Short answer: The Resource Center collects plain guides for the people carrying a funeral: how major faith traditions approach death, ways to find comfort, and practical help for families, from splitting the work to writing thank-you notes. Read what you need, in any order. Nothing is gated.
What can I find in the Resource Center?
- Faith traditions
How Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, LDS, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, secular and interfaith families approach funerals.
- Spiritual comfort
Readings, prayers, meditation, rituals at home, doubt, and spiritual care from chaplains.
- Family guides
Plan together, share the work, handle disagreements, host a reception, write notes, help a friend.
- Printable templates
Obituary and program templates, an end-of-life checklist and a planning guide.
- Custom memorials
Sculptures, 3D-printed keepsakes and other personal tributes, and how to commission them.
- Grief and family support
Support groups, counseling basics, children and teens.
Where should I start if a loved one has passed away?
Start with the first-24-hours guide. It covers who to call and what can wait. The guides here are for the days and weeks that follow, when you are deciding on a service and holding a family together.
If you are struggling to cope
Call or text 988 (US) at any hour to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You do not have to be in a crisis to call.
How do we keep these guides trustworthy?
We are an independent planning resource, not a religious authority, a funeral home or a counselor. Faith pages stay general and ask you to speak with your own clergy or elders. We do not invent statistics, and we cite sources where we rely on them. Read our editorial policy for the full standard.
Frequently asked questions
Are the guides free?
Yes. Everything in the Resource Center is free to read, copy and print.
Can I use these guides to plan across different faiths?
Yes. The interfaith families guide and the cultural overview explain how to honor more than one tradition. Always check details with your own clergy or elders.
Do you give religious or medical advice?
No. We describe widely known practice in general terms and point you to your faith leader, a licensed counselor or your doctor.
How soon after a death are funeral services held in different traditions?
Timing varies widely by tradition, family, and logistics, and there is no single rule. Some communities hold services within a day or two, while others wait several days to allow relatives to travel. Local laws, medical examiner involvement, and cemetery schedules can also affect timing. Because customs differ, check with your own community, and remember that many families adjust timing to fit travel and the availability of the officiant, the venue, and the cemetery. What to ask: ask your clergy or community leader about customary timing, tell the funeral provider early about any time preferences, and confirm what flexibility the provider and cemetery have.
Who can officiate a funeral if our family is not religious?
A funeral can be led by a clergy member, a celebrant, a funeral director, or a trusted family member or friend, depending on your wishes. Many families without a specific faith choose a professional celebrant who writes and leads a personal ceremony. Some funeral homes can recommend officiants, and some states have rules about who may sign legal documents. What to ask: ask the funeral home about officiant options and fees, ask each candidate about their approach and experience, and share stories about your loved one so the ceremony reflects their life.
What if family members hold different beliefs about the funeral?
When family members hold different beliefs, the most helpful approach is to listen to each person and look for elements everyone can accept. Start by identifying what your loved one wished, if known, and which parts of the service matter most to each relative. A neutral officiant, a private family moment, or two separate gatherings can sometimes help, and there is rarely only one right way to honor a person. What to do: hold a calm conversation before the funeral director meeting, write down shared priorities, and consider asking a trusted clergy member or family counselor to help find common ground.
How do I plan an interfaith funeral or memorial service?
An interfaith service blends elements from more than one tradition, and the key is open conversation with family and the people leading the service. Decide what matters most to your loved one and to each family member, such as readings, prayers, music, or rituals. Some officiants are experienced at interfaith ceremonies, and some venues are open to guest clergy. What to do: speak with one or two officiants about their approach, share a draft program with family before the day, and keep the service simple and respectful of each tradition represented.
Can a funeral home arrange clergy or a place of worship?
Funeral homes can often help you contact clergy or celebrants and may host services in their own chapel, but they do not replace a place of worship. If your family belongs to a congregation, contact the clergy early to learn about their policies, scheduling, and any fees. Some places of worship hold funerals for members only, while others welcome families who are not regular attendees but share the faith. What to ask: ask your clergy about available dates and requirements, and ask the funeral home whether they coordinate with the place of worship, music, and cemetery on the day.
What is a secular or non-religious funeral like?
A secular funeral focuses on the life and personality of the person rather than on religious practice, and it can take almost any shape. Common elements include music, stories, readings, poems, photographs, and a eulogy, sometimes led by a celebrant or a friend. The setting may be a funeral home, a park, a restaurant, or a private home, and the length and style are entirely up to the family. What to do: choose a few meaningful moments, invite two or three people to speak, and ask a celebrant or the funeral home to help with timing and logistics.