Because of its integral role in the liturgy, music is a very important aspect of the funeral. St. George Church requires the use of its own musicians, that is an organist and a cantor, to act as music ministers for the funeral. We welcome your input for selecting hymns for the Funeral Mass.
When and What songs are the songs during the Funeral Mass?
Music in the form of hymns, chants, and responses is present throughout the Mass. Hymns are typically sung at 3-4 places in the Mass: during the Processional, the Offertory, Communion, and the Recessional. We have created a list from which you may choose hymns appropriate for these liturgical actions. We can sometimes accommodate other selections, but please note that all music is to be appropriate for a Catholic liturgy and will be at the discretion of the parish organist.
Secular music, even popular Christian, patriotic, or personal favorites of the deceased, is better suited for the viewing, wake, or repast but not appropriate for the funeral Mass itself.
May a family member or friend sing at the Mass?
Occasionally, family members or friends will ask to sing a solo. We do our best to accommodate these requests at only two distinct times of the Funeral: as a prelude before the start of the Mass or at the recessional as the celebrant and people are leaving. Soloists are not permitted during the Mass itself. All soloists and their music selections must be approved prior to the funeral by our music director and a copy of the sheet music provided to them at lease 2 days prior to the funeral. (Pre-recorded accompaniments are not to be used at St. George.) On the day of the funeral, the person singing must make contact with the organist prior to the start of the Mass. Musicians arriving after the funeral has started cannot be accommodated.
The following suggestions have been compiled for your convenience. If there is a hymn you would like to select that is not listed here, it may still be possible to use it. Please consult with the Director of Music.
The hymns listed below are often requested for funeral masses. We ask you to pick 3-4 songs from the list below. You may click on the title to hear the hymn.
Abide With Me
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Amazing Grace
Ave Maria (Norbet) Ave Maria (Schubert)
Beautiful Savior
Be Not Afraid
Be Thou My Vision
Blessed Assurance
Carry Me Home
Center of My Life
Come to Me
Day Is Done
For All the Saints
Gather Your People
Give Me Jesus
Go in Peace
Goin’ Up Yonder
Here I Am Lord
His Eye is on the Sparrow
Holy Darkness
How Can I Keep From Singing
How Great Thou Art
Hymn of Promise
I Am the Bread of Life
I Know that my Redeemer Lives
I’ll Fly Away
In Every Age
In the Garden
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Like a Shepherd
Lord, Who at Thy First Eucharist
Nearer My God to Thee
O Breathe on Me O Breath of God
O God, You Search Me
On Eagle’s Wings
Panis Angelicus
Parable
Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens
Prayer of St. Francis
Precious Lord Take My Hand
Shelter Me, O God
Sing with All the Saints in Glory
Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling
Soon and Very Soon
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
The Old Rugged Cross
The Strife Is O’er
The Supper of the Lord
There is a Balm in Gilead
We Will Rise Again
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
What Wondrous Love is This
You are Near