Funeral Mass

[Gertabelle]

I did a Funeral Mass at a local church this past weekend. The family asked for the Panis Angelicus. It was sung at the wedding of the deceased 50 years ago.

The Liturgical Director and the Priest didn’t want it done **because the congregation would not be able to sing along. **

I am contracted out all over this area to do funerals. I have never heard of this one.

Any thoughts on this?

If I were in the congregation, I would sing along

I have never had any restrictions put on me whenever I’ve played music for funerals. The parents of a 23 year old wanted upbeat guitar music with the congregation singing along – done. The family of an elderly woman (five people at the mass) wanted old traditional songs sung with piano and solo voice – done. I think the priests I’ve worked with have generally been more concerned with the fact that it’s a funeral mass than with the regulations of the GIRM. That is to say, the congregation cannot be expected to sing while they’re crying their eyes out. (I have a degree in voice, but I didn’t sing a note at my father’s funeral.)

Just my two cents.

And thanks to all those who posted the information from the GIRM. We hired a new liturgist/music ministry person last summer, and she’s been trying to make some changes that are driving me crazy. She’s been pressuring our choir director to make sure the congregation not only can but is encouraged to sing every song. The choir director even told the congregation before mass that they needed to sing on the way up to receive Holy Communion.

The choir used to sing a really lovely piece of music related to the gospel or “theme” of the mass during Communion, and then invite the congregation to sing along with a communion meditation. The songs were well-chosen and not a performance, but almost always a leading to Christ.

Thankfully, I play the piano and therefore never have to sing at all. But what are we doing to our congregation? (who have not started singing that same trite song we’ve done three weeks in a row and no longer sings the “meditation” which is now a choir-only piece)

Gertie

 

[Phemie]

And thanks to all those who posted the information from the GIRM. We hired a new liturgist/music ministry person last summer, and she’s been trying to make some changes that are driving me crazy. She’s been pressuring our choir director to make sure the congregation not only can but is encouraged to sing every song. The choir director even told the congregation before mass that they needed to sing on the way up to receive Holy Communion.

The choir used to sing a really lovely piece of music related to the gospel or “theme” of the mass during Communion, and then invite the congregation to sing along with a communion meditation. The songs were well-chosen and not a performance, but almost always a leading to Christ.

Thankfully, I play the piano and therefore never have to sing at all. But what are we doing to our congregation? (who have not started singing that same trite song we’ve done three weeks in a row and no longer sings the “meditation” which is now a choir-only piece)

Gertie

I think we have a long way to go before music directors really get it. Just because the congregation may sing all the hymns doesn’t mean they should do so at all Masses. Conversely, just because the choir by themselves, may sing all the hymns doesn’t mean THEY should do so at all Masses. A wise director will have full knowledge of what’s allowed and have a good blend of both.

I’ve heard the ‘sing in the communion procession’ rule many times and I do sing when I’m going up but that’s just me; most of the other people in the procession do not part their lips until they are consuming the Host. If a congregational hymn is sung at that time it should really be one with a refrain where the choir sings the verse and the congregation can sing the refrain without a hymnal at their disposal. Obviously a choir alone piece works very well here and Panis Angelicus would have fit right in beautifully. Too bad nobody in our choir would ever opt for Latin. The last time I heard Latin in our parish was about 7 years ago when a visiting priest sprang on the choir that the Eucharistic Prayer acclamations would be sung in Latin. The choir had that ‘deer in the headlights’ look – none of them were old enough to remember what I vaguely remember – so he sang them alone. Unfortunately, the acclamations do belong to the congregation and in this case maybe 1 % might have known them.

I think it’s interesting that the one song (hymn/psalm/canticle) that is mandated to be congregational is the one that is regularly done as a solo or choir alone in most parishes.

 

[BSK]

As I have stated earlier, this either/or is confusing. Just look at all the of the different opinions that have been posted in this thread. AND All of us are reading the same document.

If I can figure out how to do it, I will post the NEW Funeral Policy that was just issued by this same Liturgal Director. I received it yesterday. It even has the music that will be done at funerals practiced with the congregation before the funeral. All music is picked by her when she meets with the family and the Musican will be told what to sing or play.

 

[benedictgal]

As I have stated earlier, this either/or is confusing. Just look at all the of the different opinions that have been posted in this thread. AND All of us are reading the same document.

If I can figure out how to do it, I will post the NEW Funeral Policy that was just issued by this same Liturgal Director. I received it yesterday. It even has the music that will be done at funerals practiced with the congregation before the funeral. All music is picked by her when she meets with the family and the Musican will be told what to sing or play.

I’ll be quite frank with you; this is ridiculous. More often than not, people arriving for the funeral Mass will normally get there about the same time as the body gets to the church because they are part of the cortege. Granted, there will be a few folks in the church who will get there ahead of time, but, due to the fact that once the body gets there, the rites begin, it would be a logistical nightmare to try to get people to rehearse while the ceremony is beginning outside the building. Plus, people are generally not inclined to sing during funerals, let alone weddings.

 

[Sarabande]

If I can figure out how to do it, I will post the NEW Funeral Policy that was just issued by this same Liturgal Director. I received it yesterday. It even has the music that will be done at funerals practiced with the congregation before the funeral. All music is picked by her when she meets with the family and the Musican will be told what to sing or play.

That part of the policy in which the music has to be practiced before the funeral is just not realistic. I’ve done many funerals as a musician and almost all of them have a viewing right before the funeral begins. And most families, if there is no viewing, prefers to have the church more solemn and quiet with perhaps some very soft prelude music about 10 minutes before.

All parishes have different policies regarding the music choices, but many will have a list of suggested hymns for the families to choose from so that the music is within the musician’s repertoire and so that they know it is appropriate for the mass. Others will be more open or some families will just allow the musicians to choose the music themselves, but for her to dictate the music, that’s a little bit controlling. Is the music director new to this job or is the pastor on board with it? I can forsee a lot of problems with the families.

 

[BSK]

There is no Music Director. She quiet right after the new Priest with his Liturgical Director? of 20years got here. I was that Music Director. I had been there for 11 years. There have been several people apply but none have taken the job.

The job description is now Organist/Choir Leader with the Liturgical Director in charge of all. Several people have applied but none have taken the job. I knew that there was going to be nothing but problems with these too. I still am requested by the families to come back often to do funerals at this church.

 

[Phemie]

There is no Music Director. She quiet right after the new Priest with his Liturgical Director? of 20years got here. I was that Music Director. I had been there for 11 years. There have been several people apply but none have taken the job.

The job description is now Organist/Choir Leader with the Liturgical Director in charge of all. Several people have applied but none have taken the job. I knew that there was going to be nothing but problems with these too. I still am requested by the families to come back often to do funerals at this church.

That document made me gag. Talk about putting a spin on the documents to support your position. As for all those ‘invitations to sing’, give me a break. People don’t respond to that any better than just having the hymns listed on a hymn board or in a worship aid.

The one thing that does make sense here is that the Liturgical Director and the priest have been working together for many years. You have no hope of changing anything and it doesn’t surprise me that you have had no luck finding a Music Director – who would want to get in the middle of that hornets’ nest?

 

[Sarabande]

That document made me gag. Talk about putting a spin on the documents to support your position. As for all those ‘invitations to sing’, give me a break. People don’t respond to that any better than just having the hymns listed on a hymn board or in a worship aid.

The one thing that does make sense here is that the Liturgical Director and the priest have been working together for many years. You have no hope of changing anything and it doesn’t surprise me that you have had no luck finding a Music Director – who would want to get in the middle of that hornets’ nest?

Yes, I would agree with Phemie. BSK - I’m so sorry that you are in this situation. I misread and thought the LD was the Musical Director. I also don’t blame anyone for not taking the job yet. This reminds me a few situations at parishes in my neck of the woods where they hire a Liturgical Director who’d come in with the new pastor and who really didn’t know much or tried to place a spin on things and ended up turning the parish upside down.

 

[BSK]

Thank you for all your your support.

You might remember about a year ago I posted a thread about this new priest and his LD coming in and starting to change so much. I think I had a question about how other churches was handling the “Sing To the Lord” document at the Preperation of Gifts slot.

Anyway, this group on the Catholic Answers Forum writing in to me told me I was in a slow moving train wreak and to GET OUT! That’s just what I did. I quit. However it still hurts. After developing from scratch a well thought of Music Program that was asked to Minister and do concerts in many areas of the state, the program no longer exsist. All that is left at this church is a few lay music people that just barely or not at all read music.

I guess I'm getting off the Funeral Mass "Title", and what this Thread was intended to be but wanted make things a little clearer for all.  

For the people of that Parish I have been trying to go back when asked to do their funerals. I just keep getting more and more bitter ever time I go back.  After telling all my musician friends in this area about the new "Funeral Policy" document, I'm getting the impression that they do not want to deal with the policy either.  Besides, it's going  to take an extra person just to stand my the musicians and instruct them on the Policy Intructions through out the funeral.  Sing, accompany and read the instructions, announce the song, sing, accompany, read the instrctions and announce the song. Etc.    Ha.

 

[AHapka]

All I know is I sure hope that no one sings “On Eagle’s Wing’s” during my funeral…I’ve put that in a letter with my will…

I would much prefer “Christ, Be Our Light” and “Come, Holy Spirit.”

 

[Sarabande]

Thank you for all your your support.

You might remember about a year ago I posted a thread about this new priest and his LD coming in and starting to change so much. I think I had a question about how other churches was handling the “Sing To the Lord” document at the Preperation of Gifts slot.

Anyway, this group on the Catholic Answers Forum writing in to me told me I was in a slow moving train wreak and to GET OUT! That’s just what I did. I quit. **However it still hurts. After developing from scratch a well thought of Music Program that was asked to Minister and do concerts in many areas of the state, the program no longer exsist. All that is left at this church is a few lay music people that just barely or not at all read music. **

Oh, gosh… That is just so sad. This happens too often. I can totally understand how it still hurts you. You placed so much love and dedication into the music program there just to see it be torn apart and destroyed. My prayers for you. When you go back there, I know it will be hard, but just focus on the people of the parish and nothing more.

 

[centurionguard]

I did a Funeral Mass at a local church this past weekend. The family asked for the Panis Angelisus. IT was sung at the wedding of the deceased 50 years ago.

The Liturgical Director and the Priest didn’t want it done because the congregation would not be able to sing along.

I am contracted out all over this area to do funerals. I have never heard of this one.

Any thoughts on this?

This is so sad. I’m so sorry. Panis Angelicus is such a beautiful respected Catholic song arrangement. My Father passed away December 20th, 2007. His Requiem Funeral Mass was on the morning of Christmas Eve. During the Eucharistic liturgy a baritone-tenor soloist along with full pipe organ sang Panis Angelicus. How can any priest or liturgist not like this Most Respected Catholic song. And yes it is most appropriate at any Requiem Mass. Every time I here Panis Angelicus (“O Bread Of Angels”) the utter beauty of the lyrics moves my spirit to tears.I should think the priest should have been more forth-coming with the wishes of the bereaved family.

 

[centurionguard]

SACRED HEART OF JESUS CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE TECHE

FUNERAL SUNG PRAYER POLICY & PROCEDURES

POLICY

Our American Bishops wrote in Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (June 2008) about the all-important need for every congregation at every Mass to be active participants, not merely passive observers. For example, they said in paragraph 11: “Within the gathered assembly, the role of the congregation is especially important.” Our Bishops then quoted paragraph 14 from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy issued in 1963 by Pope Paul VI and the world’s Bishops at the Second Vatican Council: “The full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else, for it is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit.” Our American Bishops applied that teaching in paragraph 26 of Sing to the Lord: “Singing is one of the primary ways that the assembly of the faithful participates actively in the Liturgy.”

To ensure the congregation’s singing at funerals, the Order of Christian Funerals approved by the American Bishops and published by authority of Pope John Paul II in 1998 specifically states: “An organist or other instrumentalist, a cantor, and, wherever possible, even a choir should assist the assembly’s full participation in singing the songs, responses and acclamations of these rites” (paragraph 33).

Following the lead of the Pope, the world’s Bishops and our American Bishops, sung prayers at our Eucharists are to be congregational songs, either from our song books or from prepared song sheets. An exception would be if a special solo song is requested by the family, in which case it is sung as a meditation after Communion; of course, a meditation hymn may also be sung by the assembly.

Ordinarily, the leader of our sung prayers (the cantor) announces the hymns and invites the congregation to sing. In the absence of a cantor clearly visible to the assembly, the Celebrant will announce the hymns and extend the invitation to the congregation.

PROCEDURES

1. Sung prayers are discussed by the family in meeting with our Worship Coordinator who, after approving all music, then gives the list of hymns to the Celebrant and to the music minister(s).
2. The music minister(s) is to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the funeral to go over any last details with the Worship Coordinator.
3. Ten minutes before Mass, the instrumentalist plays the melody of the prayers that will be sung during Mass, and the congregation is invited to practice the hymns.
4. As the coffin is brought into church, the instrumental to the opening hymn’s melody is played until the procession stops at the baptismal font.
5. The coffin is blessed by the Celebrant, then moved and placed in front of the altar as family members and pall bearers are ushered to their pews.
6. The Celebrant, still alongside the coffin, gives catechesis on the three forms of prayer –silent, spoken, and sung—that will be used during Mass, and the entire congregation is invited to join in all three forms of prayer.
7. The opening sung prayer is then announced as the Celebrant goes to his chair, and the assembly is invited to join in. Before starting hymns, time is allowed for the congregation to find the hymn in the song book or on the song sheet.
8. The Gospel Acclamation is sung by the congregation.
9. After the Prayers of the Faithful and the assembly is seated, the hymn for the Preparation of the Altar is announced, and the congregation is invited to join in.
10. The Holy, the Memorial Acclamation, the Great Amen, the Our Father, and the Lamb of God are all sung by the congregation.
11. The hymn for Communion is announced as soon as the Celebrant receives Communion, and the congregation is invited to join in.
12. If requested, a meditation hymn is sung either by a soloist or by announcing and inviting the congregation to join in.
13. Following the Prayer after Communion, the Celebrant goes to the coffin for the Farewell Rite. The sung prayer for incensing the coffin is immediately announced and the assembly is invited to sing.
14. Following the hymn for incensing the coffin and the Celebrant’s concluding invitation, “Let us take our brother/sister to his/her place of rest,” the Recessional Hymn is announced and the congregation is invited to sing. Once the Celebrant and coffin exit church, the singing stops but the instrumentalist continues to play the hymn’s melody until all in the congregation have left church.

Funeral Sung Prayer Policy and Procedures
6/3/2009

The Order Of Catholic Funeral Mass in Canada (“Brown Hardcover”) states basically the same as stated here.

 

[Gertabelle]

Our American Bishops applied that teaching in paragraph 26 of Sing to the Lord: “Singing is one of the primary ways that the assembly of the faithful participates actively in the Liturgy.”

To ensure the congregation’s singing at funerals, the Order of Christian Funerals approved by the American Bishops and published by authority of Pope John Paul II in 1998 specifically states: “An organist or other instrumentalist, a cantor, and, wherever possible, even a choir should assist the assembly’s full participation in singing the songs, responses and acclamations of these rites” (paragraph 33).

Following the lead of the Pope, the world’s Bishops and our American Bishops, sung prayers at our Eucharists are to be congregational songs, either from our song books or from prepared song sheets. An exception would be if a special solo song is requested by the family, in which case it is sung as a meditation after Communion; of course, a meditation hymn may also be sung by the assembly.

PROCEDURES

1. Ten minutes before Mass, the instrumentalist plays the melody of the prayers that will be sung during Mass, and the congregation is invited to practice the hymns.
2. The Celebrant, still alongside the coffin, gives catechesis on the three forms of prayer –silent, spoken, and sung—that will be used during Mass, and the entire congregation is invited to join in all three forms of prayer.

Honestly, this is just so irritating to me, I don’t even know where to begin. People in mourning are more likely to be drawn into the realm of silent prayer, and that should be respected. Who says that those in mourning have to sing their prayers?

I’m a musician, and after English, music is my primary means of communicating. Evenso, if a priest or music minister had put this kind of pressure on the congregation to sing our prayers at his funeral mass, I would have spit in his eye. The nerve of some people to have such utter disrespect for the grieving process!

Our own liturgy/music director is also using the “Sing to the Lord” document to insist that the congregation must sing everything at all times. I fear we may be only steps away from this sort of extremism at our own parish. Fortunately for me, I will be switching parishes in a month when my son starts kindergarten. And my new parish is still in the “dark ages” when it comes to respect for the sacraments, prayers, and the liturgy.

God bless you during this difficult time. Use it as an opportunity to practice obedience and bring the Light of Christ to the most difficult of situations. God will bring good of this, especially if you are obedient for the sake of His Love.

Gertie

 

[johnnykins]

All I know is I sure hope that no one sings “On Eagle’s Wing’s” during my funeral…I’ve put that in a letter with my will…

I would much prefer “Christ, Be Our Light” and “Come, Holy Spirit.”

Don’t leave it with your Will. The Will may not be read for weeks post-funeral.

Start telling your family NOW. Repeat often. Tell them at family gatherings - where everybody hears and knows your wishes. Get them to agree to it.

My mother did NOT want Amazing Grace at her funeral. At my dad’s funeral they played it which, no doubt, set him spinning in the coffin and got mom fuming. At my mom’s funeral one sister insisted upon Amazing Grace as she liked it so much at dad’s funeral. Arguments as to mom’s desires were unavailing. To keep peace at the funeral we agreed to have it. If mom had made it clear when we were all present and got us all to agree, we could have avoided the issue, methinks.

 

[Phemie]

Don’t leave it with your Will. The Will may not be read for weeks post-funeral.

Start telling your family NOW. Repeat often. Tell them at family gatherings - where everybody hears and knows your wishes. Get them to agree to it.

My mother did NOT want Amazing Grace at her funeral. At my dad’s funeral they played it which, no doubt, set him spinning in the coffin and got mom fuming. At my mom’s funeral one sister insisted upon Amazing Grace as she liked it so much at dad’s funeral. Arguments as to mom’s desires were unavailing. To keep peace at the funeral we agreed to have it. If mom had made it clear when we were all present and got us all to agree, we could have avoided the issue, methinks.

My family has already been told that my best friend is in charge of the Liturgy for my funeral. She knows what I want for music and just in case she forgets, I’ve made a list. The choir has already been told that if they hear I’m ill they’d better start learning “All Creatures of our God and King” for the funeral (unless in Lent or Advent). When she was talking about her own funeral wishes her husband just said “Don’t tell me, we’re putting Phemie in charge of that when the time comes.”