MUSIC FOR THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Although there is music throughout the entirety of the Funeral Mass, there are four specific
times; however, wherein the family may make specific requests regarding the music: 1) the
Processional, 2) the Offertory (i.e., Preparation of the Gifts), 3) Communion, and 4) the
Recessional (at which time, the coffin exits). It is church policy that all music for the Mass
(including the prelude) must be sacred in nature. For the convenience of the family, the
following musical selections are suggested as being appropriate:
Processional:
Amazing Grace
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Beautiful Savior (tune of “Fairest, Lord Jesus”)
How Firm a Foundation
There is a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Offertory: (A Solo is often sung here by the Cantor)
Ave Maria (Schubert)
Pie Jesu (from Faure Requiem)
Pie Jesu (from Durufle Requiem)
I will Lift Up Mine Eyes (from Dvorak’s Biblical Songs)
Communion: (Here, the musical text should emphasize the Body and Blood of Christ)
I am the Bread of Life
Alleluia, Sing to Jesus (Except during Lent)
Gift of Finest Wheat
Panis Angelicus
Shepherd of Souls
Recessional:
America, the Beautiful
The Strife is O’er, the Battle Won (Easter Hymn of Resurrection)
A Mighty Fortress If Our God
For All the Saints
Lift High the Cross
Sing With All the Saints in Glory (Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”)
I Know That My Redeemer Lives (“Duke Street” tune)
All Mass parts (including Gospel and Eucharistic Acclamations) are sung, as led by the
Cantor. This includes the Responsorial Psalm, which is generally a musical setting of Psalm 23.
There is also a sung setting for the final “Farewell and Commendation.” It is highly suggested
that a Staff Cantor be present in order to lead the singing during the liturgy. Please contact the
Director of Music and Liturgy, Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry, (301) 292-0527 as soon as
possible in order to discuss the musical arrangements for the Mass.