Funeral Readings

"In every celebration for the dead, the Church attaches great importance to the reading of the Word of God. The readings proclaim to the assembly the Paschal Mystery, teach remembrance of the dead, convey the hope of being gathered together again in God's kingdom, and encourage the witness of Christian life. Above all, the readings tell of God's designs for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all whom God has called His own. A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for the funeral rites will provide the family with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears, and hopes."

– Order of Christian Funerals, General Introduction, nos. 22-23

Selection of Readings

Ordinarily one reading plus a responsorial psalm will precede the Gospel. The family, in collaboration with the Parish, can select one text from the Old or New Testament Readings as well as a Responsorial Psalm. Non-biblical texts may not replace scriptural readings at Mass.

Selection of Readers

Great care should be taken in who you select to proclaim the readings during the Funeral Mass. Church Law insists that he or she must be a practicing Catholic (attends Mass every Sunday, follows the laws of the Church, and is in good standing with the Church) and that he or she must be someone who will be able to effectively communicate the Word of God. If the family has decided not to choose readers, the Parish will provide one.