Funerals and memorial services offer an opportunity to celebrate a life and share precious memories. Choosing music for the service can be a daunting task. It is important to choose the music that holds meaning and comfort for you and your family and that celebrates the life that has ended.
For most funeral and memorial services, the officiant can provide guidance as to how many sung and/or instrumental musical pieces are typical and/or needed.
The Roman Catholic funeral Mass requires both service music and hymns as follows:
Processional Hymn: Sung by congregation, led by the soloist (In some diocese, there are two processionals – one for the entrance of the family and another for the procession of the clergy celebrant with the casket/cremains)
Responsorial Psalm: Sung by the soloist with refrain sung by the congregation
Gospel Acclamation: Sung by the cantor
Offertory Hymn: Sung by congregation, led by the soloist
Sanctus: Sung by congregation, led by the cantor
Memorial Acclamation: Sung by congregation, led by the soloist
Great Amen: Sung by congregation, led by the soloist
Lord’s Prayer: This may be sung or recited
Lamb of God: Sung by congregation, led by the soloist
Communion Hymn: Either a solo sung by the soloist, or a congregational hymn
Meditation: Either a sung or instrumental solo (Optional; usually follows the eulogy if there is one, and provides time for reflection)
Song of Farewell: Sung by soloist
Recessional: Sung by congregation, led by the soloist
