Funeral Music
What music is appropriate for the funeral of a loved one?
Music is an integral part of the liturgy. Each piece of music serves a particular liturgical function in the form of accompanying processions, sung prayers, or responses. As God is at the center of our prayer, all music and texts for a funeral must be sacred and liturgically appropriate. Music must reflect the sacramental reality of Christian life and love in the Church. As such, only music composed specifically for the liturgy may be used during a funeral.
Secular pieces or popular songs with non-sacred texts are not permitted. In addition, recorded music is not allowed. “Recorded music lacks the authenticity provided by a living liturgical assembly gathered for the Sacred Liturgy.” (USCCB, STTL, 2007).
While a piece of music may be a special favorite of the deceased or have personal meaning, music for Mass must be sacred in order to be liturgically appropriate. Ultimately, the music must draw us “closer to the mystery of Christ, which is at the heart of this liturgical celebration.” (Ibid)
