This booklet is an exercise in Christian education, meditation and reflection. Death is an essential part of life. We need to prepare for it and dispel our fear of it.

In my priestly ministry, I have never shied away from the "grieving ministries." This may sound really odd, but if the truth be known, I love a good funeral. This is not to say that I am unmoved by the pain, remorse and regret. Nor am I am free from tears at a child's funeral, or when a young mother is widowed or when parents are buried. Rather, I love the symbolism, the hope, the opportunity for spiritual renewal and the chance to educate people as the most central aspects of our faith. There is something so real and tangible about the funeral that makes people drop their pretensions and pride and to really be open to God's message of salvation. Perhaps, in a sense, funerals are refreshing to the otherwise disinterested.

To understand the teachings of the Church, look to its liturgy. If we want to know the vast richness of our faith, study our prayers.

This booklet, and most of Prayer in the Home Press' material focuses on our liturgical expressions of our most profound beliefs. While the rituals cited in this booklet are not exhaustive (the Funeral Rites are quite extensive and varied for pastoral reasons), we have tried to include the common prayers that you may experience in the funeral rites. The liturgy is explained and opened up, the signs and symbols of the Rites are explained and the responsibilities of the faithful are explored.

Hopefully, this booklet will help get you ready for the inevitable experience of the funeral -- other's and your own.