A Catholic funeral Mass has more fixed structure than most services, which is good news for a family planning one: much of it is decided for you. What you choose are the readings, the music, and who carries them out.
The full order
- Prelude
- Reception of the body — the placing of the pall.
- Entrance procession and opening hymn
- Opening prayer
- First reading — usually Old Testament. Reference and reader.
- Responsorial psalm — sung or spoken.
- Second reading — usually a New Testament letter.
- Gospel reading — proclaimed by the celebrant or deacon.
- Homily — the celebrant.
- Prayers of the faithful
- Liturgy of the Eucharist — offertory and communion hymns.
- Final commendation and farewell
- Recessional hymn
What the parish decides, not the family
The shape of the Mass is not negotiable, and several details are set by the parish. Ask early about three in particular:
- Eulogies. Many dioceses do not permit a eulogy within the Mass itself. Where that is the case, words of remembrance are usually offered at the vigil the evening before, or at the reception afterwards. Do not print one into the Mass without asking.
- Music. Secular songs are commonly not allowed inside the liturgy, however much they meant to the person. They may be welcome at the graveside or the repast.
- Readings. Chosen from an approved lectionary. The parish will usually hand you a selection to choose from.
Take the printed draft to the parish office before it goes to print. A five-minute check catches a hymn that is not permitted, or a title worded differently in that parish, and it is a great deal cheaper than reprinting.
The Rite of Committal
The burial at the cemetery is a separate rite, held after the Mass. Some families print it on the back panel of the same program; others hand out nothing at the graveside. Both are normal. If you print it, keep it to a few lines — the committal is short by design.
Thirteen entries needs a Bi-Fold at minimum, and sits more comfortably on a Tri-Fold or booklet where the printed order of service is uncapped.
Print the Mass in the right order
Pick the Catholic outline and it arrives laid out in sequence, ready for the parish to check.
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