Planning Your Funeral Liturgy
“Lord, if you have been here, my brother would not have died.”
1. Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ! On behalf of the Saint Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Community, we are with you in your sorrow, grief and pain. Our prayers are with you and we are here to support you in the process of Christian burial.
2. The clergy and Pastoral Staff of Saint Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Community have put together this brochure to assist you with the funeral process. During this time, we would like to assist you in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to ask for clarification or assistance.
3. At the time of death, please have a family member call the church office at (505) 242-3462; this is so that we may pray with you and for the family and the deceased. We will work with you and the Funeral Home to plan the services and schedule the priest (or deacon) and the other liturgical ministers. Many members of the church will be involved in the coordination of the liturgies. We will work with the church’s calendar and set a time together. It is also helpful if you provide us with the names of the surviving spouse and next of kin so that we may share information about the family and funeral services with the parish through our web site and internet addresses. Please let us know if you would like the parish to receive an email about the death of your loved one.
The Roman Catholic Church’s Ritual
4. After the Second Vatican Council in 1965, the church revised its rites. In 1969, the Order for Christian Funerals became a three-part liturgy. The first part is the Vigil for the Deceased, the second is the Funeral Mass, and the third, the Rite of Committal. In 1988, the United States received approval for our edition of the ritual. All funeral liturgies are in accordance with the Order for Christian Funerals, the official rituals of the Roman Catholic Church.
5. The Vigil for the Deceased (the first liturgy) may be celebrated at a funeral home or in the church proper. This part of the funeral has received the most attention because of some changes since 1969. In the past, the family recited the rosary while the priest said the Vigil of the Deceased prayers in Latin. Now, since 1969, the Vigil is in the language of the people and we are all able to pray this service of Sacred Scripture (Bible texts). Additionally, there is a homily, songs, petitions/prayers and a eulogy by family members or friends (optional –the time when people speak about the deceased). Now that the ritual is in the vernacular language, all are able to participate and understand the Wake Service. Families may still have the devotional prayer of a rosary; however, lay people lead it before or after the official prayer of the church, the Vigil of the Deceased. This liturgy, the Vigil, (also called in some cultures the “viewing,” or the “wake,”) may be done by the clergy if requested by the family, or one of the parishioners. At Saint Charles, we have lay volunteers who lead the Vigil. To cover her or his travel expenses, we suggest a minimal donation to support them.
6. If there is to be a burial, the family chooses a casket and makes these arrangements with a funeral director on their own. The funeral home will bring the casket to the church. The casket may be present for the Vigil, at the church. The Vigil for the Deceased may also be celebrated at the Funeral Home.
7. Once a casket is inside the church, due to church custom and pastoral practice, the casket is closed just before the Funeral Mass. The casket is not opened again during the services at the church.
8. If there is to be cremation, the family arranges for this with a crematory or a funeral home. An urn may be obtained from them or elsewhere. During the funeral liturgies, the urn or special container, is placed on a table in front of the altar. Pictures and other memorabilia may be placed in the “Place of Honor,” next to the ambo in the church.
9. The Funeral Mass (the second liturgy) begins at the entrance, or Main Doors of the church to symbolize the person’s passage to the new and eternal Jerusalem. (If there has been a Vigil for the Deceased, with the casket present, the casket will be moved from the sanctuary to the church entrance.) For the Funeral Mass the church provides a white vestment, a pall, to be placed on the casket by the family members at the beginning of the Mass. Other Christian symbols (cross, bible, rosary, scapular, etc.) may be placed on the casket at the beginning of the Funeral Mass. All secular items, like flags or medals of honor are important, but not part of the Funeral Mass. These secular and important symbols are removed at the church door and a pall placed over the casket. The liturgy celebrates the Christian life; hence, Christian symbols are the only items allowed in a church. The Paschal Candle is lit to symbolize our unity in Christ through our baptism and the person’s faith. The Paschal Candle will be lit and placed next to the ambo during the liturgies as a reminder of our baptism and the baptism of the deceased.
10. Family members may take part in the liturgy, reading the Sacred Scripture, singing before the Mass, bringing up the bread and wine, taking a collection for the poor or a cause that was important to the family member who died, minister Holy Communion or be an altar server.
11. At the end of the Communion Rite of Mass, a “Song of Farewell” is sung before the body/casket and family leave for the cemetery. The church bells ring to memorialize the person and let the community know of this sacred, holy time of prayer for the deceased.
12. At the cemetery, the Rite of Committal (the third liturgy) is celebrated, ending the three-part liturgy. The priest, deacon or authorized layperson may lead the celebration based on schedules or special needs at the cemetery. Special tributes, such as mariachi music or other items may be used there, depending on cemetery regulations. (Please check with the cemetery before adding any creative items that may not conform to their policies. In Albuquerque cemeteries, mariachi music is allowed.)
13. After the liturgies, the Committee Room is available to registered, tithing parishioners, depending on the parish’s calendar and commitments. Our bereavement ministers will be happy to assist you with a reception. Please appoint a family member to work with our committee leader.
Musical notes:
14. Music is integral and required for our liturgies in the Roman Catholic Church. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) states in its 2008 music guidelines document for the US, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, “Music should be provided for the vigil and funeral Mass (paragraph 247).”
15. Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship makes the following statements:
Sacred music has an integral role in the funeral rites, since it can console and uplift mourners while, at the same time, uniting the assembly in faith and love. Funeral music should express the Paschal Mystery and the Christian’s share in it. … Secular music, even thought it may reflect on the background, character, interests, or personal preferences of the deceased or mourners, is not appropriate for the Sacred Liturgy (246).
Music should never be used to memorialize the deceased, but rather to give praise to the Lord, whose Paschal Sacrifice has freed us from the bonds of death (248).
16. Our parish music ministers will be your primary music providers, due to their contract responsibilities with the parish. Our parish provides musicians for each Funeral Mass, and for many of our Vigil celebrations, which include a cantor and members of our music groups (Funeral Choir). Out of justice and service, families share a mandatory stipend (amounts are listed below) with our music minister and cantor. If you wish for a specific instrument from our music groups (i.e. trumpet, flute, etc.), please let us know so that we may contact instrumentalists from the parish or university and make them available for you.
17. You will meet with the pastor or music minister to plan your funeral music and readings. The Sacred Scripture songs are listed below to guide you. Certain elements of the Mass are always song, such as the Responsorial Psalm, the Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia) and the Service Music (Holy, Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen, etc.).
18. You may have a family member who is qualified to sing a solo during the Vigil or before the funeral Mass or after Holy Communion.
Other items:
19. There are some misconceptions about who may have a Catholic funeral. A person who has committed suicide may have the Order for Christian Funerals. A child who has not been baptized and has died before baptism may also have a funeral. Even a non-baptized adult may have a Funeral Liturgy, since it is for the living family members that we celebrate Eucharist. This is, of course, unless the non-baptized would have been publicly opposed to this.
Cremation
20. One may be cremated now; however, it is still preferable to have the body present for psychological and theological reasons. Cremation may be done later. Also, funeral directors have let it be known to our parish staff that they want to provide the most affordable funeral and assistance in this process.
Flowers & Displays
21. Flowers and other displays, such as photographs and memorial displays may be used in the church vestibule or in the Place of Honor, next to the Ambo (place for reading the Sacred Scripture) and Paschal Candle. Due to Fire Marshall regulations and the liturgical rites, flowers are not normally placed in the sanctuary, so that the liturgical ministers may have access and visibility of one another. If the family would like to use Saint Charles’ florist, please contact our parish secretary. Our secretaries will provide easels if you need them.
Liturgical Outline
22. Below is the outline of the Order for Christian Funerals so that you may plan your liturgy and choose the scripture readings and songs. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of the priests, the music/liturgy minister, or a Sacristan minister to assist you. Music is officially required for all Catholic rituals and is part of the sacredness and meaning of the church’s liturgy.
Order for Christian Funerals Outline & Checklist
Part 1: VIGIL FOR THE DECEASED (at funeral home or church)
· Introductory Rites
· Greeting
· Opening Song (you may choose one from the song list): _____________________
· Invitation to Prayer
· Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
· First Reading (you may choose one from the scripture list below, someone may read):
__________________________________
· Psalm (someone may read or sing - usually done by the parish cantor):
__________________________________
· Gospel (you may choose one from the scripture list):
__________________________________
· Homily (done by the priest or deacon)
Prayer of Intercession
· Litany (choose a person to read): __________________________
· The Lord's Prayer
· Concluding Prayer
· Eulogy (you may choose to have members of the family or friends speak briefly about the deceased): ________________________________
· Concluding Rite
· Blessing
· Song (you may choose one from the song list): ______________________________
If a musician comes to assist at a Funeral Home, a stipend applies.
Part 2: FUNERAL MASS (in church)
Before Mass:
(You may choose a sacred instrumental or songs to be sung and played. Let our music minister know of your preferences.): _____________________________
(Many choose: AVE MARIA or other sacred music: _____________________________
· Introductory Rites
· Greeting (at the front doors of the church)
· Sprinkling with Holy Water (by the priest)
· Placing of the Pall (done by the family members - ask the sacristan or priest to hold this before the Mass)
· Placing of Christian symbols (optional - again done by family members)
· Opening Song (you may choose from the song list): ___________________________
· The Collect (Opening Prayer)
Liturgy of the Word
· First Reading (you may choose from Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament if you only have one reading. During the Easter Season, you may have two New Testament readings.): _________________________________
· Psalm (sung by the parish cantor- you may choose from the psalm list): ___________________________________________________
· Second Reading (optional to have a 2nd reading; from the New Testament - you may choose from the Scripture list): _______________________
· Gospel (you may choose from the Scripture list): ___________________________
· Homily (presented by the priest or deacon, if present)
· Intercessions (you may ask someone to read them or the parish cantor will do them; they are contained in the ritual book and a copy provided for whomever reads them):
______________________________
Liturgy of the Eucharist
· Presentation Song (choose from list provided): _______________________
· Preparation of the Gifts & Altar: (choose family members to bring up the gifts; a collection may be done if the family wishes)
· Continuation of the Mass as usual: The priest will sing the Eucharistic Prayer if you have requested. At the Mass, the service music will be sung (Sanctus, Acclamations, etc.)
· Communion Song (choose from list provided): ________________________
· Communion under both species will be offered. Communion ministers from the parish will assist if you do not have anyone from your family who may assist. List here those you would like to be Communion Ministers (usually three more are needed to assist Father):
_____________________, _________________________, & ____________________
· Prayer After Communion
· Final Commendation
· Invitation to Prayer
· Silence
· Song of Farewell (you may choose one to sing from the list): _____________________
· Prayer of Commendation
· Processional Song Sending Forth (you may choose a song from the list or instrumental music): ____________________________
· Procession to the Place of Committal (to the cemetery)
Part 3: RITE OF COMMITTAL (at the cemetery)
· Invitation
· Scripture Verse (you may choose): ___________________
· Prayer over the Place of Committal
· Committal
· Intercessions
· The Lord's Prayer
· Concluding Prayer
· Prayer over the People
· Song (you may choose one from the list): ________________________________
Sacred Scripture Selections
Hebrew Scripture Readings (Old Testament):
1. Job 19: 1, 23-27 - I know that my Redeemer lives.
2. Wisdom 3:1-9 - The souls of the just are in the hand of God - He accepted them as a holocaust
3. Wisdom 4: 7-15 - A blameless life is a ripe old age.
4. Isaiah 25: 6a, 7-9 - On this mountain, the Lord will provide. The Lord God will destroy death forever.
5. Lamentations 3: 17-26 - It is good to wait in silence for the Lord God to save.
6. Daniel 12: 1-3 - Of those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth many will awake.
7. 2 Maccabees 12: 43-46 - It is good and holy to think of the dead rising again.
Psalms: (choose one of the following to be sung by the parish cantor)
23 - Shepherd me O, God (The Lord is my shepherd)
25 - To you O Lord, I Lift Up My Soul.
27 - The Lord is my Light and my Salvation.
42 - My soul is thirsting for the living God.
63 - My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
103 - The Lord is kind and merciful.
116 - I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living
122 - I rejoiced when I heard them say: let us go to the house of the Lord.
130 - Out of the depths, I cry to you, Lord
143 - O Lord, hear my prayer.
New Testament Readings:
1. Acts 10: 34-43 - God has appointed Jesus to judge everyone, alive and dead.
2. Romans 5: 5-11 - Hope does not disappoint; Having been justified by his blood, we will be saved from God's anger through him.
3. Romans 5: 17-21 - Where sin increased, there grace abounded all the more.
4. Romans 6: 3-9 - Let us walk in newness of life.
5. Romans 8: 14-23 - We grow while we wait for the redemption of our bodies.
6. Romans 8: 31b-39 - Who can ever come between us and the love of Christ?
7. Romans 14: 7-9, 10b-12 - Whether alive or dead, we belong to the Lord
8. 1 Corinthians 15: 20-28 - All people will be brought to life in Christ.
9. 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57 - Death is swallowed up in victory.
10. 2 Corinthians 4: 14- 5:1 - What is seen is transitory; what is unseen is eternal.
11. 2 Corinthians 5: 1, 6-10 - We have an everlasting home in heaven.
12. Philippians 3: 20-21 - Jesus will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours to be like his glorious body.
13. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 - We shall stay with the Lord for ever.
14. 2 Timothy 2: 8-13 - If we have died with him, we shall live with him.
15. 1 John 3: 1-2 - We shall see God as he really is.
16. 1 John 3: 14-16 - We have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers and sisters.
17. Revelation 14: 13 - Happy are those who die in the Lord.
18. Revelation 20: 11- 21: 1 - The dead have been judged according to their works.
19. Revelation 21: 1-5a, 6b-7 - There will be no more death.
Gospel Readings
1. Matthew 5: 1-12 - The Beatitudes - Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
2. Mathew 11: 25-30 - Come to me and I will give your rest.
3. Matthew 25: 1-13 - Look, the bridegroom comes. Go out to meet him.
4. Matthew 25: 31-46 - Come, you whom my Father has blessed.
5. Mark 15: 33-39 - Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
6. Luke 7: 11-17 - Young one, I say to you, arise.
7. Luke 12: 35-40 - Be prepared.
8. Luke 23: 33, 39-43 - Today you will be with me in paradise. (The death on the cross)
9. Luke 23: 44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a - Father, I put my life in your hands.
10. Luke 24: 13-35 - The Emmaus Story - Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?
11. John 5: 24-29 - Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.
12. John 6: 37-40 - All who believe in the Son will have eternal life and I will raise them to life again on the last day.
13. John 6: 51-58 - All who eat this bread will live for ever; and I will raise them up on the last day.
14. John 11: 17-27 - I am the resurrection and the life.
15. John 11: 32-45 - Lazarus, come out.
16. John 12: 23-28 - If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest.
17. John 14: 1-6 - There are many rooms in my Father's house.
18. John 17: 24-26 - Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am.
19. John 19: 17-18, 25-30 - Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
If there is another scripture selection that you wish, and it is not included on these lists, please check with the clergy so that they may include if it is appropriate.
Songs
1. All That is Hidden
2. Amazing Grace
3. Be Not Afraid
4. Be With Me Lord (Psalm 91)
5. Because the Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
6. Bread of Life
7. Come to Me
8. Eat This Bread (Communion)
9. Eye Has Not Seen
10. God of Day and God of Darkness (for the Vigil)
11. Here At This Table (Communion)
12. Holy Darkness (suggested for the Vigil)
13. Hosea
14. How Great Thou Art
15. I Am the Bread of Life
16. I Have Loved You
17. I Know that My Redeemer Lives
18. Jerusalem, My Happy Home
19. Jesus, Remember Me
20. Look Beyond the Bread You Eat (Communion)
21. Lord You Have Come (Pescador de Hombres)
22. Lord You have the Words (Psalm 16)
23. Loving and Forgiving (Psalm 104)
24. O God our Help in Ages Past
25. O God You Search Me
26. Restless is the Heart
27. O the Lord is Near
28. On Eagle's Wings
29. Our Blessing Cup
30. Pan de Vida (Communion)
31. Prayer of St. Francis
32. Precious Lord Take My Hand
33. Remember Your Love (Psalm)
34. Shepherd Me O God (Psalm 23)
35. Shelter Me O God
36. Song of Farewell (by Michael Joncas or others)
37. Soon and Very Soon
38. The Lord is my Light (Psalm 27)
39. The Supper of the Lord
40. Unless a Grain of Wheat (Communion)
41. We Have Been Told
42. We Remember
43. We Walk by Faith
44. We Will Rise Again (Closing or reflection)
Funeral Donations & Stipends
1. Church $100.00 (suggested minimum donation - tax deductible - made payable to “Saint Charles”)
The parish normally does not accept funerals from non-parishioners. For special reasons, determined by the pastor, a funeral from a non-parishioner will be allowed for $500.00
2. Priest $100.00 (suggested minimum donation)
3. Accompanist $100.00 (stipend is made to this person)
4. Cantor $75.00 (stipend is made to this person)
5. Florist assistance (optional) $100.00
6. 4 Servers $10.00: per server
a. One server to hold the incense
b. One server to carry the cross and the book(s) for the priest
c. Two servers to carry the candles, and to administer the bell system
Written November 30, 2003
Updated November 30, 2008
