The Catholic funeral consists of three stages:
the Vigil (wake), the Mass of Christian Burial, and the Committal(Burial). It is helpful to establish and publish a time for the Vigil /wake service within the obituary; an ideal time is the opening of the calling hours at the funeral home, which does not interrupt the flow of visitors. It is also convenient to schedule a time for "Words of Remembrance" to be shared, which should also occur at the funeral home, cemetery or at the luncheon which follows the service.
For the funeral Mass, the following references will assist you to prepare a funeral for a loved one or to pre-plan your own rites. In the latter case, write down your choices, and give a copy of these choices to the member of the familiy who will be in charge of your funeral or give to the funeral director to include with the other items found in your pre-arrangements.
There are four places for hymns during the funeral: entrance, presentation of the gifts, communion, and recessional. In addition, there is the responsorial psalm usually led by the cantor and the hymn of farewell if your body or ashes are present for the funeral. During the presentation of the gifts and communion, you can opt to have the organist play appropriate music rather than singing a hymn. Selections should be taken from our parish hymnal, Worship.
Click Here For A List Of Approved Hymns For Funerals
The funeral mass has three readings: Old Testament, New Testament Epistle and the Gospel. While the celebrant usually chooses the Gospel (though a request can be made) the Old and New testament readings can be chosen by the family. Below are links to the reading selections.
Click Here For Approved Readings For Funerals
or
Masses for the Dead - Readings from the Old Testament | USCCB
Masses for the Dead - Readings from the New Testament | USCCB