Prayer Of Saint Francis Funeral Card (2 per page)

The Prayer of Saint Francis Funeral Card is a printable memorial keepsake that pairs a loved one’s name and life dates with the beloved prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi. Families most often use it as a handout at a funeral, wake, or memorial service so attendees can take home a small, prayerful remembrance. It’s free to download in PDF and DOCX, formatted two cards per page for quick, low-cost printing.

What Is a Prayer of Saint Francis Funeral Card?

A Prayer of Saint Francis Funeral Card is a small commemorative card—sometimes called a memorial card, prayer card, or holy card—distributed in memory of someone who has died. One side typically carries the words “In Loving Memory of” along with the deceased’s name and the dates of birth and death, while the prayer (“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace…”) anchors the design. Funeral homes, parishes, and families create these cards to comfort mourners and to invite reflection. Because the layout places two identical cards on a single page, you can print a full set of keepsakes efficiently and trim them to a uniform pocket size.

When Do You Need a Prayer of Saint Francis Funeral Card?

• You are planning a Catholic or Christian funeral Mass and want a take-home keepsake for those who attend.
• You’re organizing a wake, viewing, or visitation and need a small remembrance to place near the guest book.
• A parish or funeral director is preparing memorial materials on behalf of a grieving family.
• You want to mail a remembrance card to relatives and friends who could not travel to the service.
• You’re marking a month’s mind, anniversary Mass, or memorial gathering and wish to revisit the prayer.
• You’d like a meaningful card to tuck into a sympathy note, prayer book, or Bible as a lasting memento.

What a Prayer Card Should Have

A complete and respectful funeral card balances clear personalization with the dignity of the prayer text. Key elements include:

• A heading such as “In Loving Memory of” that frames the card’s purpose.
• The full name of the deceased, spelled exactly as the family prefers.
• The date of birth and date of death, presented in a consistent format.
• The complete Prayer of Saint Francis, printed accurately and legibly.
• Adequate margins and spacing so two cards fit cleanly on one page and trim evenly.
• An optional photo, cross, or small image if you choose to add one in the editable version.

How to Fill Out a Prayer of Saint Francis Funeral Card

1. Open the template in your PDF reader or in a word processor using the DOCX version so you can type directly into the fields.
2. Replace {Name of deceased} with the loved one’s full name. Use the spelling and any middle name or nickname the family wants displayed on the card.
3. Enter the {Date of birth}, choosing a clear style such as “March 4, 1948” or “04 March 1948” and using it consistently.
4. Enter the {Date of death} in the same format so the two dates align visually beside the dash.
5. Confirm the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi text reads correctly and is not accidentally altered or cut off.
6. Because the layout is two per page, check that both cards show identical, updated details before printing.
7. Print a single test page on plain paper, then trim along the center to confirm sizing and spacing.
8. Print the full quantity on heavier card stock for a quality finish, and cut each sheet into two cards.

Personalizing the Card Thoughtfully

While the prayer itself is fixed and traditional, the personalization should feel intentional. Choose a font and size that remain easy to read for older mourners, and keep the name visually prominent without overwhelming the prayer. If you add a photograph in the DOCX version, select a clear, well-lit image and leave breathing room around it. Many families also like to add a small cross, a favorite flower, or a soft background tone, but restraint usually reads as more reverent. Print on matte or satin card stock if you want a finish that resists fingerprints, and round the corners slightly if you have a corner punch for a polished, keepsake-quality result.

Printing Two Cards Per Page

The two-per-page format is designed for efficiency and consistency. Each sheet yields a matching pair, so a single ream produces a large quantity of identical cards. When printing, set your printer scaling to “Actual size” or “100%” rather than “Fit to page,” which can shrink the layout and throw off your trim lines. Use a paper cutter or guillotine trimmer for straight edges, and cut a few cards first to confirm alignment before processing the entire batch. If you’re printing a large number for a well-attended service, a local print shop can run the same file on heavier stock quickly and inexpensively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Misspelling the deceased’s name—always have a second person proofread it before printing.
• Using two different date formats so the birth and death dates don’t visually match.
• Accidentally editing or truncating the prayer text while replacing the name and dates.
• Printing with “Fit to page” enabled, which can resize the cards and ruin the trim alignment.
• Forgetting to update both cards on the page, leaving one with placeholder text.
• Choosing a decorative font so ornate that the name or prayer becomes hard to read.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Prayer of Saint Francis funeral card used for? It is a small memorial keepsake handed out at funerals, wakes, and memorial services. It honors the person who has died by displaying their name and life dates alongside the well-known Prayer of Saint Francis. Mourners keep it as a lasting remembrance and a prompt for prayer.

How do I fill out the card? Type the deceased’s full name into the {Name of deceased} field, then add the {Date of birth} and {Date of death} using a single consistent date format. Leave the prayer text unchanged, then verify both cards on the page match before printing. A quick test print helps you confirm spacing and trim lines.

Is the Prayer of Saint Francis Catholic? The prayer is traditionally attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi and is widely used in Catholic and broader Christian settings. Its themes of peace, pardon, and consolation also resonate with many people of different backgrounds. You are welcome to use it for any service where it feels appropriate and meaningful.

How many cards print per page? This template is laid out two cards per page, so each printed sheet produces a matching pair. That makes it efficient to print larger quantities for a well-attended service. Simply trim down the center of each sheet to separate the two cards.

What paper should I print on? Standard paper works for a quick draft, but card stock—often around 80 lb cover weight—gives the finished cards a sturdier, keepsake-quality feel. A matte or satin finish resists fingerprints and looks dignified. Always print one test sheet first to check sizing and alignment.

Is this template free to download? Yes. The Prayer of Saint Francis Funeral Card is completely free to download in both PDF and DOCX formats, with no signup required. The DOCX version lets you edit the name, dates, fonts, and optional images directly in your word processor.

This template is provided as a general example for informational and personal use only and does not constitute legal, religious, or professional advice. Prayer wording, attributions, and customs may vary by tradition and parish; please confirm details with your clergy, funeral director, or another qualified professional as appropriate.

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