Planning the Funeral Mass
The Funeral Mass is central to the Catholic funeral. When planning the Funeral Mass, the following elements should be considered:
Date and Time of the Funeral- This can be arranged with the Parish office or with the funeral home.
Choosing Readers- A family member or friend may serve as a lector for the Mass or service.
Selecting Music- This can be arranged with the Parish office.
Choosing Scriptural Readings- See more information in our Scripture Readings section below.
Location of Mass- The Marian Chapel.
Disposition of the Body- Burial or Cremation. View our FAQ About Cremation for more info.
Scripture Readings for the Funeral Mass
The Funeral Mass should include one scriptural reading from the Old Testament.
An optional reading may be selected from the New Testament.
The family may request a specific Gospel reading, and on most occasions, the celebrant will use the family’s choice, but the choice is up to the celebrant.
“Music is integral to the funeral rites. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words may fail to convey. Music has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. The texts of the songs chosen should the Paschal Mystery of the Lord’s suffering, death, and triumph over death, and should relate to the readings from Scripture.” -from the Order of Christian Funerals, 30
Music selections are arranged through the Parish Office. Only Church approved songs may be used during the Funeral Mass.