Funeral Liturgy Guide
We entrust your loved one to the mercy of God and proclaiming the victory of Jesus Christ over death.
Planning a Funeral Liturgy at St. Francis Xavier
We know the days following the death of a loved one can be filled with grief, uncertainty, and emotion. Please know: you are not alone. Our parish family is here to walk with you, pray for you, and help you plan a liturgy that is reverent, personal, and faithful to the Church’s tradition.
By helping to choose Scripture readings, intercessions, and hymns, you will not only honor your loved one—you’ll help express our shared belief in Christ’s Resurrection.
Welcoming Visiting Priests
We are honored to welcome visiting priests to preside or concelebrate. Please confirm their availability BEFORE scheduling the funeral (either through the funeral home or personally). A priest from our parish must also be contacted to ensure coordination and support.
The Funeral Mass: What to Expect
Introductory Rites
As the liturgy begins, the body is blessed with holy water, a sign of baptism. A white pall is placed on the casket—symbolizing the dignity of the deceased as a child of God.
Family members are encouraged to assist with this, if desired. A Christian symbol—such as a cross, rosary, or Bible—may be placed on the casket during Mass.
Liturgy of the Word
The Word of God brings comfort and hope in the face of loss. You may choose:
First Reading: Old Testament (except during Easter season—see below)
Psalm: Always sung by cantor or choir
Second Reading: New Testament (Epistles, Acts, or Revelation)
Gospel: Proclaimed by the priest or deacon
General Intercessions: May be read by a family member or friend
If you’d like a priest or deacon to proclaim the readings, that can be arranged.
During Easter, readings from Acts or Revelation are used in place of the Old Testament.
Please call us at 330‑725‑4968 before finalizing your selections.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Two to four individuals may bring forward the gifts of bread and wine at the Offertory. If needed, our altar servers can do this on your behalf.
If any family members are commissioned Eucharistic Ministers at St. Francis Xavier, they may assist in distribution—please notify the priest in advance.
Final Commendation
While eulogies are no longer encouraged during Mass, the Church provides ample opportunity for personal reflection and remembrance during the wake, luncheon, or committal service.
If you feel strongly about offering brief remarks during the liturgy please:
Limit to one speaker, 2–3 minutes maximum
Avoid repeating themes included in the homily
The presiding clergy will review the notes in advance of the liturgy.
Our clergy are happy to weave personal memories into the homily using information you provide.
Music at the Funeral Mass
Music uplifts hearts and expresses our hope in Christ. Please select hymns that reflect:
Liturgical appropriateness (no secular music during Mass)
Themes from Scripture readings
The liturgical season (e.g., no Alleluias during Lent)
The Eucharist (for Communion hymns)
Our Director of Music, Carissa Young, will help guide you in this process.
Recommended Hymn List
- Alleluia! Alleluia!
- Amazing Grace
- America, the Beautiful
- Ave Maria
- Be Not Afraid
- Be Still, My Soul
- Be Thou My Vision
- Center of My Life
- Christ, Be Our Light
- City of God
- Come to Me
- Eye Has Not Seen
- Faith of Our Fathers
- Gather the People
- Gather Us In
- Gather Your People
- Gift of Finest Wheat
- Glory and Praise to Our God
- Glory in the Cross
- God of Our Fathers
- Hail, Holy Queen
- Hail Mary: Gentle Woman
- Here I Am, Lord
- Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
- Holy, Holy, Holy
- Hosea
- How Great Thou Art
- Humbly Lord, We Worship You
- I Am the Bread of Life
- I Have Loved You
- I Heard the Voice of Jesus
- I Know That My Redeemer Lives
- I Lift Up My Soul
- Immaculate Mary
- Irish Blessing
- Jesus, Remember Me
- Joyful, Joyful We Adore You
- Lead Me, Lord
- Let There Be Peace On Earth
- Lord of All Hopefulness
- Loving and Forgiving
- O God, You Search Me
- O Lord I Am Not Worthy
- O Sacrament Most Holy
- On Eagle’s Wings
- One Bread, One Body
- One Love Released
- Only This I Want
- Prayer of Saint Francis
- Precious Lord, Take My Hand
- Shepherd Me, O God
- Take and Eat
- Taste and See
- The King of Love My Shepherd Is
- To You, O Lord
- We Are Many Parts
- We Remember
- We Walk By Faith
- You Are Near
- Your Words Are Spirit and Life