Funeral Mass

[Wrigley]

Hello,

A work associate attended a funeral for a 42 year old husband and father of 3. The widow wanted a specific song played during the mass. The song was not part of the rite of mass so it was not allowed. How can I explain this charitably to a fallen away Catholic, also considering the circumstances? Thanks

 

[benedictgal]

The Mass calls for a special type of music. It must be liturgical in nature. You do not indicate what kind of song the widow requested, but I suspect that it was a secular song, similar to what Elton John did at Princess Diana’s funeral.

Secular songs can be played after the Vigil of the Deceased if the service is held at a funeral home. In fact, euologies may be given there as well. However, because of the sacred and solemn nature of the Mass, secular music is not allowable. Eulogies may be given after the post-communion prayer, but not during the homily, as the Mass is not a “canonization” of the deceased.

Now, having said that, I’m sure someone will ask, “Well, what about the homily that then-Cardinal Ratzinger preached for Pope John Paul’s funeral Mass?”. Ratzinger did not “canonize” the man who would wind up being his predecessor. Rather, he tied the Gospel with aspects of the late pope’s life to remind us that we must follow God’s call no matter what happens. But, I’ve strayed from the original point of this thread.

Bottom line is that we must adhere to what the Church asks us to follow when it comes to the Mass.

 

[THurifer2]

the main focus of a Funeral Mass is GOd…just like the main focus of EVERY mass…

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hello,

A work associate attended a funeral for a 42 year old husband and father of 3. The widow wanted a specific song played during the mass. The song was not part of the rite of mass so it was not allowed. How can I explain this charitably to a fallen away Catholic, also considering the circumstances? Thanks

A funeral liturgy or Rite, can take place within a Mass or outside of Mass. If within a Mass music is restricted by liturgical law. Outside of a Mass there may be more leeway.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Everybody else got the gist of it.

In addition, each diocese/ archdiocese has its own rules about music in the Mass, and some dioceses are extremely strict about it. I know Rockford is!

I know even 12 years ago in The Archdiocese (there is no other ), my sister wanted “The Theme From Star Wars” played at the funeral Mass of her airman husband, and was told to have it at the funeral home. The flag was removed from his casket at the door between the vestibule and the nave, and the pall was placed for the entire Mass- no national flag, no Cubs hat on top of the casket, and no “Take me Out to the Ballgame”, Star Wars, or “Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder” to close things out. Not even “Theme From Beaches (Wind Beneath my Wings)”. His honor guard was allowed to escort the casket to the back of church, remove the pall carefully as it did the flag, and replace the flag. His best friend was allowed a very few brief remarks after Communion. After the priest finished the Rite of Commital, and only then, was the 21-gun salute, missing man formation, and flag folding allowed. And this is not unsual. I’ve done CACO and funeral duty in the Navy (yes, women can do that), and if the deceased is Catholic, the rites of the Church take precedence over military ceremonies.

This might not solve the situation, but give you another example to use.

When the widow was making her plans with the funeral director and priest, she should have been told to have the song at the funeral home.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Eulogies, favorite songs, etc are best done at the wake.