To Say a Few Words: Guidelines for Those Offering Words of Remembrance at a Catholic Funeral

By Michael A. Cymbala

This little booklet is designed for anyone who faces the difficult and important task of offering words of remembrance at a Catholic Funeral. Both experienced and inexperienced speakers will benefit from this easy-to-read resource. It offers a simple, practical, and—most importantly—discreet way of informing anyone asked “to say a few words” at a Catholic service on the rules that are involved, while also offering practical advice on how to deliver the remarks in an artful and respectful manner. The Catholic Church’s policies on the use of family-designated speakers at funerals, wakes, and memorial services and the importance of their putting their remarks in a Christian context are both directly and politely addressed. The booklet emphasizes the sacred elements of the occasion, offering speakers the opportunity to understand their role as something more serious than a toastmaster or even a comedian. Practical suggestions abound on how to form and deliver a concise and appropriate address well suited to a religious gathering. Three sample sets of remarks are included to give speakers a sense of what is possible and appropriate in different situations and venues. This booklet is also available as an e-book for those who are traveling or otherwise not available to obtain a printed copy in time to prepare their remarks.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ACTA Publications
• Release date: Aug 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9780879466152

Michael A. Cymbala

Michael A. Cymbala has spent thirty years working as an Executive Producer and Marketing Director in the Catholic publishing world. He directed music at three different Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Chicago and is presently a member of the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship's music staff. He has served on the editorial committee for numerous hymnals and has authored and edited many written and recorded prayer services.

Book preview

TO SAY A FEW WORDS

Guidelines for Those Offering Words of Remembrance at a Catholic Funeral

Michael A. Cymbala

TO SAY A FEW WORDS

Guidelines for Those Offering Words of Remembrance at a Catholic Funeral

Michael A. Cymbala

Edited by Gregory F. Augustine Pierce

Designed and typeset by Patricia A. Lynch

Copyright © 2014 by Michael A. Cymbala

Published by ACTA Publications, 4848 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640,

[phone], www.actapublications.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, including the Internet, without permission from the publisher. Permission is hereby given to use short excerpts or pieces of art with proper citation in reviews and marketing copy, church bulletins and handouts, and scholarly papers.

CONTENTS

PART I

The Privilege

The Preparation

The Church at Prayer

The Rules

Some Variations

What’s the Difference?

Comforting the Mourners

What Can You Say?

A Few Words

Who Said That?

Don’t Be Foolish

Beyond the Words

Amen!

PART II

WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE

Sample A

Sample B

Sample C

For my mother

June Figliulo Cymbala

1918 – 1964

PART I

The Privilege

It is always an honor to be asked to say a few words at the funeral, wake, or memorial services of a friend or relative. You were probably chosen for a good reason. No doubt you loved and admired the departed and knew him or her very well. While you may have had some experience with public speaking, most likely you have a limited amount of time to prepare your remarks. Nervousness, as well as your own personal grief, may be at play here, and both are certainly normal responses to the situation at hand.

The information found here is tailored to help those who have been asked to speak at a Roman Catholic funeral. The booklet offers some advice for preparing your remarks and suggestions to help you with your actual presentation. Three sample sets of remarks can be found starting on page 23.

The Preparation

The faith that Roman Catholics believe and practice is rooted in the divinity of Jesus Christ and his promise of eternal life. Death was no