This is the first non-threatening to-do list for funeral planning I have seen and I'm not talking about the threat of death or even of filling out forms. Curley's book is all about forms and decisions, but they include options for turning over some responsibilities to others. The immediate decisions on funeral home and type of services are pretty straightforward, and having them made in advance is helpful. The problem is in the details, like who will be pall bearers, lectors, servers; do we want to use Christian symbols and if so, what will they be and who will get them together. In addition to explaining each of these traditions, Curley provides a format for expressing your wishes that often includes the choice of having parish staff decide. Of course he also covers the standards like choosing readings and music, presenting an appendix for each. But again, there is the option of leaving that in the hands of others. It's all here, laid out in narrative form with fill-ins and a nine-page tear-out summary section at the end. This is an invaluable resource for individuals and families, and a tremendously useful tool for parish staff involved in bereavement ministry.

This book is a much needed and useful book for planning the Catholic funeral. It is an essential item to minister witht the bereaved. The book provides options, descriptions of minsitry, outlines of the funeral journey, homily and reflection information and many other liturgical aspects all in one book. It is readable and helpful for all those participate in the funeral of a Christian. This work finnally assists in many ways for dioceses, parishes, funeral directors, music ministry,parish bereavement committees, and especially families.