The Importance of This Booklet Planning a funeral is an extensive process and is often times overwhelming to those involved. It is common for people who are grieving to feel confused and overcome by all that goes into planning a funeral. Many people are unfamiliar with the requirements associated with planning a funeral service. They are aware that they will need to choose a casket or urn, that a service must be performed, a final resting place needs to be selected, and a headstone chosen. However, the writing of eulogies and obituaries, arranging for music and floral arrangements, preparing guest registers, choosing prayer cards, planning services and rites, are just some of the matters that can be easily overlooked. Funeral guidance helps to educate and support families during a time when they are faced with many uncertainties. The Church Liturgy, The Funeral Home, and The Cemetery each play a vital role in helping to provide families with a meaningful, faith-filled funeral service. Because each has a significant function to perform, collaboration between the three is extremely important. To assist families in managing the information that needs to be communicated, this booklet explains the role of each in three separate sections. Included at the end of each section are planning worksheets for organizing information that will be needed for The Church Liturgy, The Funeral Home, and The Cemetery. Also, included in the booklet is information on grief support and the importance of pre-need planning. Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Albuquerque, NM Catholic Cemetery Association - Funeral Planning Guide 9