There are three readings for a Funeral Mass. The family can pick the readings from the given lists. Please remember,
practicing catholics can only read within the Mass.
Frequently it is the desire of either the deceased or family members to use a favorite piece of music or hymn within the Funeral Mass. Please understand that the primary focus of the Mass is always the worship of God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, therefore music at the Funeral Mass should always be of a liturgical nature rather than of secular origin. Hymns and songs are taken from the
Hymnal of the Diocese of Marquette. Non-liturgical music, at the discretion of the pastor, may be played at the Vigil service.
eulogy
The funeral liturgy of a loved one or a friend is a difficult time for everyone involved. In order to allow for a moment of personal sharing by a family member or a friend of the deceased, the Order of Christian Funerals (OCF) of the Catholic Church states the following: “A member or a friend of the family may speak in remembrance of the deceased … .” At Our Lady of Peace Parish, this directive is observed in the following manner: 1) One person - and only one person - is permitted to speak during the Funeral Mass after Holy Communion. If more than one person wishes to speak, this will be done at the funeral home during the viewing, at the Vigil service, at the cemetery during the prayers of commendation, or at the luncheon following the service. 2) Eulogies are for the living, and for everyone at a remembrance service. Be brief. It should not be more than five minutes. 3) Write the eulogy. Even if you are an experienced speaker, during the emotional time of a remembrance service it is especially easy to wander. Write, and speak from the heart. 4) The content of the remarks should be about the deceased and need to be respectfully presented. 5) The speaker needs to be mindful that the setting is to be reverent, and only content which is appropriate to that setting should be presented. Nothing contrary to the views of the Catholic Church should ever be presented. 4) The remarks should be personal. Additional readings from Sacred Scripture, secular writings, poetry, book excerpts, etc., should not normally be used at this time.
luncheon
You may choose to have the luncheon after the funeral and burial in the Parish Hall located in the lower level of the church. Elevator is in the St. Joseph’s Room for those with difficulties climbing stairs. Additional restrooms are also located in the lower level. Please contact the office for more details.