The Rite of Christian Burial

For the Faithful Catholic, having been baptized in the Church, the final farewell to a loved one is inside the Catholic Rites for a Funeral.  The Church divides the "Order of a Christian Funeral" into 3 distinct parts.  

The Vigil Service or "wake" usually held at the funeral home the day or night before the Church service.  

The Funeral Liturgy is a Mass where the deceased is commended to God's tender mercy.  The Funeral Mass is an act of worship, not merely an expression of grief.

                                              Music at a Catholic Funeral
 
Music has been a part of human nature for millennia.  Historical and Biblical records often refer to music especially when people gather to celebrate.  While we normally think of a celebration as a happy event, the true meaning is related to praising someone or something, to perform a religious ceremony or to do something special:  A Catholic funeral Mass is all of these. It is a celebration of the Faithful’s departure from this life to the eternal life promised in the Gospels.  As a celebration, it is most appropriate and encouraged that music be a significant part of the funeral liturgy.
 
In the Catholic funeral mass, there are four or five opportunities for hymns. Hymns, by their nature are to be sung by all in attendance.  As such, the selections should be familiar and singable.  The first opportunity to sing is at the very beginning of the Mass.

There is a Psalm, usually sung, between the first two readings:  Most often, the Psalm of choice is from Psalm 23:  “The Lord is My Shepherd, There is Nothing I shall want.”
 
The other times for hymns are just after the Priest’s homily/words to family and friends.  There should be a hymn during the reception of Holy Communion – this hymn should be a hymn about Eucharist.  Often, special requests such as the Ave Maria can be sung immediately after Communion.  
 
A song of farewell is sung as part of the commendation.  This commendation implores the Saints to “Receive his/her soul and present her/him soul to God most high.”
 
Finally, as the family and friends leave the church for the cemetery, a hymn is sung.  

Please be advised: The music demands of a Mass of Christian Burial are complex and require considerable expertise and experience. As such: Guest musicians/soloists will only be permitted upon consultation with the Pastor and Director of Music.
 
 
Hymns for funerals:
 
Amazing Grace
Be Not Afraid
Blest Are They
Come to Me
Faith of Our Fathers
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Soper)

I know The My Redeemer Lives (Duke Street)
Jerusalem, My Happy Home
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Like a Shepherd
Lord of All Hopefulness
O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Praise to the Lord
Prayer of St. Francis
Shepherd of Souls
The Strife is O’er
To You, O Lord, I Lift Up My Soul
 
 
Responsorial Psalm:
 
Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd
Psalm 16: Shepherd Me, O God
 
Communion Hymns:
 
Gift of Finest Wheat
God’s Holy Gifts
One Bread, One Body
O Sacrum Convivium
Panis Angelicus
Spirit and Grace
This Body of Christ