Funeral Readings
In every celebration for the dead, the Church attaches great importance to the reading of the word of God.
Order of Christian Funerals, General Introduction, no. 22
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.
In the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word at the funeral liturgy, the Biblical readings may not be replaced by nonbiblical readings. But during prayer services with the family nonbiblical readings may be used in addition to readings from Scripture.
— Order of Christian Funerals, General Introduction, nos. 22-23
Source: usccb.org
As soon as the funeral for your loved one has been added to the Holy Spirit Church schedule, a Stephen Minister will contact you to discuss funeral planning. There are several questions the Stephen Minister will ask regarding your wishes about the service, including whether you want to choose the readings and provide readers or if you’d like us to do that for you.
NOTE: If you are choosing the readings for your loved one’s funeral Mass, we recommend that you use our worksheet to make a record of your choices. You can fill it out online and print it out, or simply print the blank form for offline use. Please email a copy of this completed form to your Stephen Minister or to the priest who will be presiding at the funeral Mass.
