Words of Remembrance

When it is desired to present these words during Mass, compliance with the following is required:

• One person shall be designated to deliver the “Words of Remembrance”
• A time limit of a few minutes shall respectfully be met
• The “Words of Remembrance” should be prepared in advance

These special remarks about your loved one will be made prior to the start of Mass.

Helpful suggestions:

• Remarks that speak to your loved one’s character, integrity, faith, commitment, love, family life, work ethic, and giftedness are appropriate.
• The remarks must be appropriate for the context of the Mass.
• If you have any questions, please call the Business Office. We are here to help you in whatever way we can. May the Holy Spirit guide you in your preparation and may you find healing and peace in the coming weeks.

Liturgy of the Word

After the opening prayer, the first Reader will go up to the Altar, approach the pulpit to the left from the congregation, read, and then bow to the Altar before returning to their seat. The Cantor will then sing the responsorial psalm. When the Cantor is finished, the second Reader will go up to the Altar, approach the pulpit to the left from the congregation, read, and then bow to the Altar before returning to their seat.

• The Scripture readings begin with the statement: “A reading from the book of _______” The Scripture readings end with” “The Word of the Lord”. The congregation responds, “Thanks be to God.”

General Intercessions

After the homily, the Reader(s) waits until the priest returns to his seat and stands, and then approaches the pulpit as explained above. The Reader(s) remain at the pulpit, or lectern, until the celebrant finishes the concluding prayer.

• The General Intercessions are introduced by the celebrant. The Reader then says, “Our response is:____________” and reads the intercessions. The Reader also says the response with the congregation. The celebrant then reads the concluding prayer.
• Suggested Intercessions for Funeral

Music 

Another key component of a worthy Funeral Mass is the selection of appropriate Sacred Music. The Sacred Music selections found on the following pages are chosen specifically due to their appropriateness to the Funeral Mass. Other selections from our Parish Hymnal are possible. The music on the Suggested Hymns page is arranged to show the best use for each selection, however you are not limited to the categories listed.

Ordinarily, the parish provides a cantor and an organist for the Funeral Mass. If you wish to provide your own instrumentalist or vocalist, please inform the Office immediately so that arrangements can be made.