Notices by Deacon Scott (ideacon@rcsocial.net)

This has certainly been my experience at funerals. We should preach on the readings and save the eulogy for the graveside service. Don’t canonize the deceased, pray for them!

“…priests give homilies that tell of the life that the deceased lived, the decedent’s love of various sports teams, and his family. They eulogize and label it a homily. After Communion, members of the man’s family are called to the pulpit to offer eulogies of their own. They postulate about what they believe their loved one is doing in heaven.

When I die, please don’t offer a eulogy at my funeral. It’s not because I’m inherently opposed to being remembered, and certainly not because I don’t want my loved ones to gain comfort from sharing stories that they may have. It’s because that’s not the place for those activities and because doing so undermines the purpose of having a funeral Mass at all. The funeral liturgy is an act of worship, in which the Church gathers to commend the deceased to God’s mercy. It’s not merely an expression of grief.”

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/dont-say-a-eulogy-at-my-funeral