We understand that if you have recently experienced the death of a loved one, you may be feeling confused, sad, lonely, or even overwhelmed by your loss. We offer you comfort and a certain hope. For it is our Catholic belief that at death life is changed, not ended, and that we and our loved ones will find eternal life with God.

As you prepare a Funeral Liturgy or Memorial Mass, we hope that these resources assist you in preparing a liturgy that truly celebrates the great gift of a life that God has given us. If you are preparing a funeral for a loved one who has passed away, please make sure you are in touch with the Funeral Director, the priest in our parish, and the music director. 

Selecting Music

In a general sense, music that is appropriate for a Catholic Mass is appropriate for a Funeral Liturgy. We have assembled a list of common songs used at Funeral Liturgies. We encourage families to select music from our hymnals, in order to facilitate the congregation’s ability to participate in the prayer. If you have questions, please contact our Director of Music Ministry.

A minimum of three songs are needed: an Entrance Processional, a Communion Song, and a Recessional Song. Optionally, you can select an Offertory Song and a Song of Thanksgiving following Communion. If you pick out 3 or 4 songs, we can help arrange them appropriately within the liturgy. 
 

The Funeral Liturgy

The Funeral Liturgy is a Catholic Mass, with special prayers offered on behalf of the deceased and the grieving community. We’ve included an outline of the liturgy here, with notes where hymns are usually included.

Introductory Rites 
Sprinkling of the body with Holy Water 
Placing of the Pall 
Entrance Procession –   Processional Song
Placing of the Christian Symbols (Bible and Crucifix) 

The Liturgy of the Word 
First Reading 
Responsorial Psalm –   The psalm is usually sung
Second Reading
Gospel Reading
Homily
Prayers of the Faithful  

Liturgy of the Eucharist 
The Offertory   – Offertory Song (optional)
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer and The Sign of Peace
Communion – Communion Song  
Prayer after communion 
Words or remembrance (optional)

Final Commendation and Farewell 
Song of Farewell 
Recession –   Recessional Song