Funeral Information

Funeral Information

Music

Music is essential to the Funeral Mass. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith. The Funeral Choir and Organist of the St. Joseph's Parish community supply the music for the funeral Mass. All music is sacred in nature.

Readings

First Reading (this reading is done after the opening prayer when everyone is seated for the first time)

* Please select one reading from this section and a family member or friend to read the selection at the Funeral Mass.

Job 19:1, 23-27

Wisdom 3:1-9

Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9

Daniel 12:1-3

Proverbs 30:10-31

Acts 10:34-36, 42-43

Revelations 21:1-5a, 6b-7

Second Reading (this reading is done after the responsorial psalm is sung)

* Please select one reading from this section and a family member or friend to read the selection at the Funeral Mass.

Romans 6:3-9

Romans 8:18-23

I Corinthians 15:51-57

II Corinthians 4:14-5:1

Philippians 3:20-21

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

I John 3:1-2

General Intercessions

Following the homily and after a moment of silence, the reader approaches the pulpit to read the petitions)

Intercession C1

Priest: God, the Almighty Father raised Christ his Son from the dead; with confidence we ask him to save all his people, both living and dead.
Reader: Our response is "Lord, hear our prayer".
Reader: For N., who in baptism was given the promise of eternal life, that he/she now be admitted into the company of God's saints, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: For N., who at the body of Christ, the bread of life, that he/she may be raised up on the last day, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: For N's family and friends: may they be consoled in their grief by Jesus who once wept at the death of his friend, Lazarus, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: For our deceased relatives and friends and all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: For all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: For all of us assembled here to worship in faith that we may be gathered together again in God's kingdom, we pray to the Lord.
Priest: God, our shelter and our strength,
            You listen in love to the cry of your people;
            hear the prayers we offer for our departed brothers and sisters.
            Cleanse them of their sins and grant the fullness of redemption.
            We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Intercession C2

Priest: Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father, where he intercedes for his Church. Confident that God hears the voices of those who trust in the Lord, we join our prayers to his:
Reader: Our response is, "hear our prayer".
Reader: In baptism N. received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead him/her over the waters of death. Lord, in your mercy: [response]
Reader: Our brother/sister was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome him/her into the halls of the heavenly banquet. Lord, in your mercy: [response]
Reader: Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the Kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. Lord, in your mercy: [response]
Reader: Many people die by violence, war, and famine each day. Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace. Lord, in your mercy: [response]
Reader: Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshment, rest, and peace to those whose faith is known to you alone. Lord, in your mercy: [response]
Reader: The family and friends of N. seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. Lord, in your mercy: [response]
Reader: We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our brother/sister N. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son's coming. Lord, in your mercy: [response]
Priest: Lord God, giver of peace and healer of souls, hear the prayers of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the voices of your people, whose lives were purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Forgive the sins of all who sleep in Christ, and grant them a place in the kingdom. We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen.

Intercession C3

Priest: My dear friends, let us join with one another in praying to God, not only for our departed brother/sister, but also for the Church, for peace in our world, and for ourselves.
Reader: Our response is, "Lord, hear our prayer".
Reader: That the bishops and priests of the church, and all who preach the Gospel, may be given the strength in action the word they proclaim, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: That those in public office may promote justice and peace, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: That those who bear the cross of pain in mind or body may never feel forsaken by God, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: That God may deliver the soul of his servant N. from punishment and from the powers of darkness, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: That God in his mercy may blot out all his/her offenses, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: That God may establish him/her in light and peace, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: That God may call him/her to happiness in the company of all the saints, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: That God may welcome in his glory those of our family and friends who have departed this life, we pray to the Lord.
Reader: That God may give a place in the Kingdom of heaven to all the faithful departed, we pray to the Lord.
Priest: O God, creator and redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of the departed servants release from their sins. Hear our prayers for those we love and give them the pardon they have always desired. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.