Joshua Bennett
A Catholic funeral mass is a ceremony that brings hope and consolation to the living through the difficult experience of the death of a loved one. The funeral liturgy and the Rite of Committal aim to help those left behind understand death and what happens after it through a Christian lens. A funeral program is not required, but some families choose to prepare one to assist those attending the service. This can be done by using a template, which can be found online, or by using a drag-and-drop platform to create a more personalised program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Traditional funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life |
| Structure | More structured and formal, or flexible and personalized |
| Leadership | Clergy, celebrant, or master of ceremonies |
| Body | Present in a casket or not present with an urn of ashes |
| Guest participation | Observing and reflecting, or participating |
| Music | Sacred music, hymns, and songs that console and uplift mourners |
| Program | Optional, with samples available and printing services offered |
| Template | Available in Microsoft Word format, with customizable designs and drag-and-drop tools |
| Booklet | Folded A4 sheet with four pages or an eight-page variation, including the deceased's name, dates, photo, and final details |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a template: Select a booklet template to structure your program
- Front cover: Include the deceased's name, dates, and photo or cross
- Funeral liturgy: Outline the Catholic Mass, including hymns and prayers
- Music: Choose meaningful songs to console and uplift mourners
- Back cover: Add final details, a thank-you message, and next steps
Choosing a template: Select a booklet template to structure your program
When planning a Catholic funeral, the first step is to contact a funeral home, which will then coordinate with the church to plan the date and time and contact the music director. The priest who will be celebrating the Mass will then contact the family to set up a meeting to discuss the details of the service.
Some families choose to prepare a liturgy program to assist those attending the service, but this is not a requirement. If you would like to prepare a program, you can select a booklet template to structure your program. LiturgyTools.net, for example, offers a Microsoft Word template for a Roman Catholic funeral (Requiem) Mass booklet. This template is designed to be printed on one A4 sheet of paper, which is then folded in half to create an A5-sized booklet with four pages. The front cover includes the deceased's name and dates, along with either a cross or their photo, while the back cover features final Mass details, a message of thanks, and information about what will happen after the Mass. This template can also be adapted to create an eight-page booklet.
Funeral Prints also offers print-to-order funeral program templates with four or eight double-sided colour pages. Canva is another option, with a wide variety of free, customizable funeral program templates available in different themes and designs. These templates can be easily edited and customized using Canva's drag-and-drop platform.
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Front cover: Include the deceased's name, dates, and photo or cross
When creating a front cover for a Catholic funeral program, it is important to include key details about the deceased. This includes their full name, as well as their dates of birth and death. You may also want to add a personal touch by including a recent photograph of them. Alternatively, you can choose to place a simple cross where the photo would be, which is a common symbol of faith in Catholic funerals.
The front cover of the funeral program is often the first thing people will see, so it is important to consider its design carefully. You might want to choose a colour scheme that reflects the solemnity of the occasion, perhaps opting for darker hues or monochromatic shades. However, if the deceased person had a bright personality, you may prefer to use lighter or more vibrant colours.
When selecting a font for the front cover, opt for a style that is easy to read and reflects the tone you wish to convey. For instance, a classic serif font can evoke a sense of elegance and tradition, while a sans-serif font may appear more modern and minimalist. You can also incorporate decorative elements, such as borders, corners, or religious symbols, to enhance the overall design.
In addition to the visual aspects, the wording on the front cover should be concise and clear. You may choose to include a meaningful quote or scripture passage that was significant to the deceased or their loved ones. This can provide comfort and set the tone for the entire funeral service. Remember to proofread all the information on the front cover, ensuring that the dates and spelling of the deceased's name are correct.
Overall, the front cover of a Catholic funeral program should honour the memory of the deceased while providing essential details about their life. By combining thoughtful design elements with meaningful content, you can create a tribute that captures the essence of the person being remembered. This will not only serve as a practical guide for those attending the funeral but also become a cherished keepsake for those closest to the departed.
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Funeral liturgy: Outline the Catholic Mass, including hymns and prayers
A Catholic funeral service typically includes the Mass, which is the longest and most well-known part of the service. The Mass can be structured using a template, which can be modified to include extra items or delete items that are so well-known that they are unnecessary.
The funeral liturgy, or the Order of the Funeral Mass, begins with the introductory rites. The celebrant greets the family and funeral procession at the doors of the church and sprinkles the casket with Holy Water. The pall is then placed on the casket, and the funeral procession walks down the aisle to the Entrance Song. Once everyone is seated, the celebrant invites those present to pray.
The Liturgy of the Word follows, during which family members or friends may participate by assuming selected readings. The Gospel is chosen by the family and read by the priest celebrant or deacon from the Order of Christian Funerals. The celebrant then delivers a homily, often referring to thoughts and reflections provided by the family, which illustrate how the deceased lived out Christian values.
The Universal Prayer, or Prayer of the Faithful, follows. The celebrant begins with a brief introduction, calling upon the faithful to pray. A member of the family reads each invocation, to which the assembly responds, "Lord, hear our prayer". The celebrant then concludes with an oration, and the assembly is seated.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist includes the Presentation of the Gifts, where the family is encouraged to choose individuals to bring gifts to the altar. The Mass concludes with the Final Blessing, and details of what will happen after the Mass is over.
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Music: Choose meaningful songs to console and uplift mourners
Music plays a vital role in a Catholic funeral service, offering comfort and solace to mourners. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for choosing meaningful songs for a Catholic funeral:
Firstly, consider the wishes of the deceased. If they had any favourite hymns or songs, include them in the service. You can also refer to "Music for the Funeral Rite" (MFR, McCrimmon 1990) and "Laudate" (Decani Music, 1999) for specific parts of the service such as In Paradisum, Requiem Aeternam, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.
For the opening hymn, select a familiar and well-loved piece that the congregation can confidently sing along to. The traditional chant for this part of the service is "Requiem æternam" ("Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord"). This hymn sets the tone for the entire service, so choose something that reflects the solemnity and comfort needed during this time.
In between the first reading and the gospel reading, a psalm is typically read or sung. Choose one of the suggested psalms from the Catholic funeral readings, such as Psalm 23 ("The Lord is My Shepherd") or Psalm 42 ("As the Deer Longs"). You can also opt for modern psalm settings, such as "Shepherd Me, O God" by Haugen or "As the Deer Longs" by Hurd.
The offertory hymn is optional and may be omitted if the ceremony is simple. However, if you choose to include it, this is usually sung as gifts are gathered. The communion hymn, on the other hand, offers a moment for reflection after Communion. It can be replaced with an instrumental piece or the traditional chant, "Lux æterna luceat eis, Domine" ("May light eternal shine upon them, O Lord").
Additionally, consider the context and appropriateness of the songs. While some families request popular secular songs, priests may not always be comfortable including them in the church service if they don't reflect hope in the resurrection. In such cases, these songs can be played at other times during the funeral process, such as at the funeral parlour or graveside, or during the journey there. Alternatively, an instrumental version of the song may be considered, taking into account whether the non-religious associations of the lyrics are overshadowed by the melody.
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Back cover: Add final details, a thank-you message, and next steps
When creating a Catholic funeral program, the back cover typically includes final details, a thank-you message, and information about what will happen after the mass. Here are some ideas and suggestions for this section:
Final Details
Provide any remaining practical details related to the funeral service. This may include information about the reception or gathering that will follow the mass. It is common to include the location and timing of this event. Any specific requests or instructions for attendees can also be mentioned here. For example, if there is a particular dress code or theme for the reception, this can be communicated on the back cover.
Thank-You Message
Express gratitude to those who have supported you during this difficult time. You can thank people for their attendance, condolences, contributions, and any other forms of support. You may also choose to acknowledge specific individuals or groups, such as the funeral home, church, or particular community members who have been especially helpful.
Next Steps
Include information about what will happen after the mass and in the days following the funeral. Each country and community may have different expectations and traditions. For instance, you may inform attendees about any rituals, ceremonies, or gatherings that will occur after the funeral service. This section can also provide details about the burial or cremation arrangements if the family wishes to share this information.
Remember that the back cover is a space to conclude the program and provide closure, so ensure that the details included here align with the tone and content of the entire funeral program. You can find templates online that can be customized and downloaded for free, allowing you to create a personalized and meaningful tribute to your loved one.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to contact a funeral home. The funeral home will then coordinate with the church to plan the date and time and contact the music director.
The Funeral Liturgy is a Catholic Mass, which includes the Communion Rite, with special prayers offered on behalf of the deceased, their family, and the community. Hymns are usually included, and sacred music is considered an integral part of the funeral rites.
Funeral programs are not required, but they can assist those attending the service. They can include the deceased's name and dates, a photo, and details of the funeral Mass.
There are many free online templates available for Catholic funeral programs, which can be customized and printed.
