Music is integral to the funeral rites. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. The texts of the songs chosen for a particular celebration should express the paschal mystery of the Lord’s suffering, death, and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture.
(Order of Christian Funerals, 30)
We at St. Marianne Cope understand how sacred music can lift us up when we lose our loved ones. The Director of Music Ministries, Vincent Mateo, will be happy to speak to you about preparing music for the funeral liturgy. This is the best way to know your family’s spiritual needs, in order to choose music that will be prayerful, meaningful, and comforting in your time of need.
We keep in mind a threefold purpose when selecting music: (1) we worship God and praise him for giving us life through his Son, Jesus Christ; (2) we pray for God's mercy and forgiveness towards our beloved deceased; and (3) we who mourn find hope and consolation amidst our grief. The music chosen should speak to these characteristics of the funeral liturgy.
For a more detailed description, see the guidelines from the Archdiocese of New York.
Guidelines for Music at Funerals
Antiphons are the main songs at Entrance, Offertory, and Communion. In the funeral Mass, there are also antiphons at the final commendation and the procession to the place of committal. These texts are prayers for our beloved deceased and reflections upon the mystery of eternal life in Jesus Christ. They may be sung in English or Latin.
Outside Easter Time
Antiphons (English)
Antiphons (Latin)
During Easter Time
Easter Antiphons (English)
Easter Antiphons (Latin)
Hymns and devotional songs are optional additions to the funeral Mass. We have suggestions and helpful resources for selecting hymns at funeral Masses.
Hymn Information
The Responsorial Psalm is always sung. Since it is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word, the text should be chosen in conjunction with the other readings. The Director of Music Ministries will select appropriate music for the chosen text.
Responsorial Psalms
The ordinary of the Mass (Holy, Lamb of God, etc.) is sung by all the people. The melodies will be familiar from Sunday Masses.
A family member or friend who wishes to join the music ministry at the funeral will be welcome to do so. The Director of Music Ministries will ask for a time to rehearse before the funeral.
Professional musicians who wish to join or substitute will require approval by the Pastor on a case-by-case basis.
You may reach the Director of Music Ministries, Vincent Mateo, at music@stmariannecope.com.