There are three readings for a Funeral Mass. First Reading, Second Reading and Gospel.
We recommend reading over the selected readings from the United Stated Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB.org). If you scroll to the bottom and select one of the options under the heading Readings for Sacred Scripture.
Music
Frequently it is the desire of either the deceased or family members to use a favorite piece of music or hymn within the Funeral Mass. Please understand that the primary focus of the Mass is always the worship of God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, therefore music at the Funeral Mass should always be of a liturgical nature rather than of secular origin. Hymns and songs are taken from the Hymnal of the Diocese of Marquette.
Eulogy
The funeral liturgy of a loved one or a friend is a difficult time for everyone involved. In order to allow for a moment of personal sharing by a family member or a friend of the deceased, the Order of Christian Funerals (OCF) of the Catholic Church states the following: “A member or a friend of the family may speak in remembrance of the deceased … .”
At Church of the Resurrection, this directive is observed in the following manner:
One person - and only one person - is permitted to speak during the Funeral Mass after the dismissal. If more than one person wishes to speak, this will be done at the funeral home during the viewing, at the Vigil service, at the cemetery during the prayers of commendation, or at the luncheon following the service.
Eulogies are for the living, and for everyone at a remembrance service. Be brief. It should not be more than five minutes.
Write the eulogy. Even if you are an experienced speaker, during the emotional time of a remembrance service it is especially easy to wander. Write, and speak from the heart.
The content of the remarks should be about the deceased and need to be respectfully presented.
The speaker needs to be mindful that the setting is to be reverent, and only content which is appropriate to that setting should be presented. Nothing contrary to the views of the Catholic Church should ever be presented.
The remarks should be personal. Additional readings from Sacred Scripture, secular writings, poetry, book excerpts, etc., should not normally be used at this time.
Luncheon
You may choose to have the luncheon after the funeral in the Parish Hall. Many of the funeral directors in our area will contact us on your behalf, but if you have any questions, please contact the office (906) 482-0215 for more details.