Selecting Scripture Readings, General Intercessions, and Music for a Funeral Mass
The following are lists of Scriptures and Music appropriate for use at Catholic Funeral Liturgies. One reading is chosen from each the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Gospels. In planning a Catholic Funeral Liturgy, the Church invites the family to choose readings from Sacred Scripture that reflect the faith, hope, and eternal life promised to us in Christ.
These readings are proclaimed during the funeral liturgy, usually in this order: First Reading – from the Old Testament Responsorial Psalm – sung or read Second Reading – from the New Testament Gospel Reading – proclaimed by the priest or deacon
Note: During the Easter Season (from Easter Sunday through Pentecost), a reading from the New Testament may be chosen in place of the Old Testament reading.
Only Scripture readings may be used during the Liturgy of the Word. Non-Scriptural texts (poems, letters, reflections, etc.) are not permitted in place of the official readings but may be shared before the liturgy begins or at the vigil service, luncheon, or graveside, if appropriate.
Families are encouraged to select Scripture passages that best reflect the life, personality, and faith journey of the deceased.
Please select ONE Old Testament Reading*
(*Except between Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday. Select ONE New Testament Easter Season Reading instead of an Old Testament Reading.)
Select ONE New Testament Reading
Select ONE psalm
Select ONE Gospel Reading
Select ONE set of General Intercessions
Select Music
Old Testament Readings
2 Maccabees 12:43-46 "...he made atonement for the dead..." Ecclesiastes 3.1-8 “…A time to be born, a time to die…” Ecclesiastes 3.1-15 “…A time to be born, a time to die…” Wisdom 3.1-9 “…The souls of the just are in the hand of God…” Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 “…The souls of the just are in the hand of God…” Wisdom 4:7-14 “The Righteous One, though he die early, shall be at rest…” Sirach 2:1-11 “…in fire gold is tested….Compassionate is the Lord…” Isaiah 25:6,7-9 “…he will destroy death forever…” Isaiah 26:7-19 “…your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise…” Isaiah 35:1-10 “…Here is your God, he comes with vindication…” Isaiah 40:1-11 “…Here is your God, Here comes with power…” Lamentations 3:17-26 “…My portion is the Lord, says my soul…” Ezekiel 37:12-14 “O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise…” Daniel 12:1-3 “…the wise shall shine brightly…” Micah 7:7-9 “…though I sit in darkness, the Lord is my light…”
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd Psalm 25: To You, O Lord, I Lift My Soul Psalm 27: The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation Psalm 63: My Soul Is Thirsting for You, O Lord Psalm 103: The Lord Is Kind and Merciful Psalm 122: Let Us Go Rejoicing to the House of the Lord
Matthew 5:1-12 “The Eight Beatitudes” Matthew 11:25-30 “come to me . . . and I will give you rest.” Matthew 25:1-13 “Look. The bridegroom comes. Go out to meet him” Matthew 25:31-46 “Come, you whom my Father has blessed” Mark 15:33-39 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:33–16:6 “Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last” Luke 7:11-17 “Young man, I say to you, arise.” Luke 12:35-40 “Be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,…” Luke 23:33, 39-43 “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:44-49 “Father into your hands I commend my spirit” Luke 24:13-35 “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer…” Luke 24:13-16,28-35 “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer…” John 5:24-29 “Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from…” John 6:37-40 “All who believe in the Son will have eternal life…” John 6:51-58 “All who eat this bread will live for ever….” John 11:17-27 “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:32-45 “Lazarus, come out.” John 12:23-28 “If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies…” John 12:23-26 “If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies…” John 14.1-6 “There are many rooms in my Father’s house.” John 17.24-26 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me…” John 19:17-18, 25-39 “Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirits.”
Music plays a beautiful and sacred role in the funeral liturgy. It lifts our hearts in prayer, comforts those who grieve, and honors the life and faith of your loved one. We invite you to choose up to six hymns that reflect your loved one’s faith, personality, or favorite devotions.
Below is a list of recommended hymns and responsorial psalms that are appropriate for a Catholic funeral Mass. Please feel free to choose from this list or suggest other sacred music that may be special to your family. If you have any questions about the music selections, please contact Mrs. Janes Ramos at jramos@stjosephfarmington.com
The Mass Acclamations: Alleluia, Holy, Great Amen and Lamb of God are chosen by the Director of Music Ministry.
1. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus 2. Amazing Grace 3. Ave Maria 4. Be Not Afraid 5. Fly Like a Bird 6. Hail Mary, Gentle Woman 7. Here I am, Lord 8. How Beautiful 9. How Can I Keep From Singing 10. How Great Thou Art 11. I Am the Bread of Life 12. I Have Loved You