The Archdiocese of Boston has provided a summary of guidelines for your Words of Remembrance. If you or a family member wish to offer a eulogy for your loved one at the Funeral Mass, please read the eulogy guidelines and follow the instructions below.
PLEASE NOTE: An emailed copy of your eulogy is required to be received one day before the funeral if you want the eulogy to be read. Please email your eulogy to [email protected]. Thank you!
This summary of guidelines from the Archdiocese of Boston is provided to help you plan your words of remembrance. Eulogies are not required at a Funeral Mass. The liturgy speaks for itself.
EULOGY FAQ’S
How many people can give a eulogy at a Catholic funeral?
Our guidelines allow for one person to offer words at the liturgy. If there is more than one person who wishes to speak, perhaps he/she could offer words at the wake or at the graveside. Also, everyone could be invited to share memories at a gathering after the Mass.
How long should my remembrance be?
According to diocesan policy, your remembrances may not last more than 5 minutes. One page of text, double spaced, using Times New Roman font, 12 points, is equal to 5 minutes. It is very important that you respect this policy. As an example: THIS WHOLE PAGE, if proclaimed at Mass is about 7-8 minutes long. If the person giving the eulogy ignores the time limit and is excessive, the priest may not be able to attend the burial.
What should I say?
When a loved one has died there is so much we want to say. The Liturgy, is the place to talk about our loved one in the context of faith, marking the end of the deceased’s faith journey which started at Baptism. Your remembrances may relate to a specific quality of the deceased, or an incident or deed, which symbolizes his/her character and faith. The liturgy is not the place to list accomplishments or to summarize the deceased’s life. Rather, it is the time to offer one or two blessed memories that lead your hearers to offer thanks to God for the life of your loved one.
My loved one was not a church goer. How can I relate his/her life to faith?
Being “churchy” is not the only way people express their faith. By virtue of our Baptism, God is at work in all of our lives. Acts of kindness, charity or the love shown to family and friends are examples of God’s love. Focus on one or two of these.
Is there anything I should know about reading in church?
Your remarks will take place at the beginning of Mass before the Opening Prayer. Wait for the priest to invite you forward. When you approach the sanctuary, bow to the altar. Remember that a microphone echoes and muffles clarity, so speak slowly and clearly. Avoid inside jokes. Speak in your own words and from your heart.
How should I prepare for this task?
Familiarize yourself with your text and then pray! Pray that you will give honor to your loved one’s memory and glory to God. If you are unaccustomed to public speaking or are concerned that your emotions may hinder your ability to speak, it is acceptable to decline this task respectfully.
Our Parish Office must receive an emailed copy of your eulogy if you want the eulogy to be read. Please email your eulogy to csinacola@sccwoburn.com. Thank you!