The Order of Christian Funerals
Guidelines for Preparing the Funeral Liturgy
THE FUNERAL LITURGY
Death for the Christian is a time of fulfillment. It is a time of completion, as based on our merits, we are invited to share in Christ’s victory over sin and death won by His Sacrifice on the cross. In Baptism, we are born again of water and the Holy Spirit and incorporated into Christ and His Church, we die with Him so that we might also rise with Him. Many of the symbols and prayers of the Funeral Liturgy remind us of our dignity as Baptized Christians.
The time of death is experienced painfully with sorrow and loss and separation, of being left behind, yet we are encouraged by the words which Saint Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:
In the Funeral Liturgy, as Christians gather to pray for the blessed repose of the soul of the deceased, we remind ourselves of the blessed hope that is ours because of the promises made to us at our Baptism.
The Ministers of the Mass
The Ministers of the Funeral Mass
The Church encourages the participation of the faithful at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. For some this may include serving in the various ministries of the Sacred Liturgy in order to witness to their own faith in the Lord whom we serve.
These persons must be qualified and well prepared for their ministry. All Ministers must be Catholic, and active in their practice of the Catholic faith. They must be mature enough to carry out their role with appropriate dignity and integrity.
Some possibilities are outlined here:
Family members may assist in placing the Pall on the Casket at the beginning of the Funeral Mass. The Funeral Pall represents the Baptismal Garment with which we are clothed on the day of our Baptism, symbolizing the immortality which we are invited to share in Christ Jesus.
Readers may be chosen to proclaim the readings from the Sacred Scriptures. Readers at the Sacred Liturgy must be Catholic, and it is best that those chosen for the Funeral Mass are those who regularly perform this ministry in their own parish. They should be familiar with the readings chosen for the day, as well as with the procedure of the particular church. The Lectors will sit in their place with the assembly and approach the Pulpit for the readings following the Opening Prayer. After proclaiming the reading, they return to their place in the congregation.
The first reading is chosen from the Old Testament (except during the Easter Season, when this selection comes from the Acts of the Apostles) The Responsorial Psalm follows the first reading and will be sung by the Cantor at Mass. The second reading is from the New Testament and is similarly proclaimed from the Pulpit following the Responsorial Psalm.
Someone may be selected to lead the petitions of the Prayer of the Faithful ( The Universal Prayer) which is prayed following the Homily. The Leader of these petitions may approach the appoointed place following the period of silent reflection following the homily, at the time that the Priest stands at the chair.
At a Funeral Mass, friends or family members may also participate by presenting the bread and wine for the Eucharist during the Offertory of the Mass. Because of the meaning and nature of this Rite, those who do this must be also Catholic, and should have already made their First Holy Communion.
Likewise, Catholics in attendance who are properly prepared, may receive Holy Communion. Non-Catholics do not receive Holy Communion at Mass as this would be counter to the sign of unity and of initiation which the Eucharist represents.
Music at Mass
Music for the Liturgy is governed by the Guidelines for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (the General Instruction of the Roman Missal) Please keep in mind that only approved Liturgical music may be used at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as it’s purpose is to accompany and support our prayer.
The hymns chosen for Mass must express a true Catholic Theology and support the faith we profess and believe. It is often the case that particular songs, while popular in other churches, may not express our Catholic belief. For the same reason, Popular and Secular songs, however meaningful, are never appropriate for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass or Catholic Services.
The choice of Hymns may be discussed with the Bereavement Minister or the Music Minister who will be able to guide you in the selection of appropriate liturgical music.
Following are some selections which are familiar. While this list is not exhaustive, it is designed to assist you in preparing the Funeral Liturgy. Please consider the nature of the Rite which is accompanied by the hymn as you make your selections.
The Entrance Chant and the Communion Chant will be the “Proper Chants” for the Funeral Mass. eg. at the Entrance, “Grant them eternal rest, O Lord . . .”
You may choose a hymn for each of the following parts of the Mass:
At the Offertory:
The King of Love, My Shepherd Is
As the Deer Longs for Running Streams
I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Keep In Mind My Soul Is Longing Be Thou My Vision Be Still My Soul
Communion Meditation:
Ave Maria Salve Regina
Panis Angelicus
O Sacrament Most Holy Let All Mortal Flesh Be Silent
Closing (Recessional) Hymn:
Holy God We Praise Thy Name
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Sing With All The Saints In Glory
I Know that My Redeemer Lives Now Thank Thee All Our God Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven O God Our Help In Ages Past Love Divine, All Excelling Eternal Father Strong to Save (The Hymn of the Armed Forces)
Words of Remembrance
The Order of Christian Funerals provides for the possibility of “a member or a friend of the family speaking in remembrance of the deceased. It is completely optional at the discretion of the family. If someone chooses to speak at the time of the Funeral Mass, it will take place before the Mass begins, (If the Viewing is in Church, it will be at the conclusion of the Visitation) Words of Remembrance may also be addressed at the Vigil Service in the Funeral Home, at the Rite of Committal at the Cemetery, or at the Memorial Luncheon.
This remembrance is delivered from the Cantor’s stand to the right side of the Sanctuary
The following guidelines have been established for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia:
As with the homily, these “words of remembrance” are not to constitute a eulogy as such. Rather, they are to express appreciation for the life of the deceased, or take the form of a prayer or other inspirational text. These words are intended to particularize the praise and gratitude to God for His gifts to the deceased, especially the gift of the Christian life.
Only one family member or close friend is to speak, and he or she is to be brief, speaking no more than three minutes.
Because of the intensity of the emotions at the time of a Funeral, the “words of remembrance” should be consigned to writing. To ensure that these words are in harmony with the celebration, the script should be given to the priest celebrant in advance of the Funeral liturgy, so that he can make any suitable suggestions to ensure that they convey the consolation of God’s love, grace, and mercy.
Those who wish to give a eulogy or to share a story or anecdote about the deceased should do so during the Viewing at the Funeral home, following the Committal at the cemetery, or at the Luncheon rather than at Mass. A biography of the deceased could also be included in the printed Mass booklet, if one is prepared for the Funeral liturgy.
Norms Regarding Cremation
The traditional teaching of the Catholic Church with regard to the proper burial of the sacred remains of the deceased and our belief in the resurrection of the body on the last day is at the center of our Faith. While interment of the body remains the preference of the Church, after the manner of the burial of the Lord Jesus, the use of cremation is allowed according to the norms established by the Catholic Church. Respect for the remains of the cremated body, as befits the dignity of a baptized person, is of the utmost importance. The following norms are established by the Church
It is always preferable that cremation take place after the Funeral Liturgy.
If a body is cremated prior to the Funeral Liturgy, the cremated remains may be brought to the Church in a worthy vessel, that is, a solid and durable container. The Rites of the Church are carried out for the Funeral Mass.
The remains rest in the usual position for a Funeral. The covering of the vessel with the pall is omitted.
The cremated remains are to be buried in a cemetery or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The integrity of the cremated remains is always to be respected and therefore it is not permitted to scatter cremated remains.
The remains should be buried or entombed as soon as possible. It is not permitted to divide the remains or retain, inter or entomb them in more than one place. It is likewise prohibited to contain them in lockets or jewelry. If burial takes place at sea, the cremated remains are to be in a solid and durable container, and not scattered.
It the burial of the remains is briefly delayed, the Rite of Committal may be celebrated at that time.
To rise with Christ, we must die with Christ: St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: ” . . . we must be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8). Therefore all necessary measures must be taken to preserve the practice of reverently burying the faithful departed and to pray for the blessed repose of their souls.
Selections from the Old Testament
The First Reading
- A reading from the book of Job Job 19:1,23-27
Job answered and said:
Oh, would that my words were written down!
Would that they were inscribed in a record:
That with an iron chisel and with lead
they were cut in the rock forever!
But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives,
and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust;
Whom I myself shall see:
my own eyes, not another’s, shall behold him,
And from my flesh I shall see God;
my inmost being is consumed with longing.
The Word of the Lord
2a. (Longer form) A reading from the book of Wisdom Wisdom 3:1-9
The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord shall be their King for ever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect. The Word of the Lord
2b. (Shorter Form) A reading from the book of Wisdom Wisdom 3:1-6, 9
The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace
For if before men, indeed they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.
The Word of the Lord
- A reading from the book of Wisdom Wisdom 4:7-15
The just man, though he die early, shall be at rest.
For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time,
nor can it be measured in terms of years.
Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men,
and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age.
He who pleased God was loved;
he who lived among sinners was transported-
Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind
or deceit beguile his soul;
For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right
and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind.
Having become perfect in a short while, he reached
the fullness of a long career;
for his soul was pleasing to the Lord,
therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness.
But the people saw and did not understand,
nor did they take this into account.
The Word of the Lord
- A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9
On this mountain, the Lord of Hosts
will provide for all peoples.
On this mountain he will destroy
the veil that veils all peoples.
The web that is woven over the nations;
he will destroy death for ever.
The Lord God will wipe away
the tears from all faces
The reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken.
On that day it will be said:
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the Lord for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”
The Word of the Lord
- A reading from the book of Lamentations Lamentations 3:17-26
My soul is deprived of peace,
I have forgotten what happiness is;
I tell myself my future is lost,
all that I hoped for from the Lord.
The thought of my homeless poverty
is wormwood and gall;
Remembering it over and over
leaves my soul downcast within me.
But I will call this to mind,
as my reason to have hope:
The favors of the Lord are not exhausted,
his mercies are not spent.
They are renewed each morning,
so great is his faithfulness.
My portion is the Lord, says my soul;
therefore I will hope in him.
Good is the Lord to one who waits for him,
to the soul that seeks him.
It is good to hope in silence
for the saving help of the Lord.
The Word of the Lord
- A reading from the book of the prophet Daniel Daniel 12:1-3
[I, Daniel, mourned and I heard this word of the Lord:]
“At that time there shall arise
Michael, the great prince,
guardian of your people;
It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress
since nations began until that time.
At that time your people shall escape,
everyone who is found written in the book.
Many of those who sleep
in the dust of the earth shall awake;
Some shall live forever,
others shall be in everlasting horror and disgrace.
But the wise shall shine brightly
like the splendor of the firmament.
And those who lead the many to justice
shall be like the stars for ever.
The Word of the Lord
7. A reading from the second book of Maccabees Maccabees 12:43-46
Judas (the ruler of Israel) then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice.
In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from sin.
The Word of the Lord
New Testament Selections
The Second Reading
During the Easter Season, reading 1, 17, 18, or 19 is used as the first reading in place of a reading from the Old Testament.
- A reading from the Acts of the Apostles Acts 10:34-46
Peter proceeded to address the people in these words: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears God and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea beginning in Galilee after the Baptism that John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name,”
The Word of the Lord.
1a. (Shorter Form) A reading from the Acts of the Apostles Acts 10:34-43
Peter proceeded to address the people in these words: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears God and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name,”
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 5:5-11
Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, we will be saved by his life. Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 5:17-21
If, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon us all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous. The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 6:3-9
Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. For if we have been grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.
The Word of the Lord.
4a (Shorter Form) A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 6:3-4, 8-9
Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 8:14-23
Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared to the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now, and not only that, but we ourselves, who
have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 8:1b-35, 37-39
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 14:7-9, 10b-12
None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of God; For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me and every tongue shall give praise to God.”
So then each of us will have to give an account of ourself to God.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians Corinthians 15:20-23, 24b-28
Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the first fruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for he subjected everything under his feet. But when it says that everything has been subjected, it is clear that it excludes the One who subjected everything to him.. When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the One who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians Corinthians 15:51-57
Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For that which is corruptible must clothe itself with incorruptibility, and that which is mortal must clothe itself with immortality. And when that which is corruptible clothes itself with incorruptibility and that which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the word that is written will come about: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians Corinthians 4:14 — 5:1
We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen, but what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians Corinthians 5:1, 6-10
We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.
So we are courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the letter of Paul to the Philippians Philippians 3: 20-21
Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians Thessalonians 4:13-18
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore console one another with these words.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the second letter of Paul to Timothy Timothy 2:8-13
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy:
If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the first letter of John John 3:1-2
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the first letter of John John 3:14-16
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him. The way we came to know love was that Jesus laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the book of Revelation Revelation 14:13
I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” said the Spirit, “let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them.”
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the book of Revelation Revelation 20:11 — 21:1
I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and the scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. The sea gave up its dead; then death and Hades gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire. (This pool of fire is the second death.) Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
The Word of the Lord.
- A reading from the book of Revelation Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7
I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”
The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son.”
The Word of the Lord.
Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for us.
The Prayer of the Faithful
Any or all of the following petitions may be used, they may be adapted to suit the particular situation or other similar invocations may be composed. The Reader begins following the Opening Prayer lead by the Priest
Reader: Our Response is: Lord, hear our prayer
For N. who in baptism was given the promise of eternal life. May the Lord be merciful in judgement, and may he/she soon be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer
For our brother/sister who received the body of Christ from God’s Altar on earth. May he/she may be raised up to the presence of Christ at the heavenly banquet. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer
For all of our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us on the way to salvation. May they have an everlasting reward for their goodness. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer
For all of the faithful departed who have gone before us with the sign of faith. May they see God face to face on the last day. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer
For the family and friends of our brother/sister N. May they be consoled by the loving embrace of the Lord, who mourned at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer
For all of us assembled here to pray to God for our brother/sister N.. May we entrust ourselves to the mercy of God. May our Faith console us and be the source of our hope in the Resurrection. We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, hear our prayer
The Reader should remain in place until the conclusion of the Closing prayer which is prayed by the Priest, then they may return to their seat.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed
O most gentle heart of Jesus,
ever present in the Blessed Sacrament,
ever consumed with burning love for the
poor captive souls in Purgatory,
Have mercy on the souls of Thy departed servants.
Be not severe in Thy judgements,
but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood
fall upon the devouring flames.
And do Thou, O Merciful Savior,
send Thy holy angels to conduct them
to a place of refreshment, light and peace.
Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Scripture readings are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament Copyright © 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved