Funeral Mass for
The staff of St Paul VI Parish, which consists of the communities of Mater Christi, St Mary, and St Hugh, is here to assist you in preparing and celebrating the funeral Mass for your loved one. Below, we present a simple outline of choices you may use to personalize the Mass for you and your family.

The following hymns found below are appropriate/popular. This list is by no means exhaustive and is only a suggested starting place. The hymn should be appropriate for the action being taken by the priest, and the music’s tempo should fit the solemnity of the Mass. A cantor and organist are needed, and other musicians may play as well. All selections below are found in our parish hymnal, the 3rd edition of Gather.

Please email or phone (708-447-1020) the Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy, Nello Barone, to set up a meeting time as well as to ask any other questions regarding selections, musicians, suggested honoraria, special requests, and any other relevant inquiries.

You may ask a family member or friend to read the First Reading, the Second Reading, and/or the Universal Prayer. If your family and loved ones prefer not to be readers at the Mass, we at St Paul VI will make sure we have readers available. Likewise, if there are Eucharistic Ministers or altar servers in your family, please let Father know and those members may assist at the Mass. All of us at St Paul VI want to be of service to you during this time of sorrow.

Below are links to some suggested readings from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops as well as links to some suggested songs that are frequently chosen for funerals. 

​If you are planning to create a worship aide, please call the Parish Office with your selections prior to printing.

Funeral Mass Outline

I.  Processional Hymn
II.  First Reading
Let's replace the first paragraph with the following:
This reading is taken from the Old Testament, except during the Easter season (the 50 days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday) when it is taken from the New Testament. You can choose the readings in the book, “Through Death to Life,” or you can search through the bible to find a reading that speaks to the life and example of your loved one. Remember to choose the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), or New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (NRSVCE), as your source. An easy search tool is https://bible.usccb.org/bible. Readings during the Liturgy of the Word come from the Holy Bible. The First Reading is generally from the Old Testament except during Easter. The Second Reading is from the New Testament but is not a Gospel reading. The Gospel reading is from one of the following books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. ​
III.  Responsorial Psalm
IV.  Second Reading
This reading is taken from the New Testament. You may choose anything the bishops recommend, or you may choose an appropriate text from any book in the New Testament (excluding the gospels). Readings during the Liturgy of the Word come from the Holy Bible. The First Reading is generally from the Old Testament except during Easter. The Second Reading is from the New Testament but is not a Gospel reading. The Gospel reading is from one of the following books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. ​
V.  The Gospel
This reading is proclaimed by the priest. You can choose any reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. Readings during the Liturgy of the Word come from the Holy Bible. The First Reading is generally from the Old Testament except during Easter. The Second Reading is from the New Testament but is not a Gospel reading. The Gospel reading is from one of the following books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. 
VI.  Homily
Father gives a short reflection on the scripture and relates it to your loved one. We will ask you to fill out a simple questionnaire so that Father can speak about your loved one.
VII.  Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)
You make ask a relative or friend to read these short prayers or Father can pray them. There are sample prayers in the book Through Death to Life.

You may use one of the following formulas, combine parts of several together, or adapt the material below to your circumstances.
Option 1
Priest: Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father, where he intercedes for the Church. Confident that God hears the voices of those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join in our prayers to his:

Lector: Our response is Lord, hear our prayer

Lector: In baptism _____ received the light of Christ.
Scatter the darkness now and lead him/her over the waters of death. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: Our brother/sister _____ was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome him/her into the halls of the heavenly banquet. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: Many people die by violence, war, and famine each day.
Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshment, rest, and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: The family and friends of _____ seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our brother/sister _____. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son’s coming. We pray to the Lord.
​
Priest: Lord God, giver of peace and healer of souls, hear the prayers of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the voices of your people, whose lives were purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Forgive the sins of all who sleep in Christ and grant them a place in the kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Option 2
Priest: God, the almighty Father, raised Christ his Son from the dead; with confidence we ask him to save all his people, living and dead:

Lector: Our response is Lord, hear our prayer

Lector: For _____ who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that he/she may now be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: For our brother/sister _______ who ate the body of Christ, the bread of life, that he/she may be raised up on the last day. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: For the friends of our brother/sister _____, that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: For all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

Priest: God, our shelter and our strength, you listen in love to the cry of your people: Hear the prayers we offer for our departed brothers and sisters. Cleanse them of their sins and grant them the fullness of redemption. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Option 3
Priest: My dear friends, let us join with one another in praying to God, not only for our departed brother/sister, but also for the Church, for peace in the world and for ourselves.

Lector: Our response is Lord, hear our prayer

Lector: That the bishops and priests of the Church, and all who preach the Gospel, may be given the strength to express in action the word they proclaim. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That those in public office may promote justice and peace. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That those who bear the cross of pain in mind or body may never feel forsaken by God. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may deliver the soul of his servant _____ from punishment and from the powers of darkness. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God in his mercy may blot out all his/her offenses. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may establish him/her in light and peace. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may call him/her to happiness in the company of all the saints. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may welcome into his glory those of our family and friends who have departed this life. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may give a place in the kingdom of heaven to all the faithful departed. We pray to the Lord.
​
Priest: O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your departed servants release from all their sins. Hear our prayers for those we love and give them the pardon they have always desired. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Option 4
Priest: My dear friends, let us join with one another in praying to God, not only for our departed brother/sister, but also for the church, for peace in the world, and for ourselves.

Lector: Our response is Lord, hear our prayer

Lector: That the bishops and priests of the Church, and all who preach the Gospel, may be given the strength to express in action the word they proclaim. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That those in public office may promote justice and peace. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That those who bear the cross of pain in mind or body may never feel forsaken by God. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may deliver the soul of his servant _____. from punishment and from the powers of darkness. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God in his mercy may blot out all his/her offenses. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may establish him/her in light and peace. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may call him/her to happiness in the company of all the saints. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may welcome into his glory those of our family and friends who have departed this life. We pray to the Lord.

Lector: That God may give a place in the kingdom of heaven to all the faithful departed. We pray to the Lord.
​
Priest: O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your departed servants release from all their sins. Hear our prayers for those we love and give them the pardon they have always desired. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Option 5
Priest: Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father where he intercedes for his Church. Confident that God hears the voices of those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join our prayers to his:

Lector: Our response is Hear our prayer

Lector: In baptism _____. received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead him/her over the waters of death. Lord, in your mercy.

Lector: Our brother/sister _____. was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome him/her into the halls of the heavenly banquet. Lord, in your mercy:

Lector: Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. Lord, in your mercy:

Lector: Many people die by violence, war, and famine each day.
Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace. Lord, in your mercy:

Lector: Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give them refreshment, rest and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. Lord, in your mercy:

Lector: The family and friends of _____. seek comfort and consolation.
Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. Lord, in your mercy:

Priest: We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our brother/sister ________. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son’s coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
VIII.  Offertory Hymn
Here we present our offerings upon the altar of the Lord, of which are the "gifts" to become the Body and Blood of Christ received in the celebration of the Eucharist. Among these offerings are also those given within our hearts; that is, what we offer to God in prayer through our music. It is for this reason that we sing as a congregation or prayerfully meditate on the words of a prepared musical offering by a soloist or choir. Below are some suggestions for appropriate hymns to help facilitate prayer during the Offertory.
IX.  Communion Hymn
It is appropriate during the Liturgy of the Eucharist to sing a Communion hymn. These hymns praise Christ for His sacrifice on our behalf as well as thank God for the unity of His Church through and as Christ's Body. As such, please choose from these popular hymns listed below or any other hymn from the "Eucharist" category in our Gather hymnal (numbers 906 thru 951). Other hymns used for other portions of the liturgy are to be avoided, and only hymns using language referring to Christ's Body and Blood, or the "Bread of Life" and "Cup," are permissible.
X.  Words of Remembrance
You may ask someone to give a short remembrance of your loved one. This can be a remembering of some special traits and (or) inspiring qualities of your loved one. It is best to have the words written down as many times family and friends will request a copy of the reflection. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Matt Nemchausky at 708-447-1020 and he will assist you.
XI.  Final Commendation
The cantor will chant the antiphon, In paradisum (May Choirs of Angels). Incense is used during this portion of the funeral liturgy, an ancient symbol of purification and sanctification. As the priest wafts incense over the casket, the rising smoke reminds us of the spirit's ascent to the afterlife. The floating melody of the chanted prayer resembles those weaving plumes of smoke. In praying for the repose of your loved one's soul, we join Christian saints and believers from centuries past in this prayer:
May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your arrival and lead you to the holy city, Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive you and with Lazarus, once poor, may you have eternal rest.
XII.  Recessional Hymn