For assistance with your Funeral Mass music planning, Please contact our Director of Music Ministry:
John M. Failla ([email protected])
We understand that if you have recently experienced the death of a loved one, you may be feeling confused, sad, lonely, or even overwhelmed by your loss. We offer you comfort and a certain hope. For it is our Catholic belief that at death life is changed, not ended and that we and our loved ones will find eternal life with God.
As you prepare a Funeral Liturgy or Memorial Mass, we hope that these resources assist you in preparing a liturgy that truly celebrates the great gift of a life that God has given us. If you are preparing a funeral for a loved one who has passed away, please make sure you are in touch with a Funeral Director and our pastor, Fr. Thadeus Aravindathu.
Contact our parish office at 914-273-9724.
“Sacred music has an integral role in the funeral rites, since it can console and uplift mourners while, at the same time, uniting the assembly in faith and love. (OCF #30) Funeral music should express the Paschal Mystery and the Christian’s share in it. (OCF #30) Since music can evoke strong feelings, it should be chosen with care. It should console the participants and ‘help to create in them a spirit of hope in Christ’s victory over death and in the Christian’s share in that victory.’” (OCF #31)
Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship
In the reference notes, OCF refers to the Order of Christian Funerals – 1989
In a general sense, music that is appropriate for a Catholic Mass is appropriate for a Funeral Liturgy. We have assembled a list of common songs used at Funeral Liturgies. We encourage families to select music from our hymnal, in order to facilitate the congregation’s ability to participate in the prayer (we currently use a hymnals from a major Catholic publisher, OCP). If you have questions, please contact our Director of Music Ministry.
A minimum of three songs are needed: an Entrance Processional, a Communion Song, and a Recessional Song. Optionally, you can select an Offertory Song and a Song of Thanksgiving following Communion. If you pick out 3 or 4 songs, we can help arrange them appropriately within the liturgy. We encourage the responsorial psalm to be sung; some recommended psalms are included in the music list below. (Note: each of the songs listed are linked to audio of that song)
The Funeral Liturgy is a Catholic Mass, with special prayers offered on behalf of the deceased and the grieving community. We’ve included an outline of the liturgy here, with notes (*)where hymns are usually included.
Introductory Rites
Sprinkling of the body with Holy Water
Placing of the Pall
*Entrance Procession – Processional Song
Placing of the Christian Symbols (Bible and Crucifix)
The Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
*Responsorial Psalm – The psalm is sung
Second Reading
Gospel Reading
Homily
Prayers of the Faithful
Liturgy of the Eucharist
*The Offertory – Offertory Song (optional)
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer and The Sign of Peace
*Communion – Communion Song
Final Commendation and Farewell
*Song of Farewell (In Paradisum)
*Recession – Recessional Song