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Funeral Liturgy

The Mass is the highest point of the Funeral Rites and is a final tribute to your loved one. Therefore, great care should be taken in planning the Funeral Mass; You will want these selections to speak of your loved one and also bring family comfort and consolation.

Music Suggestions and Scripture Readings appropriate for the Funeral Liturgy are shown below. They are beautiful passages of comfort, peace, and hope. May God’s strength be with you.

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Music

Our Director of Music has prepared a list of appropriate songs to use for the Funeral Liturgy. We will try to accommodate for favorite hymns you already have in mind, however, please note the use of pre-recorded or secular (non-liturgical) music is not permitted in the Mass. If your loved one had a secular song that he/she liked, it is most appropriate to have played at the Visitation.

Regarding music composed by David Haas: At this time, we will not perform music composed by David Haas. The publishers we use have communicated their position on the use of his music, and while we recognize the art is separate from the individual, Ascension currently supports GIA’s position. Additional questions may be sent to our Director of Music.

First Reading

Please select a reading from the Old Testament From the Lectionary for Mass, no. 1011

2 Maccabees 12:43-46 He acted in an excellent and noble way as he had the resurrection of the dead in view.
Job 19:1, 23-27a I know that my Vindicator lives.
Wisdom 3:1-9 (short form, 3:1-6, 9) As sacrificial offerings He took them to Himself.
Wisdom 4:7-15 An unsullied life, the attainment of old age.
Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9 He will destroy death forever.
Lamentations 3:17-26 It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.
Daniel 12:1-3 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.

First Reading (During Easter)

During Easter Time, the First Reading is selected from among the following New Testament Readings. From the Lectionary for Mass, no. 1012

Acts 10:34-43 (short form, 10:34-36, 42-43) He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.
Revelation 14:13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Revelation 20:11—21:1 The dead were judged according to their deeds.
Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7 There shall be no more death.

Responsorial Psalm

Please select one psalm. To listen to the majority of the listed music, please refer to this YouTube playlist.

23, Shepherd Me O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears… #39 (Haugen)
25, To you, O Lord, I lift my soul, to you I lift my soul. #43 (Haugen)
25, To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. (La Rosa)
103, The Lord is kind and merciful. The Lord is kind and merciful. (La Rosa)
130, Out of the depths I cry to You Lord. I cry to You Lord. (Walther)

Second Reading

Please select a reading from the New Testament From the Lectionary for Mass, no. 1014

Romans 5:5-11 Since we are now justified by His Blood, we will be saved through Him from the wrath.
Romans 5:17-21 Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.
Romans 6:3-9 (short form, 6:3-4, 8-9) We too might live in newness of life.
Romans 8:14-23 We also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12 Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (short form, 15:20-23) So too in Christ shall all be brought to life.
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Death is swallowed up in victory.
2 Corinthians 4:14—5:1 What is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10 We have a building from God, eternal in heaven.
Philippians 3:20-21 He will change our lowly bodies to conform to His glory.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
2 Timothy 2:8-13 If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him.
1 John 3:1-2 We shall see Him as He is.
1 John 3:14-16 We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers.
Read the Guide

Gospel

Please select a reading from the Gospels From the Lectionary for Mass, no. 1016

Matthew 5:1-12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Matthew 11:25-30 Come to me and I will give you rest.
Matthew 25:1-13 Behold the bridegroom! Come out to him!
Matthew 25:31-46 Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6 (short form, 15:33-39) Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed His last.
Luke 7:11-17 Young man, I tell you, arise!
Luke 12:35-40 You also must be prepared.
Luke 23:33, 39-43 Today you will be with me in Paradise.
Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a (short form, 23:44-46, 50, 52-53) Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Luke 24:13-35 (short form, 24:13-16, 28-35) Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?
John 5:24-29 Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.
John 6:37-40 Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life and I shall raise him on the last day.
John 6:51-58 Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and I will raise them up on the last day.
John 11:17-27 (short form, 11:21-27) I am the resurrection and the life.
John 11:32-45 Lazarus, come out!
John 12:23-28 (short form, 12:23-26) If it dies, it produces much fruit.
John 14:1-6 In my Father’s house there are many dwellings.
John 17:24-26 I wish that where I am they also may be with me.
John 19:17-18, 25-39 And bowing His head He handed over His Spirit.
Gathering Rite

Please select one song for the entrance processional. To listen to the majority of the listed music, please refer to this YouTube playlist.

Be Not Afraid #754
Here I Am, Lord #844
On Eagle’s Wings #749
God of Love, Whose Mercies Daily #1078
O God, Beyond All Praising #674

Please select one song for Preparation of the Gifts. To listen to the majority of the listed music, please refer to this YouTube playlist.

Eye Has Not Seen #785
Hosea #514
I Know That My Redeemer Lives #1074
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace #893
These Alone Are Enough #723
Here I Am, Lord #844
A Place Called Home #891
Amazing Grace #701

A Mass setting is the “Mass Ordinary” texts set to music (the Holy, Holy, Holy, and the Lamb of God). Our ministers have already selected one beforehand, however you’re welcome to bring another suggestion if you desire.

Please select one song for Communion. To listen to the majority of the listed music, please refer to this YouTube playlist.

I Am the Bread of Life #1008
One Bread, One Body #1042
Take and Eat #1009
Taste and See #1006
We Remember #1005
You Are Near #751
Here I Am, Lord #844
On Eagle’s Wings #749
Hail Mary, Gentle Woman (optional Post-Communion song)

Our Song of Farewell is Quietly, Peacefully. You’re welcome to bring another suggestion if desired!

Please select one song for the recessional. To listen to the majority of the listed music, please refer to this YouTube playlist.

Canticle of the Sun #631
City of God #857
Go In Peace #1082
How Great Thou Art #630
We Shall Rise Again #948
O God, Beyond All Praising #674