readings and general intercessions as a Lector, cover the casket with pall, place Christian symbols on the casket (crucifix, bible), present the bread and wine at the preparation rite and help select religious hymns for the community to sing.  A priest or deacon preach at the Funeral Mass.  By preaching on Jesus Christ, who conquered death by His victory on the cross, our faith offers consolation to the family in their loss and challenges the community to live more faithful lives.  A eulogy differs from a homily and consists of a reflection on the life of the deceased and how this person touched the lives of others.  The sharing of memories with Christian charity, good discretion, and warm humor are appropriate elements for a eulogy. Eulogies may be shared at the Wake, However, a family member or friend may share a brief written eulogy not more than five minutes after the communion rite at Funeral Mass.