Do you ever wonder what people might say about you after you die? What stories and memories would they share at your wake? Which personality quirks and idiosyncrasies would they highlight? How would they describe your impact on the world?
Some people don’t want to wait to find out. The Japanese practice of seizenso (literally, “living funeral”) has become increasingly trendy in Western cultures as well. The seizenso is essentially a party to honor someone who is elderly or terminally ill before they die, often many years before death is anticipated. Guests eulogize a loved one who is still there to listen. Sometimes the honoree lies in a closed coffin for a few minutes, indicating a welcoming attitude toward death as a natural and even happy occurrence.
Such celebrations may seem quirky, morbid or even narcissistic to us, but they present what I think is a healthy challenge to our attitudes toward death. Death is sad, but our discussion around it need not be miserable. And it certainly should not be a taboo topic that is avoided altogether until the very end.
As Catholics, we anticipate the Church’s funeral rites after our death — the Vigil, Funeral Mass and Rite of Committal. These rituals have a formal structure that makes them authentically the prayer of the Church and unites us to all the faithful departed.
Nevertheless, there are many aspects of the funeral rites that can be adapted or individualized, such as the choice of Scripture readings that speak to our hope in the resurrection, the liturgical music, the ministers, the Christian symbols that may be placed on the casket, the persons who may speak at the Vigil, the place of burial and so on.
It is a tremendous gift to your family to do a little pre-planning of your own funeral. It can lift the burden of logistics at a time when emotions are high, and it asserts your desire for the Church’s funeral rites. No one has to wonder what mom or dad would have wanted.
If this planning process seems overwhelming or depressing, it doesn’t have to be. We can help. Later this month, on June 24 at 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Church, 501 Cherrywood Road, is hosting a “Funeral Planning Party” in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and snacks. You’ll learn some of the do’s and don’ts of Catholic funerals and receive a form that outlines the many options. You can fill this out and keep it at home with other important documents, share it with loved ones or send it to your parish to keep on file.
It’s a great opportunity to be proactive and positive in our approach to death. The workshop on June 24 is free; no registration is required.
In the spirit of seizenso, take some time with your loved ones to consider your life and how you would want to celebrate it. Share good food and good stories as you plan your funeral. Even with such a heavy topic, we can have a little fun.
Between Amens — A proactive and positive approach to death
Do you ever wonder what people might say about you after you die? What stories and memories would they share at your wake? Which personality quirks and idiosyncrasies would they highlight? How would they describe your impact on the world?
Some people don’t want to wait to find out. The Japanese practice of seizenso (literally, “living funeral”) has become increasingly trendy in Western cultures as well. The seizenso is essentially a party to honor someone who is elderly or terminally ill before they die, often many years before death is anticipated. Guests eulogize a loved one who is still there to listen. Sometimes the honoree lies in a closed coffin for a few minutes, indicating a welcoming attitude toward death as a natural and even happy occurrence.
Such celebrations may seem quirky, morbid or even narcissistic to us, but they present what I think is a healthy challenge to our attitudes toward death. Death is sad, but our discussion around it need not be miserable. And it certainly should not be a taboo topic that is avoided altogether until the very end.
As Catholics, we anticipate the Church’s funeral rites after our death — the Vigil, Funeral Mass and Rite of Committal. These rituals have a formal structure that makes them authentically the prayer of the Church and unites us to all the faithful departed.
Nevertheless, there are many aspects of the funeral rites that can be adapted or individualized, such as the choice of Scripture readings that speak to our hope in the resurrection, the liturgical music, the ministers, the Christian symbols that may be placed on the casket, the persons who may speak at the Vigil, the place of burial and so on.
It is a tremendous gift to your family to do a little pre-planning of your own funeral. It can lift the burden of logistics at a time when emotions are high, and it asserts your desire for the Church’s funeral rites. No one has to wonder what mom or dad would have wanted.
If this planning process seems overwhelming or depressing, it doesn’t have to be. We can help. Later this month, on June 24 at 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Church, 501 Cherrywood Road, is hosting a “Funeral Planning Party” in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and snacks. You’ll learn some of the do’s and don’ts of Catholic funerals and receive a form that outlines the many options. You can fill this out and keep it at home with other important documents, share it with loved ones or send it to your parish to keep on file.
It’s a great opportunity to be proactive and positive in our approach to death. The workshop on June 24 is free; no registration is required.
In the spirit of seizenso, take some time with your loved ones to consider your life and how you would want to celebrate it. Share good food and good stories as you plan your funeral. Even with such a heavy topic, we can have a little fun.
Collection for retired religious will be held this weekend