THE BENEFITS OF PRE-PLANNING FOR A FUNERAL SERVICE “All too often we fail to prepare for our own death or that of a loved one. We seem to leave the inevitable to the responsibility of someone else. As Christians who believe in everlasting life and the dignity of the person, it is most fitting that we look at death as a friend rather than an enemy. Since we know not the day nor the hour, it behooves us to plan ahead.”3 Before Jesus, death was the absolute end point of a human’s existence. After Jesus, human death became a transition to another phase of our lives -- as a soul without a physical body. Our spiritual existence is intended to continue in the presence of our Father in Heaven. This is what we live for here on earth and what we plan for when we speak of pre-need planning. FUNERAL AND BURIAL PRE-PLANNING YOUR LAST ACT OF LOVE Some funeral homes and cemeteries offer the advantages of pre-need planning. Pre-need arrangements are those planned and purchased prior to death, often years before the need arises. Making these decisions ahead of time, relieves family and friends from making them at the time of need when they are in a state of grief. Pre-planning for cemetery and funeral home arrangements are typically two separate transactions. At the cemetery, individuals have the opportunity to choose and pre-pay for the burial space location, memorialization, casket or urn liner and opening and closing. At the funeral home, pre-planning offers the ability to choose the type service, preparations, transportation, casket or urn, and other merchandise. It is important that all pre-planning arrangements be shared with loved ones. They will need to know the name of both the cemetery and funeral home, as well as, what items have been prearranged. All contracts should be kept in a safe place and stored with other important documents. Pre-planning a funeral and burial can provide peace of mind and alleviate financial burden for family. Benefits include: • Significant cost savings Funeral costs can be managed more easily if plans are made and paid for long before they are needed. Families are able to choose the items and services they wish based on today’s cost. As we find in other aspects of our lives, costs rise year after year. Making these arrangements now can lead to significant savings. • Personal choices Many people have very strong feelings about their final services; however, they may feel uncomfortable talking about their wishes. Pre-planning makes sure these wishes are known and family members are not left having to make these difficult decisions. • Flexible Payment Options Usually, at a time of immediate need, all payments must be paid, in full, prior to services and a burial taking place. This may cause financial hardship. Pre-planning and pre-paying can ease this burden. Many funeral homes and cemeteries offer a variety of pre-need payment options. • Personal satisfaction and peace of mind Perhaps most importantly, you and your family are left with peace of mind knowing that your wishes are known, will be carried out, and have been paid. More and more families are recognizing that pre-planning funeral and burial arrangements demonstrates love and thoughtfulness toward their family members. It is a thoughtful decision that reduces the stress of uncertainty when death occurs. It offers one final gift, a last act of love. 3. To Honor the Dead (1997); A Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, Archdiocese of Santa Fe. 28 Catholic Cemetery Association - Funeral Planning Guide