Funeral Liturgy Planning Guide

1. Contact a funeral home and begin working with a funeral director.
2. Discuss with the funeral director your desired date and desired clergy member for the Funeral rites.  The funeral home will then contact the Church to arrange the date and time.

After you have made contact with the funeral home and set a date for the Funeral rites:

1. Review the funeral readings and consider which Catholic family member or friend would like to read:
   • First Reading – Old Testament
   • Second Reading – New Testament
   • Prayers of the Faithful
2. Once you have prepared the Funeral Liturgy Selections Sheet – on the tab above – Contact the clergy member who will be presiding over the rites to discuss desired readings and offer your memories of the deceased.  The clergy member would be happy to choose the readings for you, if you prefer.  He will also discuss the day of the funeral and the flow of the liturgy with you.
3. Consider whether you would like to have a friend or family member offer words of remembrance at the Vigil service the evening before the funeral.
4. Follow-up with the funeral director for any last questions.