Of weddings and funerals

At St. Mary's we probably have 40+ funerals year, and about 18-20 weddings. I have to admit I am becoming one of those priests that prefers funerals over weddings. We had a clergy conference on evangelization some time ago in which we dialogued about our post-modern society. This same sense of individualism has permeated the celebration of marriage, and salvation, at the time of death. These can be great moments of catechesis and spiritual growth. It is always difficult to find a starting point in faith. Unfortunately when we meet with the couple, or the family, we quickly realize that any catholic training ceased at about the eighth grade. The wedding then becomes about the bride and the funeral is a commemoration service. This is the time really to do some sort of adult religious education. If we can help people understand the basic concepts of sacraments, signs, and symbols, we might do well to open an understanding to our life of faith, and relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Even an atheist will understand that it is important to welcome people into the gathering. I try to help peoples consider a theology of life and communion, especially when choosing music or readings. There are times when I think we should do the Sacrament of Marriage after the homily at Sunday Liturgy, and include funerals in the weekday Liturgy. The challenge is to move peoples from a 'show' or a time of remembering, to an experience of prayer and faith. The introduction to the Rite of Funerals reminds us that what we are doing is about hope and Christian witness. If those ideals could be maintained as a starting point, we might reach the spiritual celebration that the Church envisions. It is certainly a mission in progress.