Funeral Planning - Scripture Readings and Music

The first step is to contact the parish office at St. Jude’s Ph:301-946-8200, or email at: [email protected]. Then you will be contacted by the pastor, or one of the other two priests or deacons, to meet for funeral planning. 

Please fill in scripture reading and song choices (listed below) on planning form.
Click here for a printable planning form.

It is our belief that death is not an end but rather a beginning.  Our parish community knows that the death of a loved on can be a time of great pain, confusion, sadness and loss. Please be assured that the St. Jude Parish Family is here to offer you comfort and support.

Although death brings a deep sense of sadness and loss, faith can provide solace and strength. This time offers an opportunity to encounter God in a new way and to deepen our belief in God’s love for us and for our loved one.  It is time for us to support and console one another, especially in our belief in the promise and gift of eternal life. 

When we, as Christians, encounter death we are drawn to prayer, praying for those who have died and those who loved them. The prayer that supports Catholic Christians at the time of a death is called the funeral rites. The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God's merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins. At the funeral rites, especially at the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice, the Christian community affirms and expresses the union of the Church on earth with the Church in heaven in the one great communion of saints. Though separated from the living, the dead are still at one with the community of believers on earth and benefit from their prayers and intercession. At the rite of final commendation and farewell, the community acknowledges the reality of separation and commends the deceased to God. In this way it recognizes the spiritual bond that still exists between the living and the dead and proclaims its belief that all the faithful will be raised up and reunited in the new heavens and a new earth, where death will be no more.  Funeral rites include:

• Prayers at the Vigil (Wake)
• Mass of Christian Burial (The Funeral Mass)
• The Committal or Burial

This resource is meant to provide hope and bring comfort and consolation to those planning a funeral liturgy.

EULOGY
A Eulogy during Mass is not permitted. A Euolgy is permitted to be given about 5 minutes before the Liturgy begins and should be no longer than 3  minutes
.
Words of remembrance should offer a loving glimpse of the deceased person’s life, Christian character and how the person touched the lives of others.
 
As part of the remarks offered, it may be appropriate to:
    Thank people for their prayers, their support, and their presence
    Share how your loved one lived their Christian life
    Relate something endearing that was unique to them
    Conclude by entrusting them into God’s care.

When writing a eulogy or words of remembrance, the following questions may be helpful:
    What made your loved one truly happy?
    What were your loved one’s outstanding qualities?
    What will you remember most about this person?
    How did they live their faith?

The words you choose are important in helping those present with their grief and sorrow.
    Only one person offers words of remembrance before a funeral Mass.
    Keep in mind that a eulogy is not a biography!

ORDER OF THE FUNERAL MASS

Introductory Rites

The Mass begins with the priest and assisting ministers greeting the family at the church doors by the baptismal font.  This is fitting since we begin our Christian journey in baptism and now we sprinkle the casket/urn with holy water as a reminder of that Sacrament.

The pall (the large white cloth) is placed on the casket by family members-also a reminder of the white garments we wear at baptism.

Mass continues with the Gathering Song and Opening Prayer after which we prepare to listen to the Liturgy of the Word.

Liturgy of the Word

The First Reading is chosen from the Old Testament.  A family member may proclaim the reading.  Please choose one of the following:

Click here to view choices for the Old Testament Reading

 The Responsorial Psalm follows next.  The psalm is sung by a cantor.  Please choose one psalm to be sung:

Click here for Psalm 23:  Shepherd Me, O God

Click here for Psalm 27:  The Lord Is My LIght

Click here for Psalm 63:  I Long For You, O Lord

Click here for Psalm 116:  In The Land of the Living

The Second Reading is chosen from the New Testament.  A family member may proclaim the second reading. Please choose one of the following:

Click here to view choices for the New Testament Reading

The Gospel Reading is read by the priest or deacon and is chosen from one of the four Gospel writers.  Please choose one.

Click here to view choices for the Gospel Reading

During the Homily the celebrant often refers to the thoughts that have been provided by family or others that show how the loved one lived out the Christian way and values.

Prayer of the Faithful is a litany of prayer for those who have passed away, for those of us who mourn them, for those who care for the sick, for the poor, and for peace in our world.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Altar and Gifts. The family is encouraged to choose family or friends to bring up the gifts.  The gifts normally carried up are bread and wine.  A chosen song is also sung or played during this time.

Eucharistic Prayers and Acclamations.  The priest prays over the gifts and calls the Holy Spirit to bless them as we prepare to receive them in Communion

Communion may be distributed by family members who are trained Communion Ministers.  A chosen song is also sung by all at this time.

The Casket/Urn is prepared by the funeral directors and the procession leaves the church as we sing a final song.  The family follows behind the casket.  The pall is removed at the doors of the church. 

Please fill in scripture reading and song choices on planning form.
Click here for a printable form.

Archdiocese of Washinton Cemetery:
 https://ccaw.org/
 
 Upon Death in the family:
https://ccaw.org/death-in-the-family
 
Cemetery Contact and Information Request Form:
https://ccaw.org/contact-us