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.
2 Maccabees 12:43-46 (536 downloads)
- Job 19:1, 23-27a
I know that my Vindicator lives.
Job 19:1, 23-27a (512 downloads) - Wisdom 3:1-9
As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
Wisdom 3:1-9 (long version) (505 downloads)
Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 (Short version) (512 downloads) - Wisdom 4:7-15
An unsullied life, the attainment of old age.
Wisdom 4:7-15 (437 downloads) - Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9
He will destroy death forever.
Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9 (480 downloads) - Lamentations 3:17-26
It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:17-26 (439 downloads) - Daniel 12:1-3
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.
Daniel 12:1-3 (557 downloads)
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.
Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43 (Long version) (474 downloads)
Acts of the Apostles 10:34-36, 42-43 (Short version) (432 downloads)
9. Revelation 14:13
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Revelation 14:13 (448 downloads)
10. Revelation 20:11-21:1
The dead were judged according to their deeds.
Revelation 20:11-21:1 (404 downloads)
11. Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7
There shall be no more death.
Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7 (446 downloads)
Second Reading
- Romans 5:5-11
Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath.
Romans 5:5-11 (488 downloads) - Romans 5:17-21
Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.
Romans 5:17-21 (417 downloads) - Romans 6:3-9
We too might live in newness of life.
Romans 6:3-9 (long version) (494 downloads)
Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 (short version) (421 downloads) - Romans 8:14-23
We also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:14-23 (518 downloads) - Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 (436 downloads) - Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12
Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s
Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12 (484 downloads) - 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
So too in Christ shall all be brought to life.
1-Corinthians 15:20-28 (479 downloads) - 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Death is swallowed up in victory.
1-Corinthians 15:51-57 (429 downloads) - 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1
What is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
2-Corinthians 4:14-5:1 (421 downloads) - 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10
We have a building from God, eternal in heaven.
2-Corinthians 5:1, 6-10 (409 downloads) - Philippians 3:20-21
He will change our lowly bodies to conform to his glory.
Philippians 3:20-21 (465 downloads) - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1-Thessalonians 4:13-18 (442 downloads) - 2 Timothy 2:8-13
If we have died with him we shall also live with him.
2-Timothy 2:8-13 (468 downloads) - 1 John 3:1-2
We shall see him as he is.
1-John 3:1-2 (451 downloads) - 1 John 3:14-16
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers.
1-John 3:14-16 (474 downloads)
Gospel Reading
- Matthew 5:1-12a
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Matthew 5:1-12a (488 downloads) - Matthew 11:25-30
Come to me and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:25-30 (463 downloads) - Matthew 25:1-13
Behold the bridegroom! Come out to him!
Matthew 25:1-13 (452 downloads) - Matthew 25:31-46
Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Matthew 25:31-46 (479 downloads) - Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6
Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
Mark 15:33-39;16:1-6 (long version) (515 downloads)
Mark 15:33-39 (short version) (479 downloads) - Luke 7:11-17
Young man, I tell you, arise!
Luke 7:11-17 (462 downloads) - Luke 12:35-40
You also must be prepared.
Luke 12:35-40 (397 downloads) - Luke 23:33, 39-43
Today you will be with me in Paradise.
Luke 23:33, 39-43 (460 downloads) - Luke 23: 44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a (long version) (433 downloads)
Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53 (short version) (447 downloads) - Luke 24:13-35
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?
Luke 24:13-35 (long version) (439 downloads)
Luke 24:13-16, 28-35 (short version) (428 downloads) - John 5:24-29
Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.
John 5:24-29 (451 downloads) - 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.
John 6:37-40 (459 downloads) - John 6:51-59
Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and I will raise them up on the last day.
John 6:51-59 (432 downloads) - John 11:17-27
I am the resurrection and the life.
John 11:17-27 (long version) (481 downloads)
John 11:21-27 (short version) (438 downloads) - John 11:32-45
Lazarus, come out!
John 11:32-45 (531 downloads) - John 12:23-28
If it dies, it produces much fruit.
John 12:23-28 (long version) (426 downloads)
John 12:23-26 (short version) (442 downloads) - John 14:1-6
In my Father’s house there are many dwellings.
John 14:1-6 (437 downloads) - John 17:24-26
I wish that where I am they also may be with me.
John 17:24-26 (429 downloads) - John 19:17-18, 25-39
And bowing his head he handed over his Spirit.
John 19:17-18, 25-39 (462 downloads)
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
Funeral luncheon brochure pdf (482 downloads)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.