Catholic Funeral Songs

The Catholic funeral Mass has specific requirements for music that set it apart from other services. Only sacred, liturgical pieces with Scripture-based texts are permitted during Mass itself — this isn't optional. Secular favorites (even meaningful ones like “Wind Beneath My Wings”) can be played at the vigil or reception, but not during Mass.

You'll need hymns for four key moments: the processional as the casket enters, the offertory when gifts come forward, communion, and the recessional at the final commendation. The congregation joins in — this communal singing is part of the liturgy, not a performance.

What makes Catholic funeral music distinct is its focus on the paschal mystery — Christ's death and resurrection — rather than grief alone. The Church teaches that death isn't an ending but a passage, and the music should reflect that hope.

A Catholic funeral is rarely a single event. The Church's ritual book — the Order of Christian Funerals — unfolds across three distinct rites, each with its own setting and its own rules for music: the Vigil (the wake), the Funeral Liturgy (usually the Funeral Mass), and the Rite of Committal (at the graveside). Knowing which rite you are planning for tells you at once how much freedom you have, because the music welcomed at the casket-side wake is not the music permitted during Mass.

The Vigil for the Deceased — what most families call the wake — is a Liturgy of the Word, usually held the evening before at the funeral home or in the church. Because it is not the Mass, it carries more warmth and latitude: psalms, hymns and reflective sacred songs are its heart, and many parishes allow a meaningful recorded piece during the gathering. If your family has a beloved secular song — “Wind Beneath My Wings,” a favourite recording, a piece that simply meant something — the visitation before the Vigil and the reception afterward are where it belongs, not the Mass. Clear specific choices with the priest or deacon leading the Vigil.

The Funeral Liturgy is the central rite. Most often it is the Funeral Mass, celebrated with the Eucharist; when a Mass is not offered, the same rite is held as the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass — a Liturgy of the Word ending in the Final Commendation. Here the rule is firm: only sacred, liturgical music with Scripture-based or approved texts. The music falls at fixed points — the Entrance, the Responsorial Psalm after the first reading, the Gospel Acclamation, the Preparation of the Gifts, Communion, and the Song of Farewell at the Final Commendation. The section below walks through song choices for each of these moments.

The Rite of Committal is the final farewell, prayed at the grave, tomb or columbarium. It is brief and tender. Traditionally “In Paradisum” — “May the angels lead you into paradise” — is sung as the body is carried from the church toward burial, and a short, familiar hymn or Marian antiphon such as “Salve Regina” closes the committal itself. Like the Vigil, this is a liturgical rite, so sacred music is the norm; if the family hopes to play a personal song at the graveside, ask the celebrant first, as practice varies by parish and diocese.

Entrance Procession — As the casket is brought in and the priest processes to the altar. Choose something hopeful that helps mourners settle into prayer. Top choices: “On Eagle's Wings” by Michael Joncas (Psalm 91, hopeful, sets contemplative tone), “Be Not Afraid” by Bob Dufford (reassuring, helps mourners settle), “Amazing Grace” (familiar to all, gentle entry), “How Great Thou Art” (majestic, honors God's presence).

Offertory / Preparation of Gifts — While bread and wine are brought forward. Often a solo piece — this is where Ave Maria traditionally fits. Top choices: “Ave Maria” by Schubert or Bach/Gounod (traditional Marian devotion, peaceful), “Panis Angelicus” by Cesar Franck (Latin beauty, Eucharistic theme), “Prayer of St. Francis” (“Make me an instrument” — service-focused), “Here I Am, Lord” by Dan Schutte (response to God's call).

Communion — Must have Eucharistic themes. The congregation should be able to join in while receiving. Top choices: “I Am the Bread of Life” by Suzanne Toolan (direct Eucharistic text from John 6), “Gift of Finest Wheat” by Westendorf/Kreutz (communion-specific, congregational), “One Bread, One Body” by John Foley (unity theme, easy to sing), “Taste and See” by James Moore (Psalm 34, joyful yet reverent).

Final Commendation / Recessional — The farewell. “Song of Farewell” is written specifically for this moment. Focus on resurrection hope. Top choices: “Song of Farewell” by Ernest Sands (written specifically for Final Commendation), “In Paradisum” (ancient text: “May angels lead you into paradise”), “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (resurrection hope, strong finish), “For All the Saints” by Ralph Vaughan Williams (triumphant, communion of saints).

After the first reading at the Funeral Mass, the cantor sings a Responsorial Psalm and the congregation answers with a repeated refrain. This is part of the Liturgy of the Word, not background music, and you choose it with your parish music director from the psalms the Lectionary appoints for funerals. Each carries its own consolation, so many families choose by the refrain that speaks to them. The appointed psalms are:

Psalm 23 — “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” The most chosen of all funeral psalms; its valley-of-darkness imagery and promise of dwelling in the house of the Lord for ever make it the natural choice when a family is unsure.

Psalm 25 — “To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.” A prayer of trust and humility, fitting when the family wants to lean on God's mercy and guidance.

Psalm 27 — “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Confident and consoling: “I believe I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Psalm 42-43 — “My soul is thirsting for the living God: when shall I see him face to face?” Expresses longing for heaven; suited to a death after long illness or a soul of deep faith.

Psalm 63 — “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” A psalm of yearning and clinging to God — gentle and intimate.

Psalm 103 — “The Lord is kind and merciful.” Tender and reassuring, dwelling on the compassion God shows “as a father has compassion on his children.”

Psalm 116 — “I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.” Grateful and full of trust — a fitting bridge toward Communion.

Psalm 122 — “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” The most hopeful of the set, picturing arrival in the heavenly Jerusalem; chosen when a family wants the note of Easter hope the Church intends.

Psalm 130 — “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord” (or “I hope in the Lord, I trust in his word”). The great psalm of mourning and mercy — honest about grief while resting in God's redemption.

Psalm 143 — “O Lord, hear my prayer.” A quiet plea for God to lead the soul home; understated and prayerful.

Your music director will have a sung setting for each; in most US parishes these come from the Respond & Acclaim collection (OCP) or Michel Guimont's Lectionary psalms (GIA). Choose the refrain first — the verses follow from it.

Traditional Catholic songs for funerals include Latin chant and hymns that predate Vatican II: “Ave Maria” (Schubert or Bach/Gounod), “Panis Angelicus” by Cesar Franck, “In Paradisum” (the ancient chant text “May angels lead you into paradise”), and “Pie Jesu” from Faure's or Lloyd Webber's Requiem. Traditional Catholic songs for funerals also include “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Abide with Me” — hymns shared across denominations but fully accepted within Catholic liturgy. For families wanting a traditional Catholic funeral, these songs connect the service to centuries of church tradition while remaining accessible to the entire congregation.

Selecting songs for a Catholic funeral requires understanding the liturgical rules that govern the Mass. The first step in selecting songs for Catholic funeral is contacting your parish music director — they know which hymns are approved in your diocese and what the organist or cantor can perform well. When selecting songs for Catholic funeral, remember: only sacred music is permitted during Mass (secular favourites like “My Way” or “Wind Beneath My Wings” can be played at the vigil or graveside). Choose at least two hymns the congregation knows well — “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” are safe choices. Balance Latin pieces (“Ave Maria,” “Panis Angelicus”) with English hymns the congregation can sing together.

Playing secular songs during Mass — Save “My Way” or “Wind Beneath My Wings” for the vigil or reception. Not consulting the music director early — They know what's approved in your diocese and what the organist can play well. Choosing songs no one knows — If the congregation can't sing along, the communal aspect is lost. Too many solos — The Mass is participatory; balance solo pieces with congregational hymns. Ignoring the responsorial psalm — This isn't optional; work with your music director to select an appropriate setting.

Talk to the Parish Early — Your parish music director is your best resource. They know which hymns are approved in your diocese and what works in your specific church. Consider the Congregation — Choose at least some hymns that people will recognize. “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” work because everyone can join in.

Balance Latin and English — Traditional Latin pieces like “Ave Maria” and “Panis Angelicus” are beautiful but balance them with English hymns people can sing. Use the Vigil for Secular Music — The vigil (wake) service the night before has more flexibility. This is where you can play their favorite secular songs.