The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “From the beginning, the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic Sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.” (1032)
The Mass of Remembrance is a parish-wide memorial liturgy designed to honor and pray for all departed children, regardless of age or cause of death, while surrounding grieving families with the prayerful support of the Church.
This complete kit provides your parish staff with everything needed to promote, coordinate, and host a reverent liturgy and welcoming post-mass reception—all in one place.
Gathering Overview & Quick-Specs
Duration: 2 Hours (1 Hour Mass + 1 Hour Reception)
Recommended Timing: Late October / Early November (All Souls Season) or October (PAIL Awareness Month)
Format: Liturgical Mass & Community Gathering
Audience: Grieving parents, family members, and the supportive parish community
Planning
Step 1: Planning & Clergy Prep
Go to Engagement &
Marketing Toolkit
Start here to prepare your pastor, parish staff, and volunteers before promoting the event:
Download Master Event Planning Checklist (PDF) — Complete timeline from 6 weeks out through post-event follow-up.
Download Pastor & Clergy Liturgy Guide (PDF) — Homily reflection points, Eucharistic prayer guidance, and presider notes.
Download Order of Mass Template (Word/PDF) — Fully customizable worship aid with suggested readings, music, and petitions.
Step 2: Marketing & Promotional Templates
Everything you need to invite families and get the word out across your parish:
Customizable Event Flyers (Canva Templates / PDFs): Print-ready 8.5x11 flyers designed for church vestibules and bulletin boards.
Social Media Graphics & Banners (JPG/PNG): Sized for Facebook, Instagram, and parish digital bulletin boards.
Bulletin Copy & Pulpit Announcements (DocX/PDF): Pre-written 50-word and 100-word blurbs for weekly Mass announcements.
Clergy Mass Invitations (PDF): Scripts for priests and deacons to invite families during weekend Mass announcements.
Step 3: Printables & Event Materials
Everything you need to invite families and get the word out across your parish:
Sign-In Sheet (PDF): Format for families to write their children’s names to be read during the General Intercessions or brought to the altar.
Certificates of Life (PDF): Sacred printable certificates for parents who lost children before birth or baptism.
Welcome Desk & Reception Signage (PDF): Directional signs, memorial table tent cards, and name tags.
Prayer cards and Family Support Tri-Fold (Optional):
Step 4: Reception & Follow-Up Guide
Keep post-liturgy gathering simple, warm, and low-pressure:
Download Reception Script & Hospitality Guide (PDF) — Layout suggestions, refreshment checklists, and facilitator welcome scripts.
Guiding Families to Deeper Accompaniment
The Mass of Remembrance is often the first time a grieving parent steps back into church after a loss. Use the reception to connect attendees with your certified Red Bird Leaders for ongoing 1-on-1 accompaniment.
Mass of Remembrance Engagement & Marketing Tool Hub
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Bulletin Ad
To share the ministry with local families, an ad is an effective way to connect volunteers with those in need.
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Bulletin Announcement
A great way to tell your parish that Red Bird Ministries support is available.
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Order of the Mass
Preparatory notes prepared by Father Connor Porrier to support leaders in making the Memorial Mass a meaningful experience for attending families.
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Mass Intentions
Our prayers of the faithful Mass Intentions provide compassionate prayer for families carrying the cross of loss.
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Flyer
Our flyers are beautifully designed and are perfect for sharing your Mass date, time, location, and offerings.
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Social Media
Our social media graphics can be used on various platforms including bulletins, websites, social pages, Flock Note, & more.
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Certificate of Life
For families who have experienced the loss of a baby through pregnancy.
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Sign In Sheet
Our sign-in sheet facilitates easy reading of children's names during Mass by our leaders.
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Grief Support Registration
These sign up sheets are great for families to register for support, or to find potential volunteers to support the ministry.
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Prayer Cards
Optional:
We offer lovely prayer cards that families can use to pray together and keep as a reminder of the memorial mass. -
RBM Trifold
Optional:
Print these trifold brochures to give to families at the Mass of Remembrance.
Frequently asked questions
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A great time to host your Mass of Remembrance is on First Saturday, around Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day on October 15th, or anytime during October. Other times such as the Feast of the Holy Innocents, the Feast of the Holy Family, and All Souls Day, are all good times to hold a Mass of Remembrance. However, you can hold this type of remembrance service at any time throughout the year.
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Please consult your pastor for any special liturgical requests. We highly recommend the votive Masses found in the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary Volumes 1 & 2, particularly Mary at the Foot of the Cross.
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Hosting a reception after Mass allows families to meet ministry leaders and build community.
The reception can be as simple as a dessert and drinks.
Leaders can introduce themselves and provide resources the families can take with them.
Ideas for building community, place a tent card on the table with loss categories for families to sit together.
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Consult your pastor first, but you can ensure higher participation by inviting the bishop to preside over the mass.
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Some parishes reported 40-50 attendees, while larger ones had up to 300 families.
Regardless of how many families attend, Jesus tells us in scripture to feed our sheep, not count them. Love the families He entrusts into your care.
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You should have candles available for families to light during the roll call of our children. The names will be read during intercessions. Other items can be included like information about Red Bird, a program if available, kleenex, and etc.
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Most families welcome the idea of bringing a photo of their child to the Mass, but some pastors prohibit photos on the altar.
You may want to consider consulting with your pastor to determine if it's possible to relocate the table to a different location.