 Funeral Readings and Music
The funeral liturgy in the Catholic Church is a
time for the family and friends of the deceased to gather with the larger
church community for prayer and support. While there are many elements that
lend focus and meaning to the Christian funeral, two are of particular importance:
the Scripture readings proclaimed in church and the hymns, psalms and acclamation
sung by the assembly. Through the Scriptures, the Word of God, the church
hears anew the promise of new life. Our God, who has brought us into being,
will restore us to a new and fuller life for our God "is not God of
the dead but of the living." [Luke 20: 38] Similarly, the hymns, psalms
and acclamations sung by the community during the funeral liturgy fill us
with hope and consolation. Music has a unique ability to touch our heart,
to heal our pain, to express our sorrow and to lift up our soul. In this
brief brochure we offer some thoughts on the readings suggested for the
liturgy as well as some hymns and psalms which may be chosen for use during
the funeral mass at Saint Malachy Church. We hope we will be able to discuss
the funeral arrangements with you in person so that together we may rightfully
and prayerfully bid farewell to your beloved family member in the church.
The Readings
In the funeral mass a total of three readings is recommended. Family
or friends of the deceased are encouraged to proclaim the first two readings
while the priest or deacon normally reads the gospel. Generally, it is good
to select a person who has some public speaking experience.
The first reading is drawn from the books of the Jewish Bible, the Old
Testament. Readings you may select include:
- Job 19: 1, 23-26
- Wisdom 3: 1-9
- Wisdom 4: 7-15
- Isaiah 25: 6a, 7-9
- Lamentations 3: 17-26
- Daniel 12: 1-3
- 2 Maccabees 12: 43-46
The complete text of these and the other funeral readings can be found
in any Bible or in the book Through Death To Life which the parish is happy
to offer you at this time. In addition funeral homes often have copies of
the complete texts of the funeral readings available for your consideration
and use. Be sure to check with your funeral director.
The Responsorial Psalm, which is always sung, follows the first reading.
It is treated below in our consideration of music for the funeral.
The second reading is drawn from the pages of the New Testament. Recommended
readings include:
- Acts 10: 34-43
- Romans 5: 5-11
- Romans 5: 17-21
- Romans 6: 3-9
- Romans 8: 14-23
- Romans 8: 31b-35, 37-39
- Romans 14: 7-12
- 1 Corinthians 15: 20-28
- 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57
- 2 Corinthians 4: 13-5:1
- 2 Corinthians 5: 1, 6-10
- Philippians 3: 20-21
- 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
- 2 Timothy 2: 8-13
- 1 John 3: 1-2
- 1 John 3: 14-16
- Revelation 14: 13
- Revelation 20: 11-21:1
- Revelation 21: 1-5a, 6b-7
The gospel readings from which you may select are:
- Matthew 5: 1-12
- Matthew 11: 25-30
- Matthew 25: 1-13
- Matthew 25: 31-46
- Mark 15: 33-39, 16: 1-6
- Luke 7: 11-17
- Luke 12: 35-40
- Luke 23: 33, 39-43
- Luke 23: 44-46, 50, 52-53, 24: 1-6a
- Luke 24: 13-35
- John 5: 24-29
- John 6: 37-40
- John 11: 32-45
- John 12: 23-28
- John 14: 1-6
- John 17: 24-26
- John 19: 17-18, 25-30
A brief homily follows the reading of the gospel. Death is seen in the
context of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Music
In the funeral liturgy there are four to five opportunities for hymns:
The Gathering Song [when we enter the church], the Song at the Presentation
of the Gifts [often a solo], the Song at Communion and the Song of Farewell
[just before we leave the church]. While a recessional is sometimes sung,
it is often best treated as an instrumental piece. We offer the following
suggestions for your consideration. The placement of the music is usually
best left to the discretion and experience of the parish musician.
- All I Ask of You
- Amazing Grace
- Ave Maria
- Be Not Afraid
- Because The Lord Is My Shepherd
- Blest Are They
- Center of My Life
- City of God
- Come To Me
- Eat This Bread
- Gift of Finest Wheat
- Hail Mary, Gentle Woman
- Here I Am Lord
- Hosea
- How Great Thou Art
- I Am The Bread of Life
- I Am The Living Bread
- Irish Blessing
- Jesus, Remember Me
- Joyful, Joyful
- Kindness
- Like A Shepherd
- O God Our Help In Ages Past
- On Eagle's Wings
- One Bread, One Body
- Prayer of Saint Francis
- Taste and See
- The Strife Is O'er
- We Remember
- We Will Rise Again
- Wherever You Go
- You Are Near
The Responsorial Psalm
After the first reading the congregation and cantor sing together the
psalm. We suggest the following well known settings.
- For You Are My God [Ps 16]
- Keep Me Safe [Ps 16]
- My Shepherd Is The Lord [Ps 23]
- On Eagle's Wings [Ps 91]
- Shepherd Me, O God [Ps 23]
- Taste and See [Ps 34]
- You Are Near [Ps 139]
The Alleluia and Other Acclamations
Just before the gospel the entire assembly stands and sings the Alleluia.
We usually employ the version known as the Celtic Alleluia since it is so
well known and easily encourages good participation. The acclamations during
the Eucharistic Prayer, namely the Holy, the Memorial Acclamation and the
Great Amen are also sung by all. Normally, we employ the Mass of Creation
setting because of its familiarity in the Catholic community and ease of
singing.
A Final Word
We hope that these brief words and suggestions will help you in preparing
with us the funeral liturgy for your dearly beloved relative. Please do
not hesitate to give us a call at 272-5111 if you have any questions regarding
these or any other items related to the funeral liturgy.
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