Dies Irae vs On Angel's Wings - POLL

[Phemie]

I do not want the 23rd psalm as the Psalm they use. SONGS with Psalm-words is a different matter entirely. That’s what I mean. The King of Love IS another version, if you will.
I like the King of Love as a hymn, and if they want to use for it him/her that’s cool.

I won’t do either for mine. If I can help it.

My understanding is that the Rite already tells you which Psalm is supposed to be used with which 1st reading.

 

[pianistclare]

My understanding is that the Rite already tells you which Psalm is supposed to be used with which 1st reading.

Perhaps it does. But most of the Pastors around here ask the family to select from appropriate ones. My boss has said I don’t have to have Psalm 23 if I don’t want it.

 

[pnewton]

My understanding is that the Rite already tells you which Psalm is supposed to be used with which 1st reading.

There are a few options. It is not carte blanche.

 

[Miserissima]

The parish secretary at my previous parish wanted the Tennessee Waltz for a recessional for her husband. It was “their” song. The Pastor loved her like his own mother but said “no.” Absolutely not.

Key: outside of the Liturgy – top of the wake (vigil) or end of the graveside prayers.

 

[pianistclare]

There are a few options. It is not carte blanche.

My pastor has approved Psalm 103 for the Psalm reading: The Lord is Kind and Merciful., slow to anger and rich in compassion.

 

[Cat]

Key: outside of the Liturgy – top of the wake (vigil) or end of the graveside prayers.

I think this is a lovely idea. At most wakes or visitations, music is played over the intercom in the viewing area. Most funeral directors are very open to allowing the family to submit a CD (or maybe even a tape!) of the deceased’s favorite music.

At one of visitations we recently attended (a few weeks ago, one of our high school buddies died of a brain tumor), the background music was from the rock band that he played in. It was very appropriate for this man.

So perhaps all of us should start keeping a “play list” of songs we want played at our visitation/wake! It would be a comfort to the family to have the list already put together, and even more of a comfort if the CD were already made and ready to play!

You can see that I’m a big believer in not leaving the family with a lot of work! I realize that often, we pass quickly and unexpectedly. But if we have some time on our hands, it might be a good plan to have that talk with other family members. I was so privileged that my dad’s passing from cancer occurred over four months, and he gave me and my brother all kinds of instructions about his funeral preferences, and even requested that I play piano instead of someone else. That was a comfort to me personally.

 

[Miserissima]

Oh, Cat! Your post made me giggle a bit.

My family was a bit weird, perhaps because it was mostly people over fifty who had teenagers, but a topic that came up for conversation was, “What readings/music do you want for your funeral?”

It was never morbid, just matter of fact. We’d joke about scripture versus that could be used to send a “message” from the deceased to the living.

I and all of my cousins have our choices stashed with our wills.

When I write up miscarriage services (usually it’s only the commemoration at the graveside), there is a third set of options from the Book of Blessings that parents would rather not use, so we go back to the regular options.

This year I learned that there is a set of options just for Eastertide! I should call my family to pick out a second set, just in case!

As far as music choices, you can have what you want outside of the liturgy.

A good place to find new music is to go to Google Books and do a search for “Catholic Hymnal.” Many hymnals from pre 1920 have been scanned in to peruse. The melodies and the words are not in fancy arrangements, usually simple, and always scriptural.

That’s where I found the Lazarus song, which is one of the most beautiful simple hymns I’ve ever heard.

 

[otjm]

I am conflicted about Eagle’s Wings. There are forumers who will pop up to say that it is utterly Scriptural and drawn directly from Psalm 91 and Isaiah so how could we go wrong? Indeed I don’t mind singing the words as they are utterly palatable and not objectionable and frankly, good dramatic concrete imagery worthy of a Psalm of David. But the music, the tune, the instruments… ugh! It is all utter schmaltz to me, extremely cheesy!

“To each his own” said the old lady, as she kissed the cow…

 

[pnewton]

“To each his own” said the old lady, as she kissed the cow…

I can’t stand starting on that C in a G chord. I finally figured a way to get it kicked off, but I still do not care for it. Still, the majority like it so I deal with it a couple of times a year.