MUSIC FOR FUNERALS

Dr. William Atwood

Diocesan Director of Music Ministry, Diocese of Bridgeport

Director of Music, The Cathedral Parish

Email: William.Atwood@diobpt.org

Office Phone: (203) 368-6777 X 22



Music is an especially important part of the Funeral Liturgy. There are many beautiful hymns which come to us from all the centuries of the Church’s life of prayer and worship. These are available to be played and sung at the Funeral Liturgy. Please see the list below of available options. By its very nature, the Church’s Liturgy is sacred. It is a time set apart, in a sacred place, specifically for the worship of God. Thus, it is possible only for sacred music to be used during the Funeral Liturgy. Any non-sacred, or “secular” music which may hold a particular significance to the family of the deceased would be more appropriate to be played either at the wake, or at the reception following the Funeral Liturgy. The Director of Music for the Cathedral Parish will be happy to guide you in the planning of a prayerful, tasteful, and reverent Liturgy. Should a family wish to bring in non-parish liturgical musicians and cantors, a “bench fee” to the Director of Music is required. All music and any visiting musicians must be approved by the Director of Music. Should you have another request which does not appear on this list, please feel free to discuss it with the Director of Music, who must approve all music choices:



Processional and/or Recessional Hymns

(Select 2: One coming in and one going out of the Church)

  •  All Creatures of Our God and King *(not available during Lent)
  •  Alleluia, Sing to Jesus                        *(not available during Lent)
  •  Be Not Afraid
  •  Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
  •  I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say        Recommended
  •  I Know that My Redeemer Lives     Recommended
  •  Lift High the Cross                           Recommended
  •  O God, Our Help in Ages Past        Recommended
  •  On Eagles’ Wings
  •  Sing With All the Saints in Glory
  •  The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done  *(not available during Lent)

Offertory Hymns

  •  Abide With Me                                  Recommended
  •  Be Thou My Vision                           Recommended
  •  Here I Am, Lord
  •  Lord of All Hopefulness                   Recommended
  •  Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
  •  Prayer of St. Francis [Make Me a Channel of Your Peace]
  •  Precious Lord, Take My Hand
  •  The King of Love My Shepherd Is   Recommended

Communion Hymns

  •  Gift of Finest Wheat
  •  Soul of My Savior                             Recommended
  •  Panis Angelicus                                Recommended
  •  Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
  •  Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

Post-Communion Meditation (if desired)

 Ave Maria                                                Recommended

 O Sanctissima (in honor of the Blessed Mother) Recommended

 Prayer of St. Francis

 Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Requiem Mass Chants (available upon request)