Order of a Funeral Mass
Order of Funeral Mass
(Please stand)
- Greeting (family will gather in front of church & process in with priest)
- Sprinkling with Holy Water (casket or urn is brought to baptismal font & blessed)
- Placing of the pall* if casket present (*large white cloth reminding us of our baptism)
- Entrance Procession with casket or urn
- Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word (Scripture Readings)
(Please be seated)
- First Reading
- Responsorial Psalm (sung by cantor)
- Second Reading
(Please stand)
- Gospel Acclamation
- Gospel (read by priest or deacon)
(Please be seated)
- Homily
(Please stand)
- Prayers of the Faithful
(Please be seated)
- Presentation of the Gifts (bread & wine) and Preparation of the Altar
- Casket incensed, if present
- Prayer over the Offerings
- Eucharistic Prayer
- Preface/Introductory prayers
- Holy, Holy, Holy
(Please kneel, if able)
- First half of prayer, including Consecration
- Mystery of Faith
- Second half of prayer
(Please stand)
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Sign of Peace
- Lamb of God
(Please kneel, if able)
- Reception of Holy Communion **
- Eulogy may be given after reception of Holy Communion. Please be seated during this time.
- Prayer after Holy Communion
(Please stand)
- Final Prayers for Deceased
- Song of Farewell
- Dismissal
**Practicing Catholics who are not conscious of serious sin and have observed the one- hour fast (water & medication excluded) may receive Holy Communion. Non-Catholics are welcome to approach the priest with arms crossed over the chest for a blessing.
Adapted from The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
