Plan TLM Funeral

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I would like a TLM funeral and was wondering what are choices, if any, one needs to make? The songs, readings, eulogies, etc… I would like to take this burden off of my family.
Thanks,
Connorcream
 
There are few, if any, choices involved, as your reference to “songs” suggests that you prefer a High Mass. There are no hymns, and all of the chants and readings are fixed. The main thing is to secure a priest who is willing and able to celebrate an EF requiem (and has black vestments). Arrange this with a specific priest or church, and also include it in your funeral arrangements, made with the funeral director, since they typically contact the parish to make arrangements at the time.
 
There are few, if any, choices involved, as your reference to “songs” suggests that you prefer a High Mass. There are no hymns, and all of the chants and readings are fixed. The main thing is to secure a priest who is willing and able to celebrate an EF requiem (and has black vestments). Arrange this with a specific priest or church, and also include it in your funeral arrangements, made with the funeral director, since they typically contact the parish to make arrangements at the time.
That’s the lovely thing about the Latin Mass-you don’t have all the improvisational stuff going on.It’s simple & beautiful & you don’t have to argue among family members about picking out the music, readings, etc.Choices are all fine & good but sometimes tradition is less burdensome & it’s a relief not to have to make all those choices during a time of grief.
We have actually practiced for a Latin funeral Mass at our Schola. Haven’t had one yet, but we are prepared.
 
I agree about avoiding all of the choices. But isn’t there a choice on the entrance, offertory, Communion and dismissal songs? At our TLM, these songs do vary. And how are the wakes different?
Thanks,
Connorcream
 
Connorcream,

I’m just wondering–forgive me if I’m being too personal, but is this an immediate concern for you? Many people would like, I’m almost certain, to offer prayers if needed.
 
I agree about avoiding all of the choices. But isn’t there a choice on the entrance, offertory, Communion and dismissal songs? At our TLM, these songs do vary. And how are the wakes different?
Thanks,
Connorcream
Are you sure your Mass is the EF? Sounds to me like a OF Mass in LATIN.
 
I agree about avoiding all of the choices. But isn’t there a choice on the entrance, offertory, Communion and dismissal songs? At our TLM, these songs do vary. And how are the wakes different?
Your repeated use of the word songs has me a bit befuddled. There is a Requiem Mass (i.e., a funeral Mass) for the day of burial in the old missal. That Mass contains all of the necessary propers, including the antiphons (introit, gradual/sequence/tract, offertory and communion). There is no picking and choosing, just as there is no picking or choosing at any Sunday Mass, even for the variable parts (propers) of the Mass. The missal specifies which propers are used at which Mass.

I do not know what you mean by dismissal song, as the Libera Nos and finally In Paradisum are chanted at the commendation, at the end of Mass.

I am not sure what you are asking about wakes. If you are referring to a rite at the funeral home, there is no set rite for that in the EF, though traditional priests commonly pray the rosary there.
 
Howdy,
How generous to ask for prayers. I am just planning. A number of relatives are elderly and it has been very nice that they wrote their own obituaries and have decided on the services they want. So I want to do the same for my children. However, none of us knows the day or hour.

We do have the TLM but the deacon mentions which song is sung at the beginning of Mass and which song is sung at the recessional. You are right about the propers being fixed.

Do I understand correctly, the Mass of Burial is know as a Requiem Mass. I had an association of that withpersons of importance- maybe because of listening to classical music. I like the song O God Beyond All Praising and wondered if that can used.

Our pastor, Fr. Kloster, is on youtube and you can hear his sermons if so desired. Fr. is coming to dinner and I will ask him but I wanted to have some reasonable terminology in place and thoughts considered beforehand.

Gratis.
 
Do I understand correctly, the Mass of Burial is know as a Requiem Mass. I had an association of that withpersons of importance- maybe because of listening to classical music. I like the song O God Beyond All Praising and wondered if that can used.
All Masses for the Dead in the old rite are called Requiem Masses, regardless of the person(s) for whom the Mass is said, because the first word of the introit is Requiem, which means rest. This is true whether it is a funeral Mass on the day of burial, a Mass on the anniversary of the departed, a month’s mind Mass, or any other Mass for the Dead, celebrated with Requiem propers and black vestments. The body may be present or not, but the Mass is still a Requiem.

There are no hymns at all at Requiems. This includes before and after the Mass. There are antiphons, such as the *Subvenite *and In Paradisum, sung when the body arrives and leaves the church, respectively.
 
I don’t mean to be sounding critical but there are no “songs or hymns” at aTLM reqieum either Low or High. There is chant and a couple of Sacred polyphony pieces, Dies Irae and In Paradisium. There is no eulogy. If you want a Eulogy then do it after the Rosary or after the burial. Remember this is an Ancient Rite, not to be modified by human whims.
 
Your repeated use of the word songs has me a bit befuddled. There is a Requiem Mass (i.e., a funeral Mass) for the day of burial in the old missal. That Mass contains all of the necessary propers, including the antiphons (introit, gradual/sequence/tract, offertory and communion). There is no picking and choosing, just as there is no picking or choosing at any Sunday Mass, even for the variable parts (propers) of the Mass. The missal specifies which propers are used at which Mass.
I think what might be referred to is the extra motets (which I suppose could be called songs) sung after the Propers, particularly if the rite is prolonged at the Offertory or the Communion. Though having said that, the Offertory of the Requiem is one of the longest in the missal/gradual. Theoretically, I suppose one could also sing a hymn/motet/song/etc. before the Introit, though since there are rites prescribed (even if not carried out in full) before the funeral Requiem, I’m not sure whether it’s permissible in this case.
 
I don’t mean to be sounding critical but there are no “songs or hymns” at aTLM reqieum either Low or High. There is chant and a couple of Sacred polyphony pieces, Dies Irae and In Paradisium. There is no eulogy. If you want a Eulogy then do it after the Rosary or after the burial. Remember this is an Ancient Rite, not to be modified by human whims.
Songs/Hymns/whatever are somewhat restricted in use for a High Mass, though their use is less severe for a low Mass, when they can be sung (even in English) at several points. Then too, it is not necessary that for a Low Mass, even* in die obitus*, that the hymns sung at a low Mass reflect the texts of the Propers. It is a kind of “layering” that could be regarded as extrinsic to the Mass.
 
Howdy,
I have been to a TLM Wedding, Baptism, and now Sunday Mass (both Low & High). Are the Requiem Mass form different from the Sunday Mass? I have a 1962 Missal and to me the canon or order is the same. So, since sometimes we have hymns at the entrance and recessional, I was wondering if it wasn’t also true for the Requiem Mass.

I was thinking a eulogy at the Wake would make sense.

Thank you for clearing up the definition of Requiem.
Connorcream
 
Howdy,
I have been to a TLM Wedding, Baptism, and now Sunday Mass (both Low & High). Are the Requiem Mass form different from the Sunday Mass? I have a 1962 Missal and to me the canon or order is the same. So, since sometimes we have hymns at the entrance and recessional, I was wondering if it wasn’t also true for the Requiem Mass.

I was thinking a eulogy at the Wake would make sense.
The Order of Mass is the same, though several prayers, mostly said quietly by the priest, are omitted. The prayers at the foot of the altar are shortened, as is also done during passiontide. The Gloria Patri is not said at any point in in the Mass and neither is the word Alleluia. Nothing that is handed to the priest is kissed.

Please understand that the hymns sung before or after a TLM, and any motets sung by the choir during the Mass, are NOT part of the Mass rite. However, a Requiem Mass does not include any hymns, as there are chanted psalms (such as Subvenite) when the body is entering the church and also when it is leaving (In Paradisum). There are no hymns. That is why there really are no choices to be made, other than High Mass or Low Mass.

Eulogies are NEVER permitted at any funeral Mass, in either the old or current rite. While I realize that many parishes today routinely disregard this at OF funeral Masses, I can assure you that this prohibition is respected at all EF Masses. One may be done at the funeral home, which is where any type of “personalized” recollections should take place. Even though I am a traditional Catholic, I have no problem whatsoever with eulogies being given at a funeral home, but will also point out that many traditional Catholics would prefer simply a rosary led by a priest, something that is also seen less frequently today, outside of ethnic neighborhoods.
 
Another change at a Requiem Mass in the EF occurs during the Agnus Dei. Instead of have mercy on us, have mercy on us, grant us peace, the responses should be grant them rest, grant them rest, grant them rest eternal. Obviously, this would be said in Latin.
 
Howdy,
I see the red print directions for burial following along in my 1962 Missal. I haven’t found the prohibition on Alleluias, yet. The parish has red booklets that the faithful use, so it seems, the attendees could use those to follow along most who would need something to read. Would the Scripture readings follow the daily readings or are they specific to a funeral?

If I may ask an auxiliary question, where does one find the daily readings? I went to a Saturday Daily Mass and couldn’t find the Scripture readings. Are they in a separate Daily Missal? For example, what would be the readings for today July 9, 2009?

Finally, does anyone have a link for indulgences gained for assisting at a funeral and/or burial? I have the 1991 handbook on Indulgences but I don’t see a specific mention of burials/funerals. I would like to include that information.

I found it very refreshing typing out my obituary. Very much of a take stock moment while deeply grateful to the many blessing given to me by our dear Lord.

AMDG,
Connorcream
 
The same publishers who put out the red missalettes also put out a gray one for Requiem Masses. It would contain the readings, no alleluia, etc.

There are plenty of people’s missals for the EF that include the Sunday and daily readings. Under the section “proper of saints,” the readings would be there for weekdays, along wigth votive Masses, which are Masses that do not reflect the kalendar. The new Angelus or Baronius missals for the 1962 Mass would be fine for this.
 
Howdy,
I have The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual by Baronius Press MMVII. I have found the Proper of The Saints section but do not know how to find the readings that would be used today, July 9 at a Thursday Low Mass. Where might I find them? I know we are in the Fifth Week after Pentecost. Is it like the NO readings with even/odd cycle tied to the Sunday Mass Reading? I also tried Googling but I couldn’t find a site that listed EF Mass readings.

AMDG,
Connorcream
 
Today, 9 July, is a feria (weekday with no feast occurring) in the 1962 kalendar. This means that green vestments are worn and the priest repeats the Sunday Mass and readings. However, on a feria the priest may also choose to celebrate a votive Mass, which is a Mass of devotion (of the Holy Trinity, St. Joseph, the Angels, the Holy Eucharist, the Great High Priest, etc.) or for a special need (for the sick, for protection against the heathen, etc.). If he does this, he will generally announce this prior to the start of Mass. You would then turn to the votive Mass section of your missal and find whatever Mass he announced. Vestments would not be green.

On Saturdays that have no special feast, normally a Mass of Our Lady is said. You would go to the common of saints section of your missal and find Masses of the BVM on Saturday, and the correct Mass for what time of year it is. White vestments would be worn.

Another option on a feria is that the priest may celebrate a Mass for the Dead. He would anounce which Requiem he is celebrating (for all the departed, for departed bishops, priests, popes, servicemen, etc.) Black vestments would be worn.

Having said all this, I can tell you that in the old missal, there are more feast days than feria days. For example, tomorrow, 10 July, is the feast of the Seven Holy Brothers, martyrs, with a commeoration of Sts. Rufina and Secunda. You would find these under the proper of the saints. Some of these Masses are proper that that particular feast day, while others are a template form (“common”) of Mass that is used for all the saints of that particular class (all martyrs, all virgins, all abbots, all confesssrs, etc.). In this case, the proper of saints will tell you to turn to page X in the common of saints, which is where these “templates” are.

It is a little confusing at first, but eventually it will be second nature. 👍
 
Chatter163, May our most Merciful Lord walk closely with you today.
Gratis, gratis, gratis.

I found the Mass readings used that Saturday I went many weeks ago- votive to the BVM on pg 1085. I also see where each day can have a particular devotion. July 9 was Thursday it could be Holy Ghost, Holy Sacrament or Eternal Priesthood of JC or Sunday’s readings again. I so enjoy understanding my Missal better flipping through it. It is a complete book. I was starting to wonder if I had an abridged version:-)

Our TLM priests and deacon will be having instructional meetings in the Fall to help the people follow along. It will not be a comparison of the NO which can lead to dissension but strictly informational. I am so glad to have the reading selection understood ahead of time.

Two more questions:
  1. Is there a place for songs in English on Sundays (High or Low Mass)?
  2. My ribbons are starting to fray at the ends. I was wondering if anyone has put a dab of clear nail polish on them to stop it. Would hairspray work too and be less stiff?
AMDG,
Connorcream
 
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