Beginning with the story and origins of death, the first episode talks about human dignity in dying, and how Jesus’ death and resurrection factors into our understanding of passing on.
Following episodes cover what the church teaches about death, the role of Last Rites, facing mortality with peace, what the living owe the dead, and supplemental resources.
Each instalment of Eternal Rest will be followed by a discussion to facilitate group learning and discussion of topics discussed that session.
The sessions are aimed at imparting wisdom, building community support, and providing hope in times of grief.
Missen, wants the screenings of Eternal Rest to ease some of the anxiety people may have surrounding funerals and their own deaths.
He said the team at his funeral home understood the importance of the faith and adhering to the traditions in it and wanted to make sure people knew what they should be getting when they ask for a Catholic funeral.
“We work in the funeral industry and there’s a lot of great funeral directors, but when they say they do Catholic services, they don’t understand those rituals and rites we do in the Requiem Mass,” he told The Catholic Weekly.
“We want to ensure people know it’s our God-given right to get that.
“We want them to walk away feeling enlightened and take away any stresses or anxiety they might have.
“There’s so much uncertainty and people fear what they don’t understand or don’t know so if we walk with them on this journey at least they’re well prepared.”
Missen said some people who may attend the sessions will be informed on the proper way to get a Catholic funeral and what is required in the lead up to death.
The first video will be shown on Saturday 10 January, with each session held weekly in the parish hall for four weeks until 31 January and is open to anyone over the age of 18.
Registrations are open via Trybooking.