Order of Christian Funerals

Preparation Form 
(To be completed by family member)

Name of the Deceased:  ______________________________________________  
Date of Death: ____________________________ Age: _______________  
Parish of Deceased: __________________________________________________

Family:  
Contact: _____________________________________________ 
Relationship: _________________________________________ 
Address: _____________________________________________ 
                 _____________________________________________  
Telephone number:  ____________________________________ 
Email address:         ____________________________________ 

Immediate Living Members of the Family:  
________________________________ Relationship _______________  
________________________________ Relationship _______________  
________________________________ Relationship _______________
________________________________ Relationship _______________  
 
Deceased Family Members to be Remembered:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Funeral Home:
Name: ________________________________________ 
Address: ____________________________________________________ 
Phone/Email: ________________________________________________   
 
FUNERAL PREPARATIONS

Vigil Service / Viewing
Date: _________________________________  
Time: ____________ 
Location: ______________________________  
Funeral Liturgy  
Date: _____________________________ Time: _________________  
Location: ________________________________________________  
Presider: _________________________________________________  
_______ Eucharistic Celebration (Mass) _______Liturgy of the Word  
_______Body Present _______Cremated Remains ___________Military Honors  

Number of People in Attendance (estimated) _____________  
Placing of the Pall: ______Family/Friends       ______
Carrying the Urn: ______Family Member/Friend ______ Funeral Director 

READINGS:  
Consider the following when selecting readings:  

1. What readings bring you the most comfort and hope that you would

2. What readings speak strong to you about the life of the deceased?  

3. What readings speak most to you of the mystery of dying and rising?  

 

One Old Testament ____________________________________  
Name of Reader ____________________________________
One New Testament ___________________________________ 
Name of Reader ____________________________________
One Gospel __________________________________________  
Prayer of Faithful _____________________________________
Names of Gift Bearers _________________________________

MUSIC: Coordinated with Music Ministry  
Entrance Hymn _______________________________________  
Responsorial Psalm ____________________________________  
Preparation of the Gifts _________________________________  
Communion Hymn(s) __________________________________  
Meditation Hymn (optional) _____________________________
Song of Farewell ______________________________________
Recessional Hymn _____________________________________  

Committal/Burial  
Date: _____________________________ Time: _______________  
Location: ________________________________________________________  
Minister: ________________________________________________________ 

Name & Address for Remembrance Letter
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

Resurrection & Life Minister: _____________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________

*********************************************************************************
(Office use only)  
Email: _________________ Recorded date: ___________ Card: ________________  
Registered Member of the Parish    ______YES               ______ NO

Please select ONE Old Testament reading

Wisdom 3:1-9 “Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones.”  
A reading from the Book of Wisdom

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. [In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever.] Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

The Word of the Lord.

Isaiah 25:6, 7-9 “He will destroy death forever.”  
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away
     the tears from all faces.

The Word of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:17-26 “Hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.” 
 A Reading from the Book of Lamentations

My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord. The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall; remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; they are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Good is the Lord to one, who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord. 

The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Please select One (1) RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 23:1-3, 4, 5, 6

R/.  The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
or:
R/.  Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
in verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for his name sake.  R/.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.  R/.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.  R/.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.  R/.

Ps 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my brothers and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

PS 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
to see your power and your glory,
For your kindness is a greater good than life;
my lips shall glorify you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus will I bless you while I live;
lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.
As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. 
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
You are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you;
your right hand upholds me.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

New Testament Readings
Please select One (1) New Testament Reading

2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10 “We have a building from God, eternal in heaven.”  
A Reading from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters:

We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven. We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.

The Word of the Lord.
Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12 “Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s”  
A Reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans

Brothers and sisters: No one lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why then do you judge your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. So then each of us shall give an accounting of himself to God.

The Word of the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “Thus we shall always be with the Lord.”  
A Reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words.

The Word of the Lord.

Acclamation of the Gospel
Please select ONE  of the followings:

Matthew 25:34
Come, you who are blessed by my Father, says the Lord;
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

John 6:39
This is the will of my Father, says the Lord,
that I should lose nothing of all that he has given to me,
and that I should raise it up on the last day.

Philippians 3:20
Our true home is in heaven,
and Jesus Christ, whose return we long for,
will come from heaven to save us.

Gospel Readings Select ONE Gospel Reading
The Gospel reading is ALWAYS read by the Deacon or priest

Gospel ONE ~John 14:1-6 “In my Father’s house there are many dwellings.”  
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not, would I have told you
  that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
  I will come back again and take you to myself,
  so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”
 Thomas said to him,
  “Master, we do not know where you are going;
  how can we know the way?”
 Jesus said to him,
  “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Gospel TWO Matthew 5:1-12a “Rejoice and be glad, the kingdom of heaven is yours
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
     and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
     "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
          for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
     Blessed are they who mourn,
          for they will be comforted.
     Blessed are the meek,
          for they will inherit the land.
     Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
          for they will be satisfied.
     Blessed are the merciful,
          for they will be shown mercy.
     Blessed are the clean of heart,
          for they will see God.
     Blessed are the peacemakers,
          for they will be called children of God.
     Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
          for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
     Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
          and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
     Rejoice and be glad,
          for your reward will be great in heaven."

Gospel THREE ~ Luke 23:33, 39-43 “Today you will be with me in paradise.”  
When the soldiers came to the place called the Skull,
     they crucified Jesus and the criminals there,
     one on his right, the other on his left.
Now one of the criminals hanging there
     reviled Jesus, saying,
     "Are you not the Christ?
     Save yourself and us."
The other man, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
     "Have you no fear of God,
     for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
     for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
     but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
He replied to him,
     "Amen, I say to you,
     today you will be with me in Paradise."
The Gospel of the Lord.
General Intercessions ( Select ONE of the following)
Intercession I:
Priest
Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father, where he intercedes for his Church. Confident that God hears the voices of those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join our prayers to his
Reader says:  Our Response is:  Hear our prayer
Reader:   In baptism ____________ received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead him/her over the waters of death. Lord, in your mercy----Hear our prayer
Reader:  Our sister/brother, ___________ was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome her into the halls of the heavenly banquet. Lord, in your mercy----Hear our prayer
Reader:  Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son.  Lord, in your mercy----Hear our prayer
Reader:  Many people die by violence, war and famine each day. Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace. Lord, in your mercy----Hear our prayer
Reader:  Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshment, rest and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. Lord, in your mercy----Hear our prayer
Reader:  We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our brother/sister _________. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son’s coming. Lord, in your mercy----Hear our prayer
Priest:  Lord God, Giver of peace and healer of souls, hear the prayers of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the  voices of your people, whose lives were purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Forgive the sins of all who sleep in Christ and grant them a place in the kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord: Amen


Intercession II:
Priest:  God, the almighty Father, raised Christ his son from the dead; with confidence we ask him to save all his people, living and dead:
Reader says: Our Response is:   “hear our prayer”
Reader:  For ________ who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that he/she may now be admitted to the company of the saints. Lord, in your mercy----hear our prayer
Reader:  For________ who ate the body of Christ, the bread of life, that he/she may be raised up on the last day. Lord, in your mercy----hear our prayer
Reader:  For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. Lord, in your mercy----hear our prayer
Reader:  For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. Lord, in your mercy----hear our prayer
Reader:  For the family and friends of ________, that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend, Lazarus. Lord, in your mercy----hear our prayer
Reader:  For all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God’s kingdom. Lord, in your mercy----hear our prayer
Priest:  God, our shelter and our strength, you listen in love to the cry of your people: hear the prayers we offer for our departed brothers and sisters.  Cleanse them of their sins and grant them the fullness of redemption. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen

Intercession III:
Priest:  My dear friends, let us join with one another in praying to God, not only for our departed sister/brother, but also for the Church, for peace in the world, and for ourselves.
Reader says:  Please respond --- Lord, hear our prayer for each petition
Reader:  That the bishops and priests of the Church, and all who preach the Gospel, may be given the strength to express in action the word they proclaim.  We pray to the Lord/All: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Reader:  That those in public office may promote justice and peace.  We pray to the Lord/All: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Reader:  That those who bear the cross of pain in mind or body may never feel forsaken by God.  We pray to the Lord/All: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Reader:  That God may deliver the soul of his servant ______________ from punishment and from the powers of darkness.  We pray to the Lord/All: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Reader:  That God in his mercy may blot out all his/her offenses.  We pray to the Lord/All: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Reader:  That God may establish him/her in light and peace.  We pray to the Lord/All: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Reader:  That God may call him/her to happiness in the company of all the saints.
Reader:  That God may welcome into his glory those of our family and friends who have departed this life.  We pray to the Lord/All: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Reader:  That God may give a place in the kingdom of heaven to all the faithful departed.  We pray to the Lord/All: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Priest:  O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your departed servants release from all their sins. Hear our prayers for those we love and give them the pardon they have always desired. We ask this  through Christ, our Lord.  Amen


Intercession IV:
Priest:  Let us turn to Christ Jesus with confidence and faith in the power of his cross and resurrection
Reader says – Our Response is  - Lord have mercy
Reader:  Risen Lord, pattern of our life forever, Lord have mercy. All – Lord Have Mercy
Reader:  Promise and image of what we shall be, Lord have mercy. All – Lord Have Mercy
Reader:  Son of God who came to take away sin and death, Lord have mercy.  All – Lord Have Mercy
Reader:  Word of God who delivered us from the fear of death, Lord have mercy.  All – Lord Have Mercy
Reader:  Crucified Lord, forsaken in death, raised in glory, Lord have mercy.  All – Lord Have Mercy
Reader:  Lord Jesus, gentle Shepherd who brings rest to our souls, give peace to us forever, Lord have mercy. All – Lord Have Mercy
Reader:  Lord Jesus, you bless those who mourn and are in pain. Bless  Noreen's family and friends who gather around her/him today.  All – Lord Have Mercy
Priest:  Lord God, you entrusted to us and now you embrace Noreen in your love. Take into your arms together with all those who have died.  Comfort us, your servants, who seek to do your will and to know your  peace. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

MUSIC
                                             
We realize that at such a time it may be difficult to think about music for the Funeral Liturgy. To assist you with the funeral service music we have developed the following guide.  
Below is a list of suggested hymns that our parish community knows and frequently sings at funerals. You may use this list as a guide. If you care to make other selections, if there is a specific song you would like included, or if you need other help with the funeral music, please discuss this with the music ministry. If you would like to use a hymn or piece of music that is not included in this list, please contact the director of music ministry to discuss the selection. If you have no specific music preferences the music ministry will gladly make the selections for you.

Gathering Songs (Pick one)                                                                                               
Alleluia, Sing to Jesus
Amazing Grace                                                                                           
Be Not Afraid                                                                                                        
Blessed Are They     
Here I am Lord                                                                                   
I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Sing with All the Saints in Glory                                                                          
                                                                                               
PSALMS  (Pick one)                                                                                                          
Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd  
Psalm 25 - To You, O Lord, I Lift My Soul (Gather)                                                           
Psalm 31 - Shepherd Me O God                                                                                           
Psalm 27 - The Lord is My Light                                                                                         
Psalm 63 - My Soul is Thirsting For You                                            
Psalm 103 - The Lord is Kind and Merciful  
Psalm 131 – My Soul is Still
I Have Loved You
                                                                                               
PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS (Pick one)                                                                  
Alleluia, Sing to Jesus                                                         
Amazing Grace                                                                                                      
Blest Are They                                                                                            
Be Not Afraid  
Eye Has Not Seen
Holy Is His Name                    
I Have Loved You                                                                                                 
It is Well
Lord You Have Come
On Eagle's Wings  
Prayer of St. Francis  
Seek Ye First  
Servant Song                                                                                             
You Are Near                                                                       

COMMUNION HYMN (Pick One)                                       MEDITATION HYMN (optional)

Behold the Lamb                                                                     Ave Maria
Gift of Finest Wheat                                                                Hail Mary, Gentle Woman
I Am the Bread of Life                                                             Lady of Knock
One Bread, One Body
Panis Angelicus          
Pan de Vida                                                                             SONG OF FAREWELL (Pick One)
Supper of the Lord                                                                  
Taste and See                                                                           Come to His/Her Aid
Unless a Grain of Wheat                                                        Song of Farewell (Sands)
                                                                                                   O Loving God

RECESSIONAL HYMN
(Pick one)                                                                                                         
Alleluia, Sing to Jesus 
Amazing Grace            
City of God
How Great Thou Art
Let There Be Peace on Earth 
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee                                                                      
O God, Our Help in Ages Past                                                                               
On Eagle's Wings                                                                                                  
Precious Lord, Take My Hand  
Sing a New Song    
We Walk by Faith