May 29, 2017 My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Of all the crosses we must bear in life, one of the heaviest is the loss of a loved one. Not only is the grieving process a painful one but we are also faced with making many urgent decisions regarding funeral and burial arrangements. Nonetheless, we always want to honor our beloved dead with dignified, prayerful and hope-filled funeral. Doing so brings us a certain consolation not to mention the many graces we receive by performing one of the seven corporal works of mercy. The funeral rites of the Roman Catholic Church emphasize that Jesus Christ is the Lord of Life, in whom and through whom and for whom all things came to be. The options found in this helpful booklet all mirror our conviction that life is a journey, an important part of which is our passing from this life to eternal life. Just as in life, so in death do we journey to God the Father, in the Son and through the Holy Spirit. The Church celebrates the sacredness of this passage by offering prayers and liturgical rites at pivotal moments along the way: the time of death, the vigil, the funeral Mass and the burial. This journey of faith is not only for those who have died but also for us who remain, helping us to cope with our grief and renewing our hope in Christ’s resurrection. Pope Francis has given us a great gift by calling us to reflect more intentionally on the mercy of God and the mercy we are called to offer one another. This Guide to Funeral Planning is meant to assist you in performing a corporal work of mercy and an act of love as you prepare to bury your dear departed. In it, you will find what you need to know about burying your loved one prayerfully and with the dignity that he or she deserves as a child of God. I want to assure you that all of us in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe are here for you, offering our prayers, support and consolation. I am most grateful to the Board of Directors and staff of the Catholic Cemetery Association for their vision and wisdom in providing this wonderful resource. It is my hope that you will find it helpful in your time of need. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Most Reverend John C. Wester Archbishop of Santa Fe Catholic Cemetery Association - Funeral Planning Guide 5