Ethan Walker
Writing an obituary for a Catholic loved one can be an overwhelming experience, but it is a chance to tell a story about their life and bring colour to the wonderful details of it. While there is no legal requirement to write an obituary, it is a way to notify others about the death of an individual, relate facts about their life, and provide a list of family members who survive the deceased. It is also a way to share the date, time, and location of the services with those who would like to attend. When writing a Catholic obituary, there are extra considerations to be made regarding the naming of the services. It is helpful to consult with the priest helping with the funeral to ensure that the obituary adheres to the Catholic Church's specific guidelines for end-of-life services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To notify others about the death of an individual |
| To celebrate the deceased's life and offer happy memories | |
| To bring comfort and consolation to those who mourn | |
| To honour the death of a Catholic with proper respect and prayers | |
| Language | "A Funeral Mass will be celebrated..." |
| "A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated..." | |
| "The Rite of Committal and burial will be..." | |
| "In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family" | |
| "Memorial Mass" (when the body or cremated remains are not present) | |
| Content | Biographical information (full name, birth and death dates, maiden name, nickname, etc.) |
| Notable events, accomplishments, hobbies, interests, jobs, schools attended, etc. | |
| Charities to which donations can be made | |
| Date, time, and location of services | |
| Hours and location for the vigil, wake, or visitation | |
| Photographs |
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What You'll Learn
- Include biographical information, such as full name, birth and death dates, and notable life events
- Provide details of funeral services, including the Vigil, Funeral Mass, and Rite of Committal
- Reflect on the deceased's relationship with others and their faith in God
- Include a photograph and relevant quotes or scriptures that capture their personality
- List surviving family members and suggest charities for donations in memory of the deceased
Include biographical information, such as full name, birth and death dates, and notable life events
When writing a Catholic obituary, it is important to include biographical information about the deceased. This can include their full name, birth and death dates, notable life events, and other significant information about their life.
For example, let's consider the obituary for George N., a devout Catholic who passed away and left behind his beloved wife, Elizabeth, and their children, George Jr. and Tom. The obituary mentions George's strong Catholic faith, his love for Catholic hymns, and how he and his wife, Elizabeth, instilled their Catholic faith and values in their children. It also mentions how they enjoyed reading Scripture and Catholic literature together, and how they prioritised their relationship and faith over worldly distractions.
"George N. passed away on [date], leaving his cherished wife, Elizabeth, and their beloved children, George Jr. and Tom. George was a devout Catholic who found great joy in his faith. He regularly attended Mass and proudly practised his Catholic faith alongside his family. George was known for his beautiful singing voice, often heard belting out hymns in church. He and his wife ensured their children, George Jr. and Tom, grew up with a strong religious foundation, teaching them prayers and the importance of service from a young age."
This paragraph includes George's full name, death date, and notable life events, such as his dedication to his Catholic faith and the values he imparted to his family. It provides a glimpse into his life and character, honouring his memory.
Remember, when writing an obituary, it is essential to include as much biographical information as possible, capturing the essence of the deceased's life and providing comfort to those mourning their loss.
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Provide details of funeral services, including the Vigil, Funeral Mass, and Rite of Committal
The funeral liturgy is the central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. When one of its members dies, the Church encourages the celebration of the funeral liturgy at a Mass. When Mass cannot be celebrated, a funeral liturgy outside Mass can be held at the church or funeral home. The liturgy is an act of worship and not just an expression of grief. The Funeral Mass leads us to reflect on eternal life, and eulogies are usually discouraged. The Vigil Service, also known as the Wake, is the preferred time for family and friends to offer stories and reflections on the life of the deceased. The Vigil Service can take the form of a Service of the Word with readings from Sacred Scripture, accompanied by reflection and prayers. It can also take the form of one of the prayers of the Office for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours. The clergy and your funeral director can assist in planning this service.
The Rite of Committal, commonly known as the graveside service, is the final act of the funeral. It involves the interment of the deceased’s body or ashes and includes prayers for the soul’s eternal rest. The service typically begins with the entrance rite, where the casket is sprinkled with holy water, symbolizing purification and the journey of the departed into eternal life. Attendees often join in singing an opening hymn, setting a reverent and communal tone for the funeral Mass. Readings from the Old and New Testaments, along with a psalm, are proclaimed. These readings offer comfort, reflection, and a reminder of the promise of resurrection. The Rite of Committal includes a verse from Scripture, a prayer of committal, intercessions, the Lord’s Prayer, and a blessing. If desired, music may be added to the Rite of Committal. This rite should take place directly after the Funeral Mass at the time of burial.
When writing the obituary, it is important to include the details of the funeral services, including the Vigil, Funeral Mass, and Rite of Committal. This information is crucial for friends and family to make arrangements to attend. The obituary should include the dates, times, and locations of these services. It is also common to list one or more charities for donations in the obituary. If the family prefers monetary contributions instead of flowers, this can be indicated with phrases such as "In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family."
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Reflect on the deceased's relationship with others and their faith in God
When reflecting on the deceased's relationship with others and their faith in God, it is important to consider how they resembled Christ in their daily lives. This can include their interactions with family and friends, their perspective on right and wrong, their ability to forgive, and their faith in God's concern for all people.
For example, consider the following story about George and his wife, Elizabeth, who passed away. George and Elizabeth were devout Catholics who found great joy in attending Mass together and receiving Holy Communion as a family. They recognized the importance of their faith in their marriage and took it upon themselves to delve deeper into Catholicism, especially in understanding the role of marriage within the religion. They spent time reading Scripture and discussing Catholic teachings, exploring the wealth of knowledge offered by the Church.
Elizabeth and George also instilled their faith in their children, teaching them prayers from a young age and reciting the Rosary together at the dinner table each night. They dedicated time to serving the less fortunate, volunteering at St. Patrick's kitchen for the homeless. Their commitment to their faith and family extended beyond their immediate household, as they actively supported and celebrated the achievements of their extended family.
George's love for singing also brought people together, as he often sang Catholic hymns with great fervor. Their home was filled with good conversation, ranging from current events to books and literature, creating a space where relationships and meaningful connections were cherished.
In reflecting on the life of the deceased, it is essential to remember that Christians believe that death is not an end but a transition to eternal life. Through sharing stories and memories, we can honor their legacy and find comfort in our shared faith.
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Include a photograph and relevant quotes or scriptures that capture their personality
An obituary is a notice in newspapers or on some websites that someone has passed away. It typically includes brief details about the person, such as their full name, birth and death dates, and notable events from their life. It may also include their accomplishments, hobbies, interests, and jobs.
When writing a Catholic obituary, you may want to include a photograph and relevant quotes or scriptures that capture the personality of the deceased. This can add a personal touch and provide comfort to those reading the obituary.
"Today is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls' Day. After the celebration of All Saints, the Church prays for all those souls that are currently suffering and being purified in Purgatory." This quote reflects on the Catholic belief in Purgatory and the importance of praying for the souls of the departed.
"As the separation of the soul from the body is the death of the body, so the separation of God from the soul is the death of the soul. And this death of the soul is the true death....Thus, the violation of God's commandment is the cause of all types of death, both of soul and body, whether in the present life or in that endless chastisement." This quote emphasizes the spiritual nature of death and the importance of maintaining a connection with God.
"You are dust, and to dust, you shall return" (Genesis 3:19). This verse from Genesis is a reminder of the natural cycle of life and death and the fleeting nature of human existence.
"Death is swallowed up in victory. [...] For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For that which is corruptible must clothe itself with incorruptibility, and that which is mortal must clothe itself with immortality." (First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians). This scripture offers a hopeful message of transformation and victory over death through faith in Jesus Christ.
"Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. [...] But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans) These words from Romans emphasize the love and sacrifice of Christ, providing comfort and reassurance of God's love during a time of loss.
When selecting quotes or scriptures, consider the personality and beliefs of the deceased, as well as the message of hope and comfort you wish to convey to those reading the obituary.
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List surviving family members and suggest charities for donations in memory of the deceased
An obituary is a chance to tell a story about your loved one and bring colour to the wonderful details of their life. It is a way to celebrate their life and offer happy memories. It is also a means to inform family and friends about when and where the person's life will be celebrated.
Listing surviving family members
When listing surviving family members, it is common to start with the closest relations. The order should go as follows: spouse, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents, and siblings. Nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws are usually not mentioned unless they were very close to the deceased. You can also list any immediate family members who died before the deceased.
Suggesting charities for donations in memory of the deceased
If you would like to suggest donations to charities in memory of the deceased, you can say something like "in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to [charity name]". You can also create a custom donation form to honour your loved one. For example, Catholic Charities USA allows you to add the name of the person you are honouring or remembering when making a donation, and they will send a card by email or postal mail to the family on your behalf.
Example
"John Smith is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Smith; his children, Jane Smith and John Smith Jr.; and his grandchildren, Emily, Michael, and Sarah. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Catholic Charities USA in John's memory."
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Frequently asked questions
A Catholic obituary is a notice in newspapers or on websites that someone has died. It typically includes a list of surviving family members and details about the person's life. It also provides information on the date, time, and location of the funeral services.
Key elements of a Catholic obituary include the full name of the deceased (including any nicknames or aliases), their birth and death dates, and a recent photograph. You may also include biographical information such as their accomplishments, hobbies, interests, jobs, and schools they attended.
Catholic obituaries have a similar format to regular obituaries. However, there are extra considerations regarding the naming of the services. Catholic funeral services are called "Masses", and specific wording is used to refer to the different types of services, such as "Funeral Mass" or "Memorial Mass".
Take your time to gather your thoughts and ideas before writing. Include personal details and stories that illustrate the person's humanity, kindness, or unique disposition. Consider how the deceased resembled Christ in their relationships, perspective on right and wrong, suffering, and faith. Remember that obituaries in newspapers may have length restrictions and can be costly, so consider publishing online or on social media as an alternative.
Yes, the Catholic Church has specific guidelines for end-of-life services. The Vigil Service (or wake) and the Rite of Committal are important parts of the funeral rite that should be included in the obituary, along with the Funeral Mass. The body or cremated remains are typically preferred to be present during these services.
