Best Practices in Adult Faith Formation. - Diocese of Pittsburgh
Best Practices in Adult Faith Formation. - Diocese of Pittsburgh
Best Practices in Adult Faith Formation. - Diocese of Pittsburgh
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Funeral Liturgy Plann<strong>in</strong>g and Follow-upDescriptionAfter the death <strong>of</strong> a loved one, a member or members <strong>of</strong> the immediate family are asked to stop <strong>in</strong> the parish<strong>of</strong>fice and meet with either one <strong>of</strong> the priests or the pastoral associate to help plan the liturgy. The family isgiven a folder <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation which <strong>in</strong>cludes a packet <strong>of</strong> suggested read<strong>in</strong>gs and hymns appropriate forfunerals. Family members are encouraged to look over the read<strong>in</strong>gs and choose an Old and New TestamentRead<strong>in</strong>g and also encouraged to have family members or friends read them dur<strong>in</strong>g the Funeral Mass. Theyare also encouraged to choose five hymns from the list provided. Family members or friends are alsowelcome to carry up the Offertory gifts to the altar.A small funeral choir and an organist, usually our music m<strong>in</strong>ister, as well as a funeral liturgy coord<strong>in</strong>ator whoassists the priest dur<strong>in</strong>g Mass, will be <strong>in</strong> attendance dur<strong>in</strong>g the Mass.One <strong>of</strong> the priests and/or the pastoral associate will also visit the funeral home for comfort, support andprayers.ObjectiveTo help the bereaved prepare the funeral liturgy for their loved ones and to comfort them <strong>in</strong> their time <strong>of</strong> need.Who Should/Can AttendAnyone experienc<strong>in</strong>g the loss <strong>of</strong> a loved one.Time FrameAs soon as possible follow<strong>in</strong>g the death <strong>of</strong> a loved one.Suggestions/CommentsSt. Thomas More <strong>of</strong>fers a service for bereaved families follow<strong>in</strong>g the burial <strong>in</strong> the form <strong>of</strong> a luncheon <strong>in</strong> ourFamily Life Center. The group that coord<strong>in</strong>ates this is called “The Marthas”. The luncheon is hosted by agroup <strong>of</strong> volunteers and the family is charged only for the cost <strong>of</strong> the food.A few weeks after the funeral a follow-up sympathy card is sent to the family and signed by the priest whowas the celebrant at the Mass. Family members also receive a “Th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> You” card on the deceased’sbirthday, first death anniversary and for first holidays. After about two months a member <strong>of</strong> the bereavementteam contacts the family <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>g support and prayers and will cont<strong>in</strong>ue send<strong>in</strong>g cards to them.Families also receive notices <strong>of</strong> support groups <strong>in</strong> the area and are <strong>in</strong>vited to attend our special Mass <strong>of</strong>Remembrance <strong>in</strong> November.Contact: Cede CatanzaroParish: St. Thomas MorePhone: 412-833-0031Email: cede@stmpgh.org
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