Vigil for the Deceased
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Greeting
Opening Song
Invitation to Prayer
Opening Prayer
LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Homily
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Litany
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayer
CONCLUDING RITE
Blessing
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord;
let them find rest from their labors.
54 The vigil for the deceased is the principal rite celebrated by the Christian community in the time following death and before the funeral liturgy, or if there is no funeral liturgy, before the rite of committal. It may take the form either of a Liturgy of the Word (nos. 69-81, 82-97) or of some part of the Office for the Dead. Two vigil services are provided: “Vigil for the Deceased” and “Vigil for the Deceased with Reception at the Church.” The second service is used when the vigil is celebrated in the church and begins with the reception of the body.
55 The vigil may be celebrated in the home of the deceased, in the funeral home, parlor or chapel of rest, or in some other suitable place. It may also be celebrated in the church, but at a time well before the funeral liturgy, so that the funeral liturgy will not be lengthy and the Liturgy of the Word repetitious. Adaptations of the vigil will often be suggested by the place in which the celebration occurs. A celebration in the home of the deceased, for example, may be simplified and shortened. If the reception of the body at church is celebrated apart from the vigil or the funeral liturgy, the “Vigil for the Deceased with Reception at the Church” may be used and simplified.
56 At the vigil the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer to the God of mercy and finds strength in Christ’s presence. It is the first occasion among the funeral rites for the solemn reading of the word of God. In this time of loss the family and community turn to God’s word as the source of faith and hope, as light and life in the face of darkness and death. Consoled by the redeeming word of God and by the abiding presence of Christ and his Spirit, the assembly at the vigil calls upon the Father of mercy to receive the deceased into the kingdom of light and peace.
STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE VIGIL
57 The vigil in the form of the Liturgy of the Word consists of the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the prayer of intercession, and a Concluding Rite.
INTRODUCTORY RITES
58 The Introductory Rites gather the faithful together to form a community and to prepare all to listen to God’s word. The Introductory Rites of the vigil for the deceased include the greeting, an opening song, an invitation to prayer, a pause for silent prayer, and an opening prayer.
In the vigil for the deceased with reception at the church, the rite of reception forms the Introductory Rites (nos. 82-86). In this case the family and others who have accompanied the body are greeted at the entrance of the church. The body is then sprinkled with holy water and, if it is the custom, the pall is placed on the coffin by family members, friends, or the minister. The Entrance Procession follows, during which a hymn or Psalm is sung. At the conclusion of the procession a symbol of the Christian life may be placed on the coffin. Then the invitation to prayer, a pause for silent prayer, and an opening prayer conclude the Introductory Rites.
The opening song or entrance song should be a profound expression of belief in eternal life and the resurrection of the dead, as well as a prayer of intercession for the dead.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
59 The proclamation of the word of God is the high point and central focus of the vigil. The Liturgy of the Word usually includes a First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Gospel reading, and Homily. A reader proclaims the First Reading. The Responsorial Psalm should be sung, whenever possible. If an assisting Deacon is present, he proclaims the Gospel reading. Otherwise the presiding minister proclaims the Gospel reading.
60 The purpose of the readings at the vigil is to proclaim the Paschal Mystery, teach remembrance of the dead, convey the hope of being gathered together in God’s Kingdom, and encourage the witness of Christian life. Above all, the readings tell of God’s designs for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all whom God has called his own. The Responsorial Psalm enables the community to respond in faith to the reading and to express its grief and its praise of God. In the selection of readings the needs of the mourners and the circumstances of the death should be kept in mind.
61 A homily based on the readings is given at the vigil to help those present find strength and hope in God’s saving word.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
62 In the prayer of intercession the community calls upon God to comfort the mourners and to show mercy to the deceased. The prayer of intercession takes the form of a litany, the Lord’s Prayer, and a concluding prayer.
After this prayer and before the blessing or at some other suitable time during the vigil, a member of the family or a friend of the deceased may speak in remembrance of the deceased.
CONCLUDING RITE
63 The vigil concludes with a blessing, which may be followed by a liturgical song or a few moments of silent prayer or both.
MINISTRY AND PARTICIPATION
64 Members of the local parish community should be encouraged to partic-ipate in the vigil as a sign of concern and support for the mourners. In many circumstances the vigil will be the first opportunity for friends, neighbors, and members of the local parish community to show their concern for the family of the deceased by gathering for prayer. The vigil may also serve as an opportunity for participation in the funeral by those who, because of work or other reasons, cannot be present for the funeral liturgy or the rite of committal.
65 The full participation by all present is to be encouraged. This is best achieved through careful planning of the celebration. Whenever possible, the family of the deceased should take part in the selection of texts and music and in the designation of liturgical ministers.
66 Besides the presiding minister, other available ministers (a reader, a cantor, an acolyte) should exercise their ministries. Family members may assume some of these liturgical roles, unless their grief prevents them from doing so.
The presiding minister and assisting ministers should vest for the vigil according to local custom. If the vigil is celebrated in the church, a Priest or Deacon who presides wears an alb or surplice with stole.
67 As needs require, and especially if the funeral liturgy or rite of committal is not to take place for a few days, the vigil may be celebrated more than once and should be adapted to each occasion.
68 Music is integral to any vigil, especially the vigil for the deceased. In the difficult circumstances following death, well-chosen music can touch the mourners and others present at levels of human need that words alone often fail to reach. Such music can enliven the faith of the community gathered to support the family and to affirm hope in the resurrection.
Whenever possible, an instrumentalist and a cantor or leader of song should assist the assembly’s full participation in the singing.
In the choice of music for the vigil, preference should be given to the singing of the opening song and the Responsorial Psalm. The litany, the Lord’s Prayer, and a closing song may also be sung.
69 Using one of the following greetings, or in similar words, the minister greets those present.
A.
May the God of hope give you the fullness of peace, and may the Lord of life be always with you.
R. And with your spirit.
B.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
R. And with your spirit.
C.
The grace and peace of God our Father, who raised Jesus from the dead, be always with you.
R. And with your spirit.
D.
May the Father of mercies, the God of all consolation, be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
OPENING SONG
70 The celebration continues with a song.
INVITATION TO PRAYER
71 In the following or similar words, the minister invites those present to pray:
My brothers and sisters, we believe that all the ties of friendship and affection which knit us as one throughout our lives do not unravel with death.
Confident that God always remembers the good we have done and forgives our sins, let us pray, asking God to gather N. to himself.
Pause for silent prayer.
OPENING PRAYER
72 The minister says one of the following prayers.
A
Lord our God,
the death of our brother (sister) N.
recalls our human condition
and the brevity of our lives on earth.
But for those who believe in your love
death is not the end,
nor does it destroy the bonds
that you forge in our lives.
We share the faith of your Son’s disciples
and the hope of the children of God.
Bring the light of Christ’s Resurrection
to this time of testing and pain
as we pray for N. and for those who love him (her).
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
B
O God, glory of the faithful and life of the just,
by the Death and Resurrection of whose Son
we have been redeemed,
look mercifully on your departed servant N.,
that, just as he (she) professed
the mystery of our resurrection,
so he (she) may merit to receive
the joys of eternal happiness.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
398 The following prayers for the dead may be used in the various rites. The prayers should be chosen taking the character of the text into account as well as the place in the rite where it will occur.
1 General 1 2 General 2 3 General 3 4 General 4 5 General 5 6 General 6 7 General 7 8 General 8 9 General 9 10 General 10 11 General 11 12 General 12 13 General 13 14 A Pope 15 A Diocesan Bishop 16 Another Bishop 17 A Priest 1 18 A Priest 2 19 A Priest 3 20 A Deacon 1 21 A Deacon 2 22 A religious 1 23 A religious 2 24 One who worked in the service of the Gospel 25 A baptized child 1 26 A baptized child 2 27 A young person 1 28 A young person 2 29 Parents 30 A parent 31 A married couple 1 32 A married couple 2 33 A married couple 3 34 A wife 35 A husband 36 A deceased non-Christian married to a Catholic 37 An elderly person 1 38 An elderly person 2 39 One who died after a long illness 1 40 One who died after a long illness 2 41 One who died after a long illness 3 42 One who died suddenly 43 One who died accidentally or violently 44 One who died by suicide 1 45 One who died by suicide 2 46 Several persons 1 47 Several persons 2
1 General
God of faithfulness,
in your wisdom you have called your servant N. out of this world;
release him (her) from the bonds of sin,
and welcome him (her) into your presence,
so that he (she) may enjoy eternal light and peace
and be raised up in glory with all your saints.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
2 General
Lord, in our grief we turn to you.
Are you not the God of love
who open your ears to all?
Listen to our prayers for your servant N.,
whom you have called out of this world:
lead him (her) to your kingdom of light and peace
and count him (her) among the saints in glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
3 General
Holy Lord, almighty and eternal God,
hear our prayers for your servant N.,
whom you have summoned out of this world.
Forgive his (her) sins and failings
and grant him (her) a place of refreshment, light, and peace.
Let him (her) pass unharmed through the gates of death
to dwell with the blessed in light,
as you promised to Abraham and his children for ever.
Accept N. into your safekeeping
and on the great day of judgment
raise him (her) up with all the saints
to inherit your eternal kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
4 General
Into your hands, O Lord,
we humbly entrust our brother (sister) N.
In this life you embraced him (her) with your tender love;
deliver him (her) now from every evil
and bid him (her) enter eternal rest.
The old order has passed away:
welcome him (her) then into paradise,
where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain,
but the fullness of peace and joy
with your Son and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
5 General
O God almighty Father,
our faith professes that your Son, died and rose again;
mercifully grant, that through this mystery
your servant N., who has fallen asleep in in Christ,
may rejoice to rise again through him.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
6 General
O God, glory of the faithful and life of the just,
by the Death and Resurrection of whose Son,
we have been redeemed:
look mercifully on your departed servant N.,
that, just as he (she) professed
the mystery of our resurrection,
so he (she) may merit to receive
the joys of eternal happiness.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
7 General
O God, almighty Father,
who have strengthened us by the mystery of the Cross
and promise us a share in the mystery of your Son’s Resurrection
mercifully grant, we pray,
the your departed servant N.,
now freed from the bonds of mortality,
may be gathered into the company of your chosen ones.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
8 General
Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord:
as our faith in your Son
raised from the dead is deepened,
may our hope of resurrection for your departed servant N.,
also find new strength.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
9 General
To you, O God, the dead do not die,
and in death our life is changed, not ended.
Hear our prayers
and command the soul of your servant N.
to dwell with Abraham, your friend,
and be raised at last on the great day of judgment.
In your mercy cleanse him (her) of any sin
which he (she) may have committed through human frailty.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
10 General
Lord God, in whom all find refuge,
we appeal to your boundless mercy:
grant to the soul of your servant N.
a kindly welcome,
cleansing of sin,
release from the chains of death,
and entry into everlasting life.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
11 General
God of all consolation,
open our hearts to your word,
so that, listening to it, we may comfort one another,
finding light in time of darkness
and faith in time of doubt.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
12 General
O God, whose nature
is always to forgive and to show mercy,
we humbly implore you for your servant N.,
whom you have called (this day) to journey to you,
and since he (she) hoped and believed in you,
grant that he (she) may be led to our true homeland
to delight in its everlasting joys.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
13 General
O God, who are mercy for sinners
and the happiness of your Saints,
grant, we pray, to your servant N.,
for whom (today) we perform the fraternal offices of burial,
a share with your chosen ones in the blessedness you give,
so that on the day of resurrection,
freed from the bonds of mortality,
he (she) may come before your face.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
14 A Pope
O God, faithful rewarder of souls,
grant that your departed servant Pope N.,
whom you made successor of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven
the mysteries of your grace and compassion,
which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
15 A Diocesan Bishop
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that the soul of your departed servant Bishop N.,
to whom you committed the care of your family,
may, with the manifold fruit of his labors,
enter into the eternal gladness of his Lord.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
16 Another Bishop
O God, who chose your servant Bishop (Cardinal) N.
from among your Priests
and endowed him with pontifical dignity
in the apostoloic priesthood,
grant, we pray,
that he may also be admitted to their company for ever.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
17 A Priest
Grant, we pray, O Lord,
that the soul of N., your servant and Priest,
whom you honored with sacred office
while he lived in this world,
may exult for ever in the glorious home of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
18 A Priest
Hear with favor our prayers,
which we humbly offer, O Lord,
for the salvation of the soul of N., your servant and Priest,
that he, who devoted a faithful ministry to your name,
may rejoice in the perpetual company of your Saints.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
19 A Priest
Lord God,
you chose our brother N. to serve your people as a Priest
and to share the joys and burdens of their lives.
Look with mercy on him
and give him the reward of his labors,
the fullness of life promised to those who preach your holy Gospel.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
20 A Deacon
God of mercy,
as once you chose seven men of honest repute
to serve your Church,
so also you chose N. as your servant and Deacon.
Grant that he may rejoice in your eternal fellowship
with all the heralds of your Gospel,
for he was untiring in his ministry here on earth.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
21 A Deacon
Lord God,
you sent your Son into the world
to preach the Good News of salvation
and to pour out his Spirit of grace upon your Church.
Look with kindness on your servant N.
As a Deacon in the Church
he was strengthened by the gift of the Spirit
to preach the Good News,
to minister in your assembly,
and to do the works of charity.
Give him the reward promised
to those who show their love of you
by service to their neighbor.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
22 A religious
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that the soul of your servant N.,
who for the love of Christ walked the way of perfect charity,
may rejoice in the coming of your glory
and together with his brothers (her sisters)
may delight in the everlasting happiness of your Kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
23 A religious
God of blessings,
source of all holiness,
the voice of your Spirit has drawn countless men and women
to follow Jesus Christ
and to bind themselves to you
with ready will and loving heart.
Look with mercy on N.
who sought to fulfill his (her) vows to you,
and grant him (her) the reward promised to all good and faithful servants.
May he (she) rejoice in the company of the Saints
and with them praise you for ever.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
24 One who worked in the service of the Gospel
We humbly beseech your mercy, O Lord, for your servant N.,
that, having worked tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel,
he (she) may merit to enter into the rewards of the Kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
25 A baptized child
Lord, in our grief we call upon your mercy:
open your ears to our prayers,
and one day unite us again with N.,
who, we firmly trust,
already enjoys eternal life in your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
26 A baptized child
To you, O Lord,
we humbly entrust this child,
so precious in your sight.
Take him (her) into your arms
and welcome him (her) into paradise,
where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain,
but the fullness of peace and joy
with your Son and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
27 A young person
O God, who direct our life in all its moments,
we humbly entrust to you this your servant N.,
whom we mourn as one whose life
was completed in so short a time;
grant that he (she) may flourish, for ever young,
in the happiness of your house.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
28 A young person
Lord God,
source and destiny of our lives,
in your loving providence
you gave us N.
to grow in wisdom, age, and grace.
Now you have called him (her) to yourself.
As we grieve the loss of one so young,
we seek to understand your purpose.
Draw him (her) to yourself
and give him (her) full stature in Christ.
May he (she) stand with all the Angels and Saints,
who know your love and praise your saving will.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
29 Parents
O God, who commanded us to honor father and mother,
have mercy in your compassion
on our parents N. and N.,
forgive them their sins,
and bring us to see them one day
in the gladness of eternal glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
30 A parent
God of our ancestors in faith,
by the covenant made on Mount Sinai
you taught your people to strengthen the bonds of family
through faith, honor, and love.
Look kindly upon N.,
a father (mother) who sought to bind his (her) children to you.
Bring him (her) one day to our heavenly home
where the Saints dwell in blessedness and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
31 A married couple
Grant merciful forgiveness, we pray, O Lord,
to your servants N. and N.,
that, just as faithful married love
bound them together in this life,
so the fullness of your charity
may unite them for all eternity.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
32 A married couple
Eternal Father,
in the beginning you established the love of man and woman
as a sign of creation.
Your own Son loves the Church as a spouse.
Grant mercy and peace to N. and N. who,
by their love for each other,
were signs of the creative love
which binds the Church to Christ.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
33 A married couple
Lord God,
giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious,
you created in Marriage a sign of your covenant.
Look with mercy upon N. and N.
You blessed them in their companionship,
and in their joys and sorrows you bound them together.
Lead them into eternal peace,
and bring them to the table
where the Saints feast together in your heavenly home.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
34 A wife
Eternal God,
you made the union of man and woman
a sign of the bond between Christ and the Church.
Grant mercy and peace to N.,
who was united in love with her husband.
May the care and devotion of her life on earth
find a lasting reward in heaven.
Look kindly on her husband and family (children)
as now they turn to your compassion and love.
Strengthen their faith and lighten their loss.
We Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
35 A husband
Eternal God,
you made the union of man and woman
a sign of the bond between Christ and the Church.
Grant mercy and peace to N.,
who was united in love with his wife.
May the care and devotion of his life on earth
find a lasting reward in heaven.
Look kindly on his wife and family (children)
as now they turn to your compassion and love.
Strengthen their faith and lighten their loss.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
36 A deceased non-Christian married to a Catholic
Almighty and faithful Creator,
all things are of your making,
all people are shaped in your image.
We now entrust the soul of N. to your goodness.
In your infinite wisdom and power,
work in him (her) your merciful purpose,
known to you alone from the beginning of time.
Console the hearts of those who love him (her)
in the hope that all who trust in you
will find peace and rest in your kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
37 An elderly person
God of endless ages,
from one generation to the next
you have been our refuge and strength.
Before the mountains were born
or the earth came to be,
you are God.
Have mercy now on your servant N.
whose long life was spent in your service.
Give him (her) a place in your Kingdom,
where hope is firm for all who love
and rest is sure for all who serve.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
38 An elderly person
God of mercy,
look kindly on your servant N.
who has set down the burden of his (her) years.
As he (she) served you faithfully throughout his (her) life,
may you give him (her) the fullness of your peace and joy.
We give thanks for the long life of N.,
now caught up in your eternal love.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus who is our risen Lord
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
39 One who died after a long illness
O God, who called your servant N.
to serve you in affliction and sickness,
grant, we pray,
that he (she), who followed your Son’s example of suffering,
may also receive the reward of his glory.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
40 One who died after a long illness
Most faithful God,
lively is the courage of those who hope in you.
Your servant N. suffered greatly
but placed his (her) trust in your mercy.
Confident that the petition of those who mourn
pierces the clouds and finds an answer,
we beg you, give rest to N.
Do not remember his (her) sins
but look upon his (her) sufferings
and grant him (her) refreshment, light, and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
41 One who died after a long illness
O God,
you are water for our thirst
and manna in our desert.
We praise you for the life of N.
and bless your mercy
that has brought his (her) suffering to an end.
Now we beg that same endless mercy
to raise him (her) to new life.
Nourished by the food and drink of heaven,
may he (she) rest for ever
in the joy of Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
42 One who died suddenly
Show us, Lord, the immense power of your goodness,
that, as we weep for our brother (sister) N.,
taken from us by a sudden death,
we may be confident that he (she) has passed over
into your eternal company.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
43 One who died accidentally or violently
Lord our God,
you are always faithful and quick to show mercy.
Our brother (sister) N.
was suddenly (and violently) taken from us.
Come swiftly to his (her) aid,
have mercy on him (her),
and comfort his (her) family and friends
by the power and protection of the Cross.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
44 One who died by suicide
God, lover of souls,
you hold dear what you have made
and spare all things, for they are yours.
Look gently on your servant N.,
and by the Blood of the Cross
forgive his (her) sins and failings.
Remember the faith of those who mourn
and satisfy their longing for that day
when all will be made new again
in Christ, our risen Lord,
who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
45 One who died by suicide
Almighty God and Father of all,
you strengthen us by the mystery of the Cross
and with the sacrament of your Son’s Resurrection.
Have mercy on our brother (sister) N.
Forgive all his (her) sins and grant him (her) peace.
May we who mourn this sudden death be comforted
and consoled by your power and protection.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
46 Several persons
O Lord,
you gave new life to N. and N.
in the waters of Baptism;
show mercy to them now,
and bring them to the happiness of life in your kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Liturgy of the Word
47 Several persons
All-powerful God,
whose mercy is never withheld
from those who call upon you in hope,
look kindly on your servants N. and N.,
who departed this life confessing your name,
and number them among your Saints for evermore.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
73 The celebration continues with the Liturgy of the Word. Other options may be found in Readings for the Order of Funerals in the ‘Rites’ Section of the iBreviary
FIRST READING
74 A reader proclaims the first reading.
2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
We have an everlasting home in heaven
Brothers and sisters:
We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent,
should be destroyed,
we have a building from God,
a dwelling not made with hands,
eternal in heaven.
We are always courageous,
although we know that while we are at home in the body
we are away from the Lord,
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Yet we are courageous,
and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord.
Therefore, we aspire to please him,
whether we are at home or away.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
so that each one may receive recompense,
according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
75 The following psalm is sung or said or another psalm or song.
R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
or:
R. 13) I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
or:
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
or:
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;
have pity on me, and answer me.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
or:
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
or:
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
GOSPEL
76 The gospel reading is then proclaimed.
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
12:35-40
Be prepared
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
HOMILY
77 A brief homily on the readings is then given.
LITANY
78 The minister leads those present in the following litany.
Let us turn to Christ Jesus with confidence and faith in the power of his Cross and Resurrection.
Assisting minister:
Risen Lord, pattern of our life for ever:
Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Assisting minister:
Promise and image of what we shall be:
Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Assisting minister:
Son of God who came to destroy sin and death:
Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Assisting minister:
Word of God who delivered us from the fear of death:
Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Assisting minister:
Crucified Lord, forsaken in death, raised in glory:
Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Assisting minister:
Lord Jesus, gentle Shepherd who brings rest to our souls, give peace to N. for ever:
Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Assisting minister:
Lord Jesus, you bless those who mourn and are in pain. Bless N.’s family and friends who gather around him (her) today:
R. Lord, have mercy.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
79 Using one of the following invitations, or in similar words, the minister invites those present to pray the Lord’s Prayer.
A Friends (brothers and sisters), our true home is heaven. Therefore let us pray to our heavenly Father as Jesus taught us:
B With God there is mercy and fullness of redemption; let us pray as Jesus taught us:
C Let us pray for the coming of the kingdom as Jesus taught us:
All:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
80 The minister says one of the following prayers or those provided in nos. 398 (above) or 399 (below)
A
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer,
you willingly gave yourself up to death,
so that all might be saved and pass from death to life.
We humbly ask you to comfort your servants in their grief
and to receive N. into the arms of your mercy.
You alone are the Holy One,
you are mercy itself;
by dying you unlocked the gates of life
for those who believe in you.
Forgive N. his (her) sins,
and grant him (her) a place of happiness,
light, and peace
in the kingdom of your glory for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
B
Lord God,
you are attentive to the voice of our pleading.
Let us find in your Son
comfort in our sadness,
certainty in our doubt,
and courage to live through this hour.
Make our faith strong
through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
399 The following prayers for the mourners may be used in the various rites. The prayers should be chosen taking the character of the text into account as well as the place in the rite where it will occur.
1 General 1
2 General 2
3 General 3
4 General 4
5 General 5
6 General 6
7 General 7
8 A baptized child 1
9 A baptized child 2
10 A baptized child 3
11 A baptized child 4
12 A baptized child 5
13 A child who died before baptism 1
14 A child who died before baptism 2
15 A stillborn child
1 General
Father of mercies and God of all consolation,
you pursue us with untiring love
and dispel the shadow of death
with the bright dawn of life.
[Comfort your family in their loss and sorrow.
Be our refuge and our strength, O Lord,
and lift us from the depths of grief
into the peace and light of your presence.]
Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
by dying has destroyed our death,
and by rising, restored our life.
Enable us therefore to press on toward him,
so that, after our earthly course is run,
he may reunite us with those we love,
when every tear will be wiped away.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
2 General
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer,
you willingly gave yourself up to death,
so that all might be saved and pass from death to life.
We humbly ask you to comfort your servants in their grief
and to receive N. into the arms of your mercy.
You alone are the Holy One,
you are mercy itself;
by dying you unlocked the gates of life
for those who believe in you.
Forgive N. his (her) sins,
and grant him (her) a place of happiness, light, and peace
in the kingdom of your glory for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
3 General
God, all-compassionate,
ruler of the living and the dead,
you know beforehand
those whose faithful lives reveal them as your own.
We pray for those who belong to this present world
and for those who have passed to the world to come:
grant them pardon for all their sins.
We ask you graciously to hear our prayer
through the intercession of all the Saints
and for your mercy’s sake.
For you are God, for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
4 General
Lord our God,
the death of our brother (sister) N.
recalls our human condition
and the brevity of our lives on earth.
But for those who believe in your love
death is not the end,
nor does it destroy the bonds
that you forge in our lives.
We share the faith of your Son’s disciples
and the hope of the children of God.
Bring the light of Christ’s resurrection
to this time of testing and pain
as we pray for N. and for those who love him (her).
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
5 General
Lord God,
you are attentive to the voice of our pleading.
Let us find in your Son
comfort in our sadness,
certainty in our doubt,
and courage to live through this hour.
Make our faith strong
through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
6 General
Lord,
N. is gone now from this earthly dwelling
and has left behind those who mourn his (her) absence.
Grant that as we grieve for our brother (sister)
we may hold his (her) memory dear
and live in hope of the eternal kingdom
where you will bring us together again.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
7 General
Most merciful God,
whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,
surround the family of N. with your love,
that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,
but have confidence in your goodness,
and strength to meet the days to come.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
8 A baptized child
Lord of all gentleness,
surround us with your care
and comfort us in our sorrow,
for we grieve at the loss of this (little) child.
As you washed N. in the waters of Baptism
and welcomed him (her) into the life of heaven,
so call us one day
to be united with him (her)
and share for ever the joy of your kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
9 A baptized child
Eternal Father,
through the intercession of Mary,
who bore your Son and stood by the Cross as he died,
grant to these parents in their grief
the assistance of her presence,
the comfort of her faith,
and the reward of her prayers.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
10 A baptized child
Lord God,
source and destiny of our lives,
in your loving providence
you gave us N.
to grow in wisdom, age, and grace.
Now you have called him (her) to yourself.
We grieve over the loss of one so young
and struggle to understand your purpose.
Draw him (her) to yourself
and give him (her) full stature in Christ.
May he (she) stand with all the Angels and Saints,
who know your love and praise your saving will.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
11 A baptized child
Most compassionate God,
who in the counsels of your wisdom,
have called this little child to yourself
on the very threshold of life,
listen kindly to our prayers
and grant that one day we may inherit eternal life with him (her),
whom, by the grace of Baptism, you have adopted as your own child
and who we believe is dwelling even how in your Kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
12 A baptized child
O God, who know that our hearts
are weighed down by grief
at the death of this young child,
grant that, while we weep for him (her),
who at your bidding has departed this life so soon,
we may have faith that he (she) has gained
an eternal home in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
13 A child who died before baptism
Receive the prayers of your faithful, Lord,
and grant that those you allow to be weighed down
by their longing for the child taken from them
may be raised up by faith to hope in your compassion.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
14 A child who died before baptism
O God, searcher of hearts and most loving consoler,
who know the faith of these parents,
grant that, as they mourn their child,
now departed from this life,
they may be assured
that he (she) has been entrusted to your divine compassion.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Go to the Blessing
15 A stillborn child
Lord God,
ever caring and gentle,
we commit to your love this little one,
quickened to life for so short a time.
Enfold him (her) in eternal life.
We pray for his (her) parents
who are saddened by the loss of their child.
Give them courage
and help them in their pain and grief.
May they all meet one day
in the joy and peace of your Kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
A member or a friend of the family may speak in remembrance of the deceased.
CONCLUDING RITE
BLESSING
81 The minister says:
Blessed are those who have died in the Lord;
let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.
A gesture, for example, signing the forehead of the deceased with the Sign of the Cross, may accompany the following words.
Eternal rest grant unto him (her), O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon him (her).
May he (she) rest in peace.
R. Amen.
May his (her) soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
A
A minister who is a priest or deacon says:
May the peace of God,
which is beyond all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God
and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
R. Amen.
May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
B
A lay minister invokes God’s blessing and signs himself or herself with the sign of the cross, saying:
May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ
bless and console us
and gently wipe every tear from our eyes:
in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
The vigil may conclude with a song or a few moments of silent prayer or both.