Music for Christian Funerals

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Music Ministry

Music for Christian Funerals

"I am the Resurrection and the Life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. " John 11:24-26

Perhaps more than anything else in our worship, music affects our feelings and the atmosphere in which we pray. The Order of Christian Funerals notes that the role and place of music is "integral to the funeral rites." Hymns and songs that help to express our Christian hope, consolation for those who mourn and that help to point us to the Paschal Mystery of Christ's saving death and resurrection should, as much as possible, be part of each of the three major ritual moments: the wake, the funeral Mass and the committal service.

The following is a list of hymns and songs apppropriate for a Funeral Mass. Music or songs that are not liturgical or are otherwise inappropriate for the funeral Mass can be included at various times outside the funeral rites, for example during the wake or after the committal service at the cemetery.

Alleluia, Sing to Jesus (not during Lent)

Amazing Grace

Be Not Afraid

Because the Lord is My Shepherd

Blest Are They

Bread of Life

Center of My Life

Day is Done

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

Eat This Bread

Eye Has Not Seen

For All the Saints (not during Lent)

Gift of Finest Wheat

How Great Thou Art

I Am the Bread of Life

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I Heard the Voice of Jesus

Keep In Mind

Lift High the Cross

Love Divine, All Love's Excelling

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

O God, Our Help in Ages Past

On Eagle's Wings

One Bread, One Body

Out of Darkness

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

The Supper of the Lord

The Strife is O'er

Unless a Grain of Wheat

We Remember

We Walk By Faith

We Will Rise Again

You Are Mine

The following is a list of Responsorial Psalms that would be appropriate for a Funeral Mass. The Responsorial Psalm is sung after the Old Testament or First Reading. It is followed by the New Testament or Second reading. The Psalm is always sung at a Funeral Mass.

Psalm 19: Lord, You Have the Words of Everlasting Life

Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shpeherd

Psalm 25: To You, O Lord

Psalm 27: The Goodness of the Lord

Psalm 63: My Soul is Thirsting

Psalm 103: The Lord is Kind and Merciful

Psalm 131: Like A Child Rests

We hope that these brief words and suggestions will help you in preparing with us the funeral liturgy for your loved one. If you have any questions regarding music for the funeral liturgy or need assistance in making music selections, please consult our Director of Music Ministry, Ada Simpson. She can be contacted at the rectory, 973 334 1017 ext. 24

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Music Minsitry 910 Birch St. Boonton NJ 07005

tel. 973 334 1017