Planning the Funeral Liturgy

The process of grieving and mourning may be aided by participating in the preparation and planning of the funeral rites for your loved one.

This gesture of care will allow the funeral to be an expression of your own grief at this time of loss as well as your faith and hope in Jesus and His cross and resurrection. Attention to the details that follow will also aid the priests and the staff at the Cathedral in our ministry to your family and friends.

The normal structure of the funeral Mass is as follows:

Seating of family members

Gathering hymn and Procession

Reception of the Body:
Greeting and Introduction
Sprinkling of the Body with Holy Water
Placing of the Pall
Placing of Christian Symbols (optional)

Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word
Responsorial Psalm (sung)
New Testament Reading
Gospel Acclamation (sung)
Gospel Reading
Homily

Prayer of the Faithful

Liturgy of the Eucharist
Presentation of the Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer (with sung acclamations)
The Lord's Prayer and the Sign of Peace
Communion
Prayer after Communion

Final Commendation
Song of Farewell and Incensation of the Body
Prayer of Commendation

Procession to the Place of Committal and Closing Hymn