Michael Brooks
Music is an integral part of Catholic funerals, with hymns, chants, and responses present throughout the Mass. The number of songs played during a Catholic funeral varies, with some sources recommending 4–5 songs, while others suggest having songs at 3–4 places in the service, such as during the Processional, Offertory, Communion, and Recessional. The specific songs chosen often depend on the preferences of the deceased and their family, but they typically reflect Christian hope and express the paschal mystery of the Lord's suffering, death, and triumph over death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 4-5 |
| Song type | Hymns, chants, and responses |
| Song theme | Paschal theme, liturgical, Christian hymns, and compositions |
| Song examples | "You Know Me Lord", "Hear O Lord", "Gift of Finest Wheat", "You Satisfy the Hungry Heart", "Look Beyond", "On Eagle's Wings", "One Bread, One Body", "You Are Mine", "Here I Am Lord", "In Paradisum", "May Choirs of Angels Welcome You", "May God the Father Look on You", "May Flights of Angels", "Holy, Holy, Memorial Acclamation", "Great Amen" |
| Secular songs | Not allowed during the funeral liturgy; may be played after the committal in the crematorium or at the graveside |
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What You'll Learn
Hymns and chants
Music is integral to Catholic funeral rites. It allows the community to express their feelings and convictions, offering comfort and hope to the bereaved, and strengthening their unity in faith and love. Hymns and chants are a key part of this.
Hymns are typically sung at 3-4 places in the service: during the Processional (if there is no viewing prior to Mass), the Offertory, Communion, and the Recessional. Some parishes insist on using the traditional chants associated with each part of the Mass, but others are happy to have alternative settings of the official texts, or alternative hymns. If you wish to include a liturgical hymn during the funeral mass that is not usually included, it may be possible to accommodate you.
Some popular hymns for Catholic funerals include:
- "Look Beyond" during the Eucharist portion
- "On Eagle's Wings" during the processional
- "One Bread, One Body" during the Eucharist
- "You Know Me Lord"
- "Here I Am Lord" as an entrance hymn
- "Gift of Finest Wheat" during the Eucharist
- "You Satisfy the Hungry Heart"
- "In Paradisum"
- "May the Angels Lead You into Paradise"
It is important to note that the music chosen for a Catholic funeral should express the paschal mystery of the Lord's suffering, death, and triumph over death, and should be related to the readings from Scripture. Secular songs are generally not permitted, and religious songs that do not reflect hope in the resurrection are also discouraged.
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Secular songs
While music is integral to Catholic funeral rites, allowing mourners to express their feelings and strengthening the unity of the assembly in faith and love, the songs chosen should express the paschal mystery of the Lord's suffering, death, and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture. For this reason, secular songs are generally not permitted during funeral liturgies in churches, as they are considered inconsistent with the sacred nature of the place and occasion.
However, some sources suggest that secular songs may be appropriate at the vigil or after the liturgy has ended, provided that the words of the songs are in keeping with Christian faith. For example, the Portsmouth Diocese states that secular songs "might be appropriate after the committal in the crematorium". Similarly, the Liverpool Archdiocese advises that secular songs are acceptable at the crematorium or graveside, but not in church.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to include secular songs in a Catholic funeral may depend on the specific parish or priest conducting the service. It is advisable to check with the presiding priest and use your powers of persuasion if you have your heart set on a particular secular song.
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Responsorial Psalms
- Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want." This psalm offers reassurance that God walks beside us in dark times and is often combined with Psalm 42 in Catholic tradition during Easter or Masses for the Dead.
- Psalm 25: "To you, O Lord, I lift my soul." This psalm expresses a prescription for living according to God's will, with the psalmist intending to be malleable to His ways, paths, truths, and teachings, ultimately leading to salvation.
- Psalm 103: This psalm offers an uplifting message of gratitude and God's everlasting mercy.
- Psalm 116: A personal and heartfelt reading, speaking of answered prayers and thanksgiving for God's deliverance in times of suffering.
When choosing Responsorial Psalms for a Catholic funeral, it is important to consider the themes of the psalms and how they relate to the life of the deceased and the comfort of the mourners. These psalms provide an opportunity for the assembly to pray in the words of Jesus, expressing their grief and praise while finding trust and hope.
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Music at different stages
Music is a very important aspect of Catholic funerals, and care should be taken to ensure that the songs chosen are appropriate for the occasion. The number of songs played at a Catholic funeral can vary depending on the preferences of the family and the guidelines of the church. Some churches suggest having 4-5 songs, while others recommend having music at different stages of the funeral. Here is a breakdown of the different stages of a Catholic funeral and the music that may be appropriate for each:
Planning and Selecting Music:
When planning the music for a Catholic funeral, it is important to consult with the priest or director of music to ensure that the selected songs are suitable. Some parishes insist on traditional chants associated with each part of the Mass, while others may allow alternative settings or favourite hymns. It is also important to ensure that the songs are related to the readings from Scripture and express the paschal mystery of the Lord's suffering, death, and triumph over death.
Before the Funeral Mass:
Secular songs or non-religious music are generally not permitted during the funeral Mass in a church setting. However, they may be appropriate at the crematorium, graveside, funeral parlour, or during the journey to the burial site. Instrumental music may also be acceptable, as long as its secular associations do not distract from the liturgical prayer.
During the Funeral Mass:
Music in the form of hymns, chants, and responses is typically incorporated throughout the Mass. Hymns are commonly sung during the Processional (if there is no viewing prior), Offertory, Communion, and Recessional. The Responsorial Psalm is usually sung rather than recited. Some parishes require the use of their own musicians, such as an organist and a cantor, to act as music ministers.
Specific Song Suggestions:
There are many hymns and songs that are commonly used in Catholic funeral services. Some examples include "Gift of Finest Wheat", "You Know Me Lord", "Here I Am Lord", "On Eagle's Wings", "One Bread, One Body", "You Are Mine", "Look Beyond", and "In Paradisum". These songs provide comfort, hope, and consolation to the mourners while reinforcing the importance of faith.
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Choosing songs
The Catholic Church has specific guidelines for funeral music, which vary slightly between different parishes. In general, the Church encourages the use of Christian hymns and compositions that reflect the paschal mystery of the Lord's suffering, death, and triumph over death. The songs should also be related to the readings from Scripture. Some parishes insist on using traditional chants associated with each part of the Mass, while others may allow for more flexibility, including alternative settings of official texts or alternative hymns. It is important to consult with the priest or music director to understand the specific guidelines and restrictions for the funeral you are planning.
When choosing songs, consider their meaning and how they relate to the life and faith of the deceased. Hymns such as "Gift of Finest Wheat", "You Know Me Lord", "Here I Am Lord", and "You Satisfy the Hungry Heart" are often used during the Eucharist to reflect on God's provision and nourishment. Other hymns like "Look Beyond" and "On Eagle's Wings" are suitable for the processional, offering a powerful send-off as the service concludes. "One Bread, One Body" is another popular choice, emphasising the unity of existence in faith.
In addition to these, there are many other appropriate Catholic funeral hymns to consider, such as "May the Choirs of Angels", "In Paradisum", "May God the Father Look on You", and "You Are Mine". These hymns provide comfort and hope, reminding mourners of God's presence during their grief. Some parishes may also allow secular songs that hold special significance for the deceased, but these are typically reserved for the prayer vigil, crematorium, or graveside.
When selecting songs, it is important to consider their suitability for the different parts of the Mass, such as the processional, offertory, communion, and recessional. Hymns should be simple enough for those present to sing along if desired. It is also a good idea to choose a variety of songs that capture the range of emotions associated with grief while providing solace and hope.
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Frequently asked questions
Hymns are typically sung at 3-4 places in the service during the Processional (if there is no viewing prior to Mass), the Offertory, Communion, and the Recessional.
Music at a Catholic funeral should always be drawn from the broad repertoire of Christian hymns and compositions. The texts of the songs chosen should express the paschal mystery of the Lord's suffering, death, and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture.
Secular songs are not usually permitted during the funeral liturgy as they often do not accord with the Church's faith and hope in the Lord's resurrection. However, they may be appropriate after the committal in the crematorium or at the graveside.
