“To bury the dead” is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy. At Holy Ghost, we are honored to celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial for your loved one, entrusting them to God’s mercy.
All funerals must be scheduled through the funeral home. While not required, families are welcome to take part in planning the liturgy.
You may also request a Requiem Mass in the Extraordinary Form. For more information, contact the pastor.
Holy Ghost Funeral Policies
Readings
- The family may choose two readings: one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.
- The Gospel will be chosen by the priest.
- The priest will read if no parish reader is available.
- Approved readings are in our Funeral Readings Booklet (linked below). Other readings may not be substituted.
- During Easter Season (through Pentecost), the first reading is taken from the New Testament.
Please email or fax your choices the day before the funeral so we can prepare them for the lector.
Music
- Standard funeral music is provided at Holy Ghost.
- Families may request selections from our approved hymns list (see below).
- All requests must be made in advance to the parish music director or parish office.
- Requests outside the approved list may not be honored.
Pall & Gifts
- Family members assist in placing the pall on the casket at the entrance of the church.
- For health reasons, presentation of the gifts during the offertory is omitted.
Eulogies
- Eulogies are not permitted during the Funeral Mass. The Order of Christian Funerals affirms the long-standing prohibition:
“A brief homily based on the readings should always be given at the funeral liturgy, but never any kind of eulogy.”
- If desired, a eulogy may be given during calling hours at the funeral home or at the cemetery following the prayers.
Flowers
- Flowers are a gift to the Lord, beautifying the sanctuary and symbolizing the Resurrection.
- They should be left in the church after the funeral.
- Flowers are placed on pedestals beside the altar, never directly in front of it.
- During Advent and Lent, flowers are not placed in the church.
Cremation
- The Church permits cremation, provided the cremated remains are interred in a cemetery.
- Scattering ashes, creating jewelry from ashes, or keeping them at home is not permitted.
- A burial place and date must be confirmed before the funeral is scheduled.
Visiting Priests
- Priests wishing to concelebrate must provide a letter of good standing (celebret) from their bishop or religious superior, as required by the Diocese of Providence.
- Without this documentation, a priest may not concelebrate.
- All visiting priests must follow liturgical law and parish policies.
📄 Download Funeral Preparation Guide
📄 Funeral Readings Booklet
Music for the Funeral Mass
Entrance Chant:
- Requiem Aeternam (Eternal rest grant unto them…)
Responsorial Psalm: (Must be sung from approved psalms — not replaced with a hymn)
- The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.
- The Lord is kind and merciful.
Offertory Hymns:
- Ave Maria
- Be Thou My Vision
- I Heard the Voice of Jesus
- I Sought the Lord
- My Soul is Longing for Your Peace
- O Breath on Me, O Breath of God
- The King of Love My Shepherd Is
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Lent only)
- Where Charity and Love Prevail
- Yes, I Shall Arise
Communion Hymns:
- Adoro Te Devote
- Ave Verum Corpus (chant)
- Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (not during Lent)
- Be Thou My Vision
- I Heard the Voice of Jesus
- Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
- Lux Aeterna
- O Food of Exiles Lowly
- O Lord, I Am Not Worthy
- O Sacrament Most Holy
- Panis Angelicus
- Shepherd of Souls
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Lent only)
Final Commendation:
- In Paradisum (May the angels lead you…)
Recessional Hymns:
- Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (not during Lent)
- Be Thou My Vision
- For All the Saints
- Lord of All Hopefulness
- O God Beyond All Praising
- O God Our Help in Ages Past
- The Strife is O’er (Eastertide)
- Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones (not during Lent)
For further assistance, contact the parish office.