Office of Worship
Funeral Planning Home / Funeral Liturgy Planning
Scripture Readings for a Catholic Funeral
The family chooses four readings for the Liturgy of the Word at a Catholic funeral, similarly to a Sunday Mass:
First Reading:
From the Old Testament, except in Easter season
Reader may be chosen by the family with the priest
Second Reading:
From the New Testament
Reader may be chosen by the family with the priest
Responsorial Psalm:
Must be a psalm chosen from the Lectionary
Cannot be substituted with a song or poem
Usually sung by a cantor
Gospel Reading:
From one of the four Gospels
The Gospel acclamation (sung or said during the Alleluia outside of Lent) is also chosen
Priest or deacon reads the Gospel
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes,
and there shall be no more death or mourning,
wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”