Catholic funeral program template

The order of a funeral Mass

A funeral Mass follows the Order of Christian Funerals. Most programs list these parts:

1. Reception of the body and placing of the pall
2. Entrance hymn
3. First reading, usually from the Old Testament (Wisdom 3 and Isaiah 25 are common)
4. Responsorial psalm, often Psalm 23 or Psalm 27
5. Second reading, from the New Testament
6. Gospel and homily
7. Prayers of the faithful, which family members often read
8. Liturgy of the Eucharist
9. Final commendation and the Song of Farewell
10. Recessional hymn

Every line can be renamed, moved or removed in the editor, so a Mass with fewer readings or a service at the funeral home works too. For finished wording, see the Catholic example on funeral program examples.

Readings and prayers to print

The parish usually gives the family a short list of readings to choose from. On the program, give the reference and the reader’s name (“First reading: Wisdom 3:1 to 9, Paul Gallo, son”) instead of printing the full text. The back page has room for a psalm or a short prayer such as Eternal Rest, and the prayer card template has several traditional prayers ready to use. For a program in Spanish, the En Memoria design uses “Orden de la misa” and Spanish dates.

Questions families ask

Do I need the parish to approve the program?

Many parishes like to see it before it is printed, mainly to check the readings and music. Send the JPG or PDF to the parish office or the priest a few days before.

Can I list the vigil or rosary on the program?

Yes. Add it to the front or the back, for example "Vigil and rosary, Thursday at 7 pm, at the funeral home". Some families print a separate prayer card for the vigil instead.

Can a non-Catholic family member do a reading?

Usually, yes, for the first and second readings. The Gospel is read by the priest or deacon. Check with the parish if you are unsure.