A Catholic funeral is usually a Requiem Mass, and the Mass has a set shape. The music follows that shape — there is a moment for the entrance, for the psalm, for the offertory, for Communion, and for the recessional as the coffin leaves. Knowing which hymns belong at each moment makes planning far simpler, and it is what most parishes will ask a family to choose.
This guide is organised by those moments of the Mass. If you are choosing music with a priest or parish musician, this is the order they will work through with you.
The opening hymn is sung as the coffin is brought into the church and the priest receives the body. It sets the tone — usually reassuring and hopeful rather than mournful.
| Hymn | Notes |
|---|---|
| Be Not Afraid | Reassurance as the coffin is received — one of the most chosen entrances |
| I Am the Bread of Life | A strong, hopeful opening; a promise of resurrection |
| Lord of All Hopefulness | Gentle and steady, suited to the start of the Mass |
The psalm follows the first reading and is usually sung. Psalm 23 ("The Lord Is My Shepherd") is by far the most common choice, in one of several sung settings.
| Hymn | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Lord's My Shepherd (Psalm 23) | The most-sung responsorial psalm at funerals |
| The Lord Is My Shepherd (Gelineau) | A sung Catholic setting of Psalm 23 |
| Shepherd Me, O God (Psalm 23) | Marty Haugen's widely used setting |
As the bread and wine are brought to the altar, a hymn is sung. This is a natural place for a reflective, prayerful piece.
| Hymn | Notes |
|---|---|
| Make Me a Channel of Your Peace | The Prayer of St Francis; fits the preparation of the gifts |
| Here I Am, Lord | A hymn of response and offering |
| Ave Maria | Often sung here or at Communion; Schubert or Bach/Gounod |
During the distribution of Communion, a Eucharistic hymn is sung — one that speaks of the Bread of Life. This is often the most tender moment of the Mass musically.
| Hymn | Notes |
|---|---|
| I Am the Bread of Life | Especially fitting at Communion — the Eucharistic promise |
| Soul of My Saviour | Traditional Eucharistic hymn for a Requiem Mass |
| On Eagle's Wings | Based on Psalm 91; comfort and being lifted up |
| Sweet Sacrament Divine | A tender traditional Communion hymn |
The final hymn is sung as the coffin is carried out. Families often choose the most hopeful, uplifting note here — a Marian hymn, or a triumphant hymn of glory.
| Hymn | Notes |
|---|---|
| How Great Thou Art | An uplifting, hopeful close as the coffin leaves |
| Immaculate Mary | A Marian recessional, often with the Lourdes refrain |
| Hail Queen of Heaven | A traditional Marian hymn of hope |
| Sing With All the Saints in Glory | Triumphant and hopeful for the final procession |
Within the funeral Mass itself, the Church asks that music be sacred and suited to the liturgy, so secular songs — however loved — are generally not sung during the Mass. This sometimes surprises families. The good news is that there are natural places for more personal music: the vigil (the evening reception of the body), the graveside committal, and the gathering afterwards. Always speak with the parish priest, as practice varies between parishes and dioceses.
Because the Mass itself calls for sacred music, many Catholic families keep the traditional hymns for the Mass and place something more personal elsewhere — at the vigil, the committal, or the reception. A personalised memorial song, written from your own memories of the person, is often welcomed at those moments. It lets the Mass hold the faith and the liturgy exactly as it should, while giving the family one piece that is only about the person they have lost.
"The Mass for the liturgy. The vigil or graveside for the person."
If you would like a song written specifically about the person you are remembering, begin their song →
This guide draws on the Order of Christian Funerals, published Catholic parish music guidance, and the most-requested Catholic funeral hymns reported by UK and US funeral directors and parish musicians. Reviewed 2026. Always confirm specific choices with your parish, as diocesan and parish practice varies.
The Mass holds the liturgy. For the vigil, the graveside, or the gathering after — a song written from your own memories of them.
Begin their song →