Service Resources

During the funeral Mass a total of three readings are recommended. Family or friends of the deceased are welcome to participate by presenting the first and second reading during the Mass and the priest or deacon will normally present the gospel.



When considering who will present the reading it is important to keep in mind that the person you select should have had some previous public speaking experience and that the individual would feel comfortable addressing the congregation during a highly emotional time.

During a funeral Mass there are four opportunities for hymns:

The Entrance Hymn: (When we process into the church),
The Offertory Hymn Played at the presentation of the Gifts,
The Communion Hymn Played while communion is received
The Recessional Hymn as we process out of the church.

The link below will provide you with a listing and sample of a variety of approved secular music selections traditionally used for a funeral Mass. However depending on the location of the service, and the ability of the organist some songs may not be available and ultimately must be approved by the pastor and or musician of the church. If there is a particular song you would like for the Mass that is not listed below please let one of our staff members know and we will contact the church or organist for approval.

Our staff will be happy to assist you with planning any and all details regarding funeral mass's however if you wish to list and complete the details of the funeral Mass at your own convenience we have created this printable word document that can be completed and printed or saved and attached to a e-mail to help coordinated your wishes with our staff and the officiant of the service. 

For families and individuals living in this region (as elsewhere in the nation), a funeral service can mean many things. Some fall back on what is commonly called a "traditional funeral"; others see that same traditional service as an emotionally unfulfilling event. Fortunately, thanks to a number of unique social forces, there are alternatives. Today, end-of-life commemorative services range from the traditional funeral, to a memorial service and the increasingly popular celebrations-of-life. If you have yet to realize the immense value of such a collective acknowledgement of loss, reach out to us. Call to speak with one of our experienced funeral service professionals.

Source:
Huntington, Richard and Peter Metcalf, Celebrations of Death: The Anthropology of Mortuary Ritual, Cambridge University Press, 1979