Catholic Funeral Mass Program

The Funeral Mass, step by step

The Catholic Funeral Mass – often called the Mass of Christian Burial – has a structure that has comforted families for centuries. A program helps guests who are not Catholic, or who have not attended Mass in some time, follow along and participate. It also gives the family a lasting keepsake of the readings and music they chose.

Our Catholic funeral Mass program template loads the parts of the Mass for you, in order, so you only need to fill in the names of readers, the readings you've selected and the hymns. Your parish priest or bereavement minister will usually help you choose these.

The order of the Funeral Mass

1. Reception of the Body – the priest greets the family at the church door, the casket is sprinkled with holy water and covered with the white pall, a reminder of baptism.
2. Entrance Hymn – sung as the procession enters.
3. Opening Prayer – the Collect.
4. Liturgy of the Word – the First Reading (usually from the Old Testament), the Responsorial Psalm, the Second Reading (from the New Testament), the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel, read by the priest or deacon.
5. Homily – the priest reflects on the readings and the Christian hope of resurrection.
6. Prayer of the Faithful – intercessions, often read by a family member.
7. Liturgy of the Eucharist – the presentation of the gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer and Holy Communion.
8. Final Commendation – the priest commends the deceased to God, often with incense, while the Song of Farewell is sung.
9. Recessional Hymn – the procession leaves the church.

In the maker, each part has a detail line where you can add the name of a reader ("First Reading – Wisdom 3:1–9, read by Anna Russo") or a hymn ("Entrance Hymn – On Eagle's Wings").

Popular readings and hymns

Readings commonly chosen for funerals include Wisdom 3:1–9 ("The souls of the just are in the hand of God"), Romans 6:3–9, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and John 14:1–6 ("In my Father's house there are many dwelling places"). Psalm 23 and Psalm 27 are frequent choices for the Responsorial Psalm. Well-loved hymns include "On Eagle's Wings," "Be Not Afraid," "Here I Am, Lord," "Amazing Grace," "Ave Maria" and "Song of Farewell." Always confirm with your parish – some have guidelines about secular music during Mass.

Designs suited to the Mass

Choose the Catholic Mass theme with a burgundy and gold cross, Marian Blue with a rosary motif, or White Lily – a traditional symbol of the Resurrection. The cover heading can read "Mass of Christian Burial," "Funeral Mass for" or "In Loving Memory."

Matching prayer cards

Catholic families often give guests a holy card or prayer card with a photo on the front and a prayer such as Eternal Rest, the Hail Mary or the Prayer of St. Francis on the back. The $9.99 memorial bundle includes a matching prayer card in the same design. Learn more about funeral prayer cards.

Next steps

Share a free watermarked preview with your parish office to check names and readings, then download your print-ready program for $4.99. For the eulogy and other words, see our guide on how to write a eulogy.