Music for Funerals

Music is integral to the funeral rites. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that word alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. An organist and cantor assist the assembly’s full participation in singing the songs, responses, and acclamations of the funeral liturgy.  Suggestions for music for the Mass are available below. The texts of the songs chosen for a particular celebration should express the paschal mystery of the Lord’s suffering, death, and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture. (The Order of Christian Funerals No.30).

MUSIC FOR THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS

ENTRANCE:

Be Still My Soul

On Eagle’s Wings

Amazing Grace

I Heard the Voice of Jesus

Here I Am Lord

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

Hosea

PSALM:

Ps.23: 1-3, 4, 5, 6   The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Ps.25: 6 and 7b, 17-18, 20-21   To You, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Ps. 27: 1, 4, 7, and 8b and 9a, 13-14   The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Ps.63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9   My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Ps.103: 8 and 10, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18   The Lord is kind and merciful.

Ps.116: 5, 6 10-11, 15-16ac   I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Ps.122: 1-2, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9   Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Ps. 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8  Out of the depths, I cry to you, Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

I am the way, the truth and the life says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me. 

I am the Resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will never die.

My sheep hear my voice says the Lord.  I know them and they follow me.

PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS:

Come to Me

I Have Loved You

There is a Longing

The Lord Is My Light

I Know that My Redeemer Lives

Prayer Of Saint Francis

Only This I Want

Loving and Forgiving

Be Not Afraid

Eye Has Not Seen

How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place

COMMUNION PROCESSIONAL:

The Jesus Song

Gift of Finest Wheat

Bread of Angels

I Received the Living God

I Am the Bread of Life

Panis Angelicus

Behold The Lamb

Taste and See

O Lord I Am Not Worthy

Spirit and Grace

MEDITATION:

Ave Maria

Hail Mary, Gentle Woman

Our Lady of Knock

RECESSIONAL:

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

The Strife Is O’Er

Let There Be Peace On Earth

How Great Thou Art

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Sing With All The Saints In Glory

Irish Blessing

O God Beyond All Praising

Please contact Sonya Novak who coordinates the music ministry for funerals with your selections as soon as possible.  Sonya can be reached at 267-577-7475 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Please consult with Sonya regarding any questions about music or if there is a request for a guest soloist, cantor, or instrumentalist.