My grandfather passed away last week. He was 85 and had been in declining health for years due to strokes. In the last month, things had gone very downhill. Due to some family logistics, we won't be having the funeral until next Monday. (Yay family drama!)
My parents haven't been to church in awhile, and for my uncles it's been a VERY long while. It makes me sad that I'm the most religious out of my entire family--and now I'm the one working on the plans for the funeral Mass.
Tonight, while typing this, I'm reviewing hymns. My family's parish provided me with a list of hymns and in which parts of the Mass they are typically used, as well as a packet of the readings. Thank God for youtube, seriously, because I don't remember a hymn until I hear it. Just seeing the names doesn't do it for me, not to mention that I haven't been to a Roman Mass in months. Byzantine Liturgies don't have as many hymns. Plus, I want to make sure it's the "right one." I looked over the readings earlier, but I'm still not 100% positive on any of them. Turtle's better at that stuff, I might have him take a look too.
As for the hymns, I think we're going with:
Entrance: Be Not Afraid
Offertory: I'm torn between Come Back to Me (Norbet) and You Are Mine
Communion: Prayer of St. Francis
Recessional: On Eagle's Wings (One of the suggestions was Lift High the Cross--UMMM NO. That's too "chipper" for a funeral.)
For the Psalm: Still undecided.
This is hard. You want it to be appropriate, but fitting for the person. I think the only thing I can do is pray that I make the right choice. I know Grandpa wouldn't really care which song or reading was chosen--as long as the person chose it with their heart.
I can sense another post brewing from the statement I'm about to make: it's hard being religious when your family and friends are not.
i'm so sorry about your grandpa.
ReplyDeletei love on eagle's wings. it always reminds me of my grandma's funeral (but in a good way). that's one of the ones i want played at mine.
Sorry again about your grandpa.
ReplyDeleteI love the choices. . .you did a great job.
At my uncle's funeral, we processed out to "City of God," which was the most amazing choice for him. While we lost him waaay too young, my family made the whole event a celebration. "Awake from your slumber! Arise from your sleep! A new day is dawning for all those who weep. The people in darkness have seen a great light. The Lord of our longing has conquered the night. Let us build the city of God! May our tears be turned into dancing. For the Lord our light and our love. . . has turned the night into day."
So cool. I want that at my funeral.
Thanks ladies :)
ReplyDeleteI ended going with Come Back to Me for the Offertory, Psalm 23 (Shepherd Me O God) for the psalm (duh!). Hubs picked out a reading from Isaiah for the 1st reading, something from Revelation for the 2nd reading.