Preparing for the Funeral

The following resources will be of use to those who are preparing for the funeral of a loved one,
or pre-planning for their own arrangements.  

READINGS
The Universal Church has selected readings to be used at Masses for the Dead that appropriate to the themes eternal life, and the liturgical season.  
During most of the liturgical year, the first reading is taken from the Hebrew Scriptures, and the second reading from the Epistles.  
During the Easter Season, the first reading is taken either from the Acts of the Apostles or Revelation.  
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF READINGS

MUSIC
Like the readings, the Universal Church has also prepared music that is appropriate to the funeral liturgy.  In recent years, a custom has arisen in the United States for families of the deceased to select additional music besides these recommendations.  While this is accetpable, it is important to note the music that is chosen for a funeral Mass is to reflect the diginity the sacrament of the Eucharist, and the hope of eternal rest.  It should not be secular in nature, nor should it be chosen for sentimental reasons.  If choosing music proves to be a difficult task in a time of mourning, our parish music ministry team will be glad to offer guidance or to select appropriate music for the Mass.  

See the links below for more guidance on musical options for the funeral Mass. 

ORDINARY TIME ADVENT LENT EASTER