Funerals

For the Funeral Liturgy, there are traditionally three places for music which may be requested by the family (should they wish to select music):

1. Processional,

2. Offertory, and

3. Communion.

Family may request special selections to be sung by a cantor/soloist (e.g., a setting of the Ave Maria), or they may select three hymns from the list below. See a few suggestions below from our CREDO Hymnal:

Abide With Me

All You Who Seek a Comfort Sure

Be Still, My Soul

Be Thou My Vision

Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

It Is Well With My Soul

Jerusalem, My Happy Home

Jerusalem the Golden

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Let Your Servant Go In Peace (Nunc Dimittis)

Lux Aeterna (Chant)

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Nunc Dimittis (Chant)

O God, Our Help In Ages Past

On Eagle’s Wings

O What Their Joy

Peace Be With Those Who Have Left Us

Remember Those, O Lord

Requiem Aeternam (Chant)

Rest Your Heart

Shepherd Me, O God

The Lord Is My Light

Where Charity and Love Prevail

The final Rite of Commendation follows Holy Communion. At this point in the Liturgy, the congregation sings together the Song of Farewell (CREDO #424). As the family and congregation leave for the conclusion of the Liturgy at the graveside, the cantor or soloist chants the In Paradisum (CREDO #414). This text, which has been used at the funerals of the faithful for centuries, translates:

In Paradisum deducant te Angeli; May the Angels lead you into Paradise;

in tuo adventu suscipiant te Martyres, in your coming, may the martyrs receive you,

et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem. and guide you into the holy city Jerusalem.

Chorus Angelorum te suscipiat, May the Choirs of Angels receive you,

et cum Lazaro quondam paupere, and with the once poor Lazarus,

aeternam habeas requiem. may you have eternal life.

Be assured of the prayers of condolence offered on your behalf by the musicians of St. Thomas More Sacred Music -- the community of the Faithful, in the company of the Angels and Saints, supports you and prays with you during this time of sorrow and loss.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our parish office and ask for the Sacred Music office: (732) 446-6661. You may also email the Director of Sacred Music at sacredmusic@moremercy.org.