LAKE CHARLES -- A funeral brochure, produced by Diocese of Lake Charles and disseminated to all 38 church parishes and all funeral homes in the diocese, includes important information regarding cremation and Words of Remembrance, two issues that surface often when planning funerals.
Bulletin announcements and pulpit announcements were also provided to each parish church to inform their parishioners of the brochure.
According to Rev. Derek Covert, the Judicial Vicar of the diocese, it is important for everyone to know and understand what the Church expects in these situations. “The document addresses these issues from a pastoral, canonical and liturgical standpoint,” Father Covert said. “It is not an exhaustive reference and does not replace having a conversation with your parish priest or deacon when planning a funeral for a loved one.
Some people don’t realize that the Church does not prohibit cremation but does offers some conditions on the practice – making sure the cremains of person should be placed in a place of respect.
Such a place would not include a mantle, a vial worn around a person’s neck, or to cast them to the winds. “These would not be considered in keeping with the
Church’s longstanding traditions or reverential to the person.”
A bodily burial is preferred by the Church. If the person is to be cremated, it is preferred that the body is in the church or funeral home at the time of service, then cremated.
“This practice allows those remaining the opportunity to deal with the reality of death, the sorrow, and to see and to remember the person,” Father Covert said. “It is consoling.
The brochure is available for download by clicking on the PDF found at the bottom of this story.
The brochure was printed in a significant but limited number, according to Father Covert and “having it available on the website for download is important. Parishes and funeral homes may print more on their own, if they distribute all they have. It is an available resource, one that could initiate a conversation about the funeral process. It is also hoped that the discussion will then lead to other items in the funeral service – scripture readings, music, etc.”
“The goal is to have the idea of preparing for a person’s funeral come up in years in advance,” he said.
Father Covert also pointed out that the topic of “Words of Remembrance” rather than “eulogy” is covered in the brochure.
“Eulogies are about the person,” Father Covert said. “The real focus of the funeral is Christ, about being clothed in Christ and what Christ has done for us, in consolation and offering people who mourn. Certainly personal aspects of the deceased should be mentioned in the homily.”
Words of Remembrance can be placed within the context of the funeral Mass, at the wake, following a rosary, or a prayer service.
“They could focus on the person’s life of faith, that they were a regular churchgoer, their charitable activities, volunteerism, kindnesses among families and friends,” Father Covert said. “They are brief and must not take the place of Christ.”
