Introduction to Readings for Funeral Mass
At mass we listen to the Word of God. The readings at a Funeral Mass remind us that at the centre of our faith is the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The readings strengthen our hope of being gathered together in God’s kingdom and they encourage us to witness to the Christian way of life. The readings tell us of God’s designs for a world in which suffering and death will be no more. A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for the funeral will provide the family and the community with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears and hopes.
We encourage a member of the family to do a reading at the Reception of the Remains at the Church, which normally takes place the evening before the funeral mass.
For the Funeral Mass itself you can choose the first reading from one of the readings from the Old Testament.
The Responsorial Psalm is normally sung. However if it is not being sung you can choose a Psalm.
From the New Testament readings you can choose the second reading
Please choose 4-6 prayers for the Prayer of the Faithful
The following are a few tips which the reader may find helpful:
- Practice the reading a number of times the night before the mass
- Ensure that you know which reading you are proclaiming
- Read slowly and clearly – try not to rush through the reading
- Make sure you have the reading with you when you come to the Church
- Speak clearly into the microphone – your mouth should be about six inches away from the microphone when you are speaking into it.There are suggested readings under the following headings, but you may also choose your own. Please click on one of the following links:-
