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To the
Family Member or Friend who will be
giving a reflection on the life of
the deceased:
Please
accept the condolences and prayers
of the people of the Diocese of
Albany as you mark the passing from
this life to the next of someone
with whom you have been close as you
mourn their absence.
The family has entrusted you with a
sacred task in asking you to speak
on their behalf
These guidelines are offered to
assist you in your preparation and
the delivery of your remarks.
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The
purpose of the reflection is to
draw attention to the deceased
as his or her life bore witness
to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
-
A
question for you to consider is
how did he or she most resemble
Christ
1. in their relationship
with others,
2. their perspective on
right and wrong,
3. their suffering,
4. their faith in our
Heavenly Father's concern for
all people?
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Christians believe that in death
life is changed, not ended.
Wherever possible consider not
only the past and significant
events in the person's life but
also look forward to the time
when all the faithful will be
together again.
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A
story or example is a helpful
means to illustrate a point.
-
Only
one person may speak at a
funeral Mass. This may be done
following the Prayer after
Communion or before the funeral
liturgy begins. Reflections on
the life of the deceased may
also be given at the Vigil for
the Deceased (wake service)
and / or the committal. More
than one person may speak at
these times.
-
Your
remarks are limited to no more
than two to three minutes in
duration.
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It
is appropriate and recommended
that you review beforehand what
you intend to say with the
priest or pastoral minister who
is assisting the family in
preparing for the funeral
liturgy. Additionally, the
diocesan Office of Prayer and
Worship is also available to
help you, if needed
(518.453.6645 or
prayer&worship@rcda.org.)
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Rehearsing your remarks aloud
will help you to prepare and
feel more self-assured when
speaking during the funeral
service.
-
At
no time is it acceptable to use
coarse or profane language or to
engage in actions that would not
ordinarily take place during a
sacred ritual.
Approved by Howard J. Hubbard, DD,
Bishop of Albany, January 31, 2006 |
