Funerals
We Christians find bright rays of hope even in the midst of our darkest times. We believe that death is not only an end, but also a beginning. Our loved one has passed from this present, temporary life to a perfect, permanent one. He or she who knew God in faith on earth now sees the Lord face-to-face in heaven. While death separates us, we will one day be reunited with all those we love in a “dwelling provided for us by God, a dwelling in the heavens, not made by hands but to last forever” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
When a Catholic dies, the Church celebrates a particular set of liturgical rites to help us through the immediate days of our grieving, to express our belief in eternal life, and to help us pray for the one who has died. These rites are organized into what is called the Order of Christian Funerals, which contains all the liturgical prayers, scripture readings, and blessing for use immediately following the death of a member of the Church. The Order provides prayers for loved ones as they gather in the presence of the body, for the wake service, funeral, final commendation and the Rite of Committal ( which we celebrate at the place of burial, entombment, or cremation).
The reading options for the Liturgy of the Word are available on this page for a book including all the parts of the Order, please Contact Christine Nichols, Director of Liturgy; cnichols@sacredheart-church.org or call 573-443-3470.
Liturgy of the Word
Select one each from the choices for first reading, second reading and gospel reading. (Non-biblical texts may not replace scriptural readings at the Funeral Mass)
First Reading
Outside Easter Time: Old Testament
- 2 Maccabees 12:43-46
He acted in an excellent and noble way as he had the resurrection of the dead in view.
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- Job 19:1, 23-27a
I know that my Vindicator lives.
[Download not found] - Wisdom 3:1-9
As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
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[Download not found] - Wisdom 4:7-15
An unsullied life, the attainment of old age.
[Download not found] - Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9
He will destroy death forever.
[Download not found] - Lamentations 3:17-26
It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.
[Download not found] - Daniel 12:1-3
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.
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During Easter Time: New Testament
(Note: During the Easter season one of the following four readings is used as a first reading instead of a passage from the Old Testament.)
8. Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43
He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.
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9. Revelation 14:13
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
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10. Revelation 20:11-21:1
The dead were judged according to their deeds.
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11. Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7
There shall be no more death.
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Second Reading
- Romans 5:5-11
Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath.
[Download not found] - Romans 5:17-21
Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.
[Download not found] - Romans 6:3-9
We too might live in newness of life.
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[Download not found] - Romans 8:14-23
We also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
[Download not found] - Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
[Download not found] - Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12
Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s
[Download not found] - 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
So too in Christ shall all be brought to life.
[Download not found] - 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Death is swallowed up in victory.
[Download not found] - 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1
What is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
[Download not found] - 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10
We have a building from God, eternal in heaven.
[Download not found] - Philippians 3:20-21
He will change our lowly bodies to conform to his glory.
[Download not found] - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
[Download not found] - 2 Timothy 2:8-13
If we have died with him we shall also live with him.
[Download not found] - 1 John 3:1-2
We shall see him as he is.
[Download not found] - 1 John 3:14-16
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers.
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Gospel Reading
- Matthew 5:1-12a
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
[Download not found] - Matthew 11:25-30
Come to me and I will give you rest.
[Download not found] - Matthew 25:1-13
Behold the bridegroom! Come out to him!
[Download not found] - Matthew 25:31-46
Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
[Download not found] - Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6
Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
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[Download not found] - Luke 7:11-17
Young man, I tell you, arise!
[Download not found] - Luke 12:35-40
You also must be prepared.
[Download not found] - Luke 23:33, 39-43
Today you will be with me in Paradise.
[Download not found] - Luke 23: 44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
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[Download not found] - Luke 24:13-35
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?
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[Download not found] - John 5:24-29
Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.
[Download not found] - John 6:37-40
Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life and I shall raise him on the last day.
[Download not found] - John 6:51-59
Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and I will raise them up on the last day.
[Download not found] - John 11:17-27
I am the resurrection and the life.
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[Download not found] - John 11:32-45
Lazarus, come out!
[Download not found] - John 12:23-28
If it dies, it produces much fruit.
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[Download not found] - John 14:1-6
In my Father’s house there are many dwellings.
[Download not found] - John 17:24-26
I wish that where I am they also may be with me.
[Download not found] - John 19:17-18, 25-39
And bowing his head he handed over his Spirit.
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Funeral Music Suggestions
Congregational Hymns:
645 Amazing Grace
683 Be Not Afraid
777 Here I Am Lord
616 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
484 Hosea
588 I Have Loved You
573 To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King
940 Gift of Finest Wheat
695 You Are Near
721 You Are Mine
735 Blest Are They
728 Eye Has Not Seen
646 Keep In Mind
945 I Am the Bread of Life (I will Raise You Up)
975 Peace Be With Those
981 The Hand of God Shall Hold You
712 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
828 Prayer of St. Francis (Make Me a Channel of Your Peace)
681 We Remember How You Loved Us
590 Christ Be Our Light
578 How Great Thou Art
614 Joyful, Joyful
829 Let There Be Peace on Earth
691 On Eagle’s Wings
Solo Vocal Music
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Psalms
Psalm 23 – The Lord Is My Shepherd
#34 – My Shepherd is the Lord
#35 – Shepherd Me, O God
Psalm 16 – Lord, You Have the Words of Everlasting Life – #31
Psalm 103 – The Lord Is Kind and Merciful – #72 or # 75
Guidelines for Funeral Luncheons
[Download not found]The Sacred Heart staff and parish extend our sympathy on the death of your loved one. At this difficult time, if you choose, volunteers of the parish can assist your family by serving a luncheon after the funeral Mass/Service.
The luncheon will be served in the Activity Building, which will accommodate 75-100 people. This service, provided by the Sacred Heart Funeral Luncheon Committee, will be buffet style with disposable service. The ministry includes volunteers who prepare and serve the luncheon and those who donate food items. Family members can relax, knowing everything will be taken care of, including clean up.
Please print the above PDF, it includes a form to return to the parish office and list the 3 menu choices.
Who do I contact regarding the Luncheon?
Return above PDF or contact the Parish Office, 573-443-3470 option 3, to provide the requested information. Office staff will contact the Luncheon Coordinator to organize the luncheon. Please do this as soon as possible to allow adequate preparation time.
Is there a cost for the Funeral Luncheon?
The family is asked to pay for the meat entrée. If members of the family with to make a donation to help defray other expenses associated with the luncheon, contributions may be forwarded to the Parish Office.
What happens to extra food after the Luncheon?
Family may take home any leftover food.
When is payment expected?
Payment is accepted at the time the luncheon request is made. Checks should be made payable to Sacred Heart Church. Payment may also be made on the website by clicking on the WeShare icon.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the Funeral or the Luncheon service, call the Parish Office, 573-443-3470.