Perhaps more than any other element of the Funeral Mass, music assists us in expressing the deepest movements of our hearts. Many people select music merely because it is familiar to them, or because they have heard certain songs at other Funeral Masses. If you wish, the celebrant and parish musician will gladly choose the hymns. Otherwise, we have compiled the following list to help you with the wide array of sacred songs available for your choosing. Below you will find descriptions and themes of several hymns that are most appropriate for the liturgy of Christian Burial. You may select up to four of the following hymns.
Lord of All Hopefulness (Traditional)
The same ancient Irish melody as Be Thou My Vision, although with different words. This hymn prays that Christ will be present to us at every moment of the day, and addresses him as the Lord of all hopefulness, eagerness, kindliness, and gentleness.
The Strife Is O’er (Traditional)
With its repetition of the word “alleluia,” this hymn triumphantly proclaims the victory of Jesus over death. This hymn is particularly fitting at the funeral of one who suffered a long illness or difficult life.
I Heard the Voice of Jesus (Traditional)
This traditional hymn is particularly appropriate for those who suffered a long illness. Based mostly on the words of Jesus from the gospels, we are invited to place our burdens on Jesus’ shoulders.
Abide with Me (Traditional)
This traditional hymn likens death to sleep. As “eventide” falls upon us, this hymn invites the Lord Jesus to be our light in the darkness. The final verse reads: “Hold then your cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom and point me to the skies! Heav’n’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!”
The King of Love My Shepherd Is (Traditional)
Another hymn inspired by Psalm 23 and set to a traditional Irish melody. The final verse of the hymn reads: “And so through all my length of days your goodness fails me never: Good Shepherd, may I sing your praise within your house forever.”
Be Still, My Soul (Traditional)
This traditional hymn prays that God will give peace to our souls. One verse reads: “…the hour is hast’ning on when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief and fear are gone.”
Jerusalem, My Happy Home (Traditional)
In the Bible, Jerusalem, the Holy City, is seen as a symbol of heaven. This hymn, traditionally done at funerals, portrays heaven as the place without sorrow or suffering. The final verse prays: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, God grant that I may see your endless joy, and of the same partaker ever be!”
Irish Blessing (Bob Fabing, SJ)
A beautiful setting of the old Irish Blessing. The refrain reads: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always with you. May the sunshine warm you always ‘til we meet again.”
Jesus, Remember Me (Jacques Berthier)
Reflective and highly singable, this hymn repeats the prayer of the good thief from the cross: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Jesus assured the dying man, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Scott Soper)
This contemporary hymn, based on the Book of Job, boldly proclaims that because our Redeemer, Jesus, conquered death and lives, we too shall gain a place in heaven.
Here are some other popular suggestions:
Amazing Grace
Be Not Afraid
Eye Has Not Seen
Hail Mary, Gentle Woman
Here I Am, Lord
I Am The Bread of Life
I Have Loved You
Let There Be Peace On Earth
On Eagle’s Wings
Prayer of St. Francis
Other hymns from our parish hymnal may be selected.
The priest and parish musician will gladly assist you in finding other hymns from our songbook.