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Regarding Cremation, Christian funerals and Burials

The Church’s teaching on funerals, cremation and burial is summarized in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. At number 2300 in that document, the official teaching states: The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal
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Create a Great Funeral Day

Yes, this is a real “holiday.” Observed on October 30th, this holiday was registered in 1999 as a day for people to think about how they want to be remembered and let your family know your plans. Avoid a “Facelift Funeral” with Create a Great Funeral Day by Gail Rubin acknowledges the fear that people have about
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Reverence: The Image of God Respected

“The younger monks must respect their seniors, and the seniors must love their juniors.” —The Rule of St. Benedict, Ch. 63 The monastery cemetery is a place of order. Four quadrants of seven rows each; nice neat rows of markers, each bearing a name and two dates; and in the middle, overlooking everything with
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Dignity: The Image of God Acknowledged

“Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ …” —The Rule of St. Benedict, Ch. 36 Among the scenes painted on the east wall of the Chapter Room at Saint Meinrad Archabbey is one of a monk who is dying in his bed. Several other monks surround him, one of whom is
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Questions to Consider Before You Prepay

You may have considered preplanning, or even prepaying, for your funeral arrangements. Planning for your funeral, or the funeral of a loved one, in advance can help you make informed decisions. If you plan to prepay for your funeral expenses, the Federal Trade Commission suggests considering these issues before
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Kindred Spirits

Excerpted from “Kindred Spirits,” written by Archabbot Justin DuVall, OSB Friends and guests who have taken part in the funeral of a monk at the abbey often walk away from the cemetery feeling at a loss for words. They have just peered down into an open grave where a plain poplar coffin marked with a
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