- lunch served at the church center or in the home
- council members donating or purchasing and preparing food
- in parishes with numerous funerals, councils purchase, prepare and serve the food, charging a nominal fee
- prepare and serve the food that has been donated by the family
- serve a hot buffet or sandwiches and small cakes may be appropriate
- give the leftover food to the family or charity
The New Order of Christian Family (1990), states that only Christian symbols may rest on or be placed near the coffin during the funeral liturgy. Flags or insignia of associations may be used during the vigil but should not be used during the Resurrection liturgy. In some parishes, the CWL pall is now being used on the ambo, on the side of the altar or on a side table with flowers, folded with only half showing. Where the League flag or banner is used it should be placed discreetly to the side of the sanctuary or place of assembly. If not used in the church, it may be appropriate to place it in the hall or center where the luncheon is being served.
Members could participate in the liturgy if requested by the presider or the family; i.e., candle bearer, altar assistant, reader, prayers of the faithful, resurrection choir, welcome/hospitality minister, etc.
As soon as possible, complete the Form For Reporting Deceased Members, signed by the council president and/or spiritual development chairperson. Send the completed form to national office.
Provincial chairpersons of spiritual development will review, revise as necessary, and approve a complete list of all deceased members for their province as compiled by national office for inclusion in the Book of Life.
(NOTE: the Book of Life is used at national, provincial and diocesan conventions as a symbol of those faithful deceased members. Many parish councils have also made a Book of Life for use at special CWL Eucharistic celebrations or prayer services).
Some parish councils hold a memorial prayer service for deceased members some time after the funeral, with the next regular meeting, or as a special service once a year in November. They may wish to prepare their own liturgical service or use the service found in the CWL Prayer Service for A Deceased Member, the Handbook for Spiritual Advisors, and the Ceremonies booklet.
Ministering to the bereaved family is the responsibility of the Christian community and is very important in the grieving process. Members have always played an active part by visiting the homes and offering support to families in any way possible.
BOOK of LIFE PROTOCOL
Councils on all levels should prepare a Book of Life to record the names of deceased members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. During the opening ceremonies at convention, the Book of Life is placed on a stand or small table designated by the liturgy committee in the church sanctuary prior to the opening celebration. Following are suggestions to help in preparing a Book of Life:
- Using a sturdy three-ring binder, cover the book with suitable material (e.g. velvet, satin), blue or white in colour with the League crest displayed on the front.
- The title page should include the name of the council.
- Use good quality paper to record the names which can either be printed, calligraphed, or typed.
- At parish level, enter the name of the deceased member and the date of death, by year. At diocesan and provincial level, include the name of the CWL council.
- At parish level, you might wish to include a page of information that contains a short write-up of the deceased member’s service to the League. This will be useful when writing historical items.
- The names of national, provincial, diocesan and parish council presidents should be noted.
- It would also be appropriate to include a list of deceased spiritual advisors in the Book
of Life.
SAMPLE
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The Catholic Women’s League of Canada
|
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| NAME | DATE OF DEATH |
| Smith, Mary | January 12th |
| Brown, Alice | February 18th |
| Jones, Ann (President 1988-90) | March 3rd |
