Catholic Cemeteries - Funeral Checklist

You know that you are mortal and that no one knows when God will call us to Himself. It is prudent to prepare for the end of life and a considerate thing to do for your family.

Notify:	Doctor
	Coroner
	Catholic Cemeteries
	Funeral Director
	Clergy
	Relatives and friends
	Pallbearers
	Insurance Agents
	Banks
	Union and Fraternal Organizations
	Organists
Select:	Cemetery property
	Funeral service
	Casket
	Vault/outer container (not required)
	Clothing
	Flowers
	Music
	Thank you announcements
	Transportation
Provide/Know:	Time and place for funeral
	Time and place for visitation
	Birthdate, age
	Birthplace
	Names of Father and Mother
	Their birthdays and place of birth
	Social Security Number
	Veteran's Discharge or Claim Number
	Education
	Marital status, date & place of marriage
	Mother's maiden name
	Church baptized
	Cause of death
	Occupation
	Grandparents names
	Memberships held
	Military service
	Outstanding work
	List of survivors in immediate family
	Power of Attorney
	Charities for memorial contributions

Many people, even those who plan well for life, do very little planning for death. Lacking such planning, the occasion of death can be a time of hardship and complication for those who mean the most to us.

The prudent person plans well for his temporal and spiritual welfare, and the total welfare of those he loves. Through advanced planning, many of the temporal problems caused by death are minimized.

The selection of a family burial place before there is a death is the prudent, thoughtful way of providing peace of mind. At the time of bereavement, the need to pick out a family plot is a forced, emotional and confusing burden. It is difficult for family members to think clearly and to make a wise choice - it is unnecessary and can be avoided.

Available is a paper copy of "The Family Record." A booklet to help you and your family prepare for the inevitable in a calm and sensible manner. We try to answer questions about funeral arrangements and costs including those at the cemetery. Quite frequently, detailed information and essential records are not available when needed, and survivors are unclear about your intentions.

Within the booklet we have prepared the means for you to put down your family's personal records and to formulate your plans.

No matter how enlightened or deeply rooted in faith a family may be, death invariably brings great emotional pain and disorientation for the survivors. Christ, Himself, wept at the tomb of Lazarus, although He knew He would soon bring him back to life.

Find someone to help answer sympathetic phone calls, cards and letters, as well as greet friends and relatives when they call.
Decide appropriate memorial to which gifts may be made (church, hospice, etc.).
Prepare list of persons to be notified.
Locate the will and notify lawyer and personal representative.
Check carefully all life and casualty insurance and death benefits including social security, credit union, fraternal and military.
Check promptly on all debts and installment payments, including credit cards. Some carry insurance clauses that cancel balances upon death.
Notify utilities and landlord and tell post office where to send mail (if deceased was living alone).

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