Funeral Planning

Turning to God's word for wisdom and comfort, the selecting of scripture text is an important part of planning a funeral Mass.  The Word of God is an important part of the funeral rite, our Christian celebration of faith in anticipation of the resurrection of the body.

The Church has identified a selection of readings which are appropriate for a funeral/memorial Mass.  Please review these sacred passages in preparation for the funeral and find those with words that speak to your heart.  The choices are to correspond to the following guidelines:

• The first reading is to be from the Old Testament
• The second reading is to be from the New Testament
• The gospel reading is also to be from the New Testament and it may be chosen either by the presider or the family.  This may be discussed between the planner(s) and the priest who will preside at the funeral liturgy; however, the presider has the final decision regarding the gospel reading.
• The family is invited to choose readers for the first and second readings
• The priest or an assisting deacon proclaims the gospel

Once you have selected readings you would like to request (as identified by name of the book of the bible along with the chapter and verse numbers), please let the priest know as well as who you would like to read them.  The list of readings from which to choose as well as additional information on funeral and bereavement topics, can be found at: