On February 1, from 10am-12pm, Fr. Matthew Ernest, S.T.D. will lead a workshop on “Planning Catholic Funeral Liturgies” at Saint Joseph’s Seminary. When facing the loss of a loved one, Catholics are often asked to help plan the funeral liturgy for a family member or friend. Questions about music at the funeral, Scriptural readings, words of remembrance, and other aspects of the wake, the funeral Mass, and the burial service frequently arise. This workshop will assist family members and friends in preparing prayerful and beautiful funeral liturgies that are faithful to Catholic belief and tradition and which give honor to the deceased in Christ. Topics to be covered will include: the Catholic understanding of death, the history of Catholic funeral rites, the role of the funeral rites in the mourning process, liturgical options (readings, music, prayers, words of remembrance), cremation questions, and the importance of the Funeral Mass. Registration is $15 and may be found at: nyliturgy.org/funeralworkshop.