By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept … How can we sing the songs of the Lord (Psalm 137)

 

The role of Music in the Catholic Funeral Rite

 

Further Reading and resources

 

National guidelines

 National centre for liturgy, Maynooth.

 See: www.liturgy-ireland.ie  OR subscribe

 to ‘New Liturgy’, the Bulletin of the National Se cretariat Irish Episcopal Commission for Liturgy  (Tel: +353 1 7083478, email: liturgy@may.i e)

 

Some other diocese’ guidelines referenced in this leaflet:

 Dublin: http://litmus.dublindiocese.ie/  

 Kerry: http://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/ (litugy section)

 US Bishops:  Music for Catholic Worship.   

                       www.usccb.org/liturgy/current/

 

Compiled by the Diocesan Liturgy groups

The Catholic Diocese of Limerick

Making decisions

 

The authors of Music in Catholic Worship (U.S. guidelines) suggest three criteria for planning music for Catholic liturgies:

· Musical Judgment

Is it good music, able to carry the weight of the text or the emotion that it seeks to evoke? (MCW 26)

· Liturgical Judgment

Is the music appropriate for the nature of the liturgy itself ? Is the piece appropriate for the part of the liturgy it is being considered for ? (MCW, 30)

· Pastoral Judgment

Does this choice of music enable the assembly to express its faith in this place, time and culture? (MCW 39)

 

 

Songs need to be within the capabilities of this assembly to sing and these musicians to play.  The texts of the music must be theologically sound, expressing the faith of the Church. Special care should be taken for funeral liturgies to choose texts that express a belief in resurrection and the Church’s ministry of consolation and hope.

 

 

Music for funerals

 

Positive choices for our celebration

 

What can I say if …

 

… Music is suggested that is not appropriate for a funeral liturgy?

This music might not be appropriate for the funeral liturgy, but that doesn’t mean that it needs to go unheard. It might be more personal and valuable to hear/sing this music:

· In the family home before the body leaves the house

· In the funeral home before the coffin is closed

· At the graveside after the prayers

The family deserves to be informed that they have more choices and opportunities than they think!

 

… taped music is suggested for the funeral liturgy?

Explain that taped music is appropriate for an audience who observe and are entertained; rather than a united participating congregation. Taped music is not appropriate in a liturgical celebration because good liturgy requires a very personal touch - live music, congregational singing and our heartfelt prayers are most appropriate.

 

… the bereaved family feels upset because their choices are being challenged?

Most parishes have simple booklets available for bereaved families to help them in planning a funeral, and the funeral liturgy is usually prepared by the celebrant (priest) and family members together. Thus, it is unusual for those who have been involved in preparing the liturgy to have a problem.

Invite those concerned to speak to their priest if clarity if required. Ask all mourners to respect the wishes of the immediate family at this time. Offer positive alternatives  (home, graveyard, etc)