 Helpful stuff will appear here. When I get round to it. Planning a Catholic funeralThere is an excellent online resource, based in New Zealand, which is designed to help plan a Catholic Funeral. Please note that some aspects of the funeral liturgy (service) differ from England, so you should always consult the priest, however you may find this website useful. You can easily use it to draft your funeral, and choose readings and hymns. | ResourcesOrder of ServiceHere is an outline of the order of service for a Catholic Funeral followed by Burial or Cremation.
This document has some explanatory notes, but may appear complicated to the unfamiliar user. Always discuss with the priest the arrangements for the funeral and ask him any necessary questions.
HymnsThere are many hymns which may be appropriate for a Catholic funeral, and these may vary according to the time of year: at Christmas time, for example, a carol might be suitable. You can download here a list of hymns which are often chosen for funerals, along with a document containing the words of these hymns.
ReadingsLike hymns, there are many suitable biblical readings which could be chosen for a funeral. Here we provide some suggestions. Please note that while it is very desirable for a lay person, especially a family member, to read the first reading, the Gospel reading must always be read by the Priest or Deacon.
The first reading is usually followed by a psalm - sometimes this may be sung in the form of a hymn, such as the Lord's my Shepherd (Psalm 22).
Some of the readings below include a psalm, and some do not.
While it is possible to have two readings (Old, then New Testament) and psalm before the Gospel at a funeral, this is unusual. Sometimes, particularly if the Funeral Service takes place in the Crematorium or Cemetery Chapel, there may be only one reading, from one of the Gospels.
Readings only (without the psalm)
The readings marked † are shorter, and may he particularly appropriate for a younger reader.
With the psalm
Gospel Readings
The Gospel is read by the priest or deacon
Other Bible readings
If you are looking for another reading, you may find it helpful to use Bible Gateway to search for a particular phrase or words.
Bidding PrayersAlthough the Bidding Prayers are often read by the Priest or Deacon, as they are a series of short prayers they are particularly adaptable for reading by a number of persons, particularly children or teenagers, and can be adapted as suitable for the deceased person.
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