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Funeral Planning
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This page will help you to answer a few questions about the funeral liturgy.The Funeral Liturgy:The Funeral Liturgy is an ancient ritual that expresses the fundamental Christian belief in the Resurrection and eternal life. It consists of three main parts: The Vigil or Wake, the Mass, and the Committal.- The Wake is a time set aside to reflect on the person’s life. This is an opportunity for people to console the grieving and to gather in prayer.
- The Funeral Mass is the principal part of the Funeral Liturgy. At the Mass, “We offer worship, praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of life which has now been returned to God” (OCF, No. 5). We turn our gaze from death to the promise of eternal life. In our current state of grieving, we face the Lord who is the Resurrection and the Life. You will see and hear many symbols at the Mass, Holy Water, Incense, Paschal Candle, Music, Bells all of which help us to encounter our Risen Lord. Scripture and music are also very integral parts of the Funeral Mass.
- Finally, at the Committal or burial, we entrust our loved one to the earth. We bless the grave and commend them to Almighty God.
Selection of the Readings and Hymns:
If you would like to choose the readings and the music on your own, below are some appropriate suggestions. Keep in mind that the readings must come from Sacred Scripture and the music must be sacred hymns found in our hymnal.You may also choose a Responsorial Psalm, which can be found under “Hymn Suggestions.”Readings:
- Select One reading from the Old Testament. View recommendations.
- Select One reading from the New Testament. View recommendations.