Hymns and devotional songs are optional additions to the funeral Mass. They can help provide familiar comfort and encourage congregational singing. The Director of Music Ministries will help you with your selection of hymns.
With the help of the Director of Music Ministries, other hymns may be selected, provided they are sacred and suitable for funeral Masses.
Restricted Hymns
Under normal circumstances, the following hymns and songs will not be permitted. Suggested alternatives are given.
Here I Am, Lord (Schutte) Even a song that is appropriate at Sunday Mass might not be suitable for funeral Masses. This song is about going forth on a mission in this world; the funeral liturgy, in contrast, turns our attention towards eternity in the next world. Consider instead: Be Not Afraid; You Are Near
America the Beautiful (MATERNA) God Bless America (Berlin) Patriotic songs might come to mind when our deceased loved one was a servicemember, first responder, or public servant. Such anthems, however, do not carry the message of hope in the Resurrection and therefore are not consistent with our prayer at Mass. Consider instead: Eternal Father, Strong to Save; Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
Let There Be Peace on Earth (Miller, Jackson) The lyrics lack a reference to hope in the Resurrection, comfort in God's love, or forgiveness of sins. Consider instead: Prayer of St. Francis
Blest Are They (Haas) We Will Rise Again (Haas) You Are Mine (Haas) It is our policy not to use music by David Haas, who in 2020 was removed from ministry because of sexual misconduct.