"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 power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. The texts of 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.
Since music can evoke strong feelings, the music for the celebration rites should be chosen with great care. The music at funerals should support, console, and uplift the participants and should help to create in them a spirit of hope in Christ’s victory over death and in the Christian’s share in the victory. (Order of Christian Funerals: General Introduction).
At Our Lady of Good Counsel our organist and cantor will be assisting at each funeral. Guest musicians or cantors will be considered at the family’s request and could be incorporated into the funeral liturgy according to specific abilities and preferences of each musician or cantor.
The following is a list of music suitable for Catholic Funeral Liturgies which can be found in our Glory and Praise Hymnal. Music not appearing on this list will be considered on an individual basis.
Gathering Song
Amazing Grace
Be Not Afraid
Here I Am Lord
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
I, The Lord
Morning has Broken
On Eagle’ Wings
Prayer of Saint Francis
Responsorial Psalm
To be selected by Music Minister
Preparation of Gifts
All is Well With My Soul
Eye Has Not Seen
Hail Mary, Gentle Woman
I Have Loved You
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
You Are Near
On Eagle's Wings
Communion
Center of My Life
Carry Me Home
You Were Never Alone
In the Arms of God
Eye Has Not Seen
I Am the Bread of Life
Like a Shepherd
One Bread, One Body
Only This I Want
Taste and See
Recessional
Amazing Grace
Go in Peace
I Know that My Redeemer Lives
May the Road Rise Up
On Eagle's Wings
Prayer of Saint Francis
Sing With All the Saints in Glory
Stand By Me