The Catholic Church holds that the funeral liturgy is first and foremost an act of worship, offered to God for the salvation of the deceased and the consolation of the living. Music at a funeral is not merely personal or sentimental—it is a form of prayer that must reflect our Catholic faith and the sacredness of the liturgy.

The Church teaches:

“Music should be chosen that expresses the Paschal Mystery of the Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection, and that fosters the participation of all the faithful present.”
— Order of Christian Funerals (OCF), nos. 30–31

Therefore:

• Only liturgical and sacred music is permitted during the funeral Mass. This includes approved hymns, psalms, responses, and parts of the Mass (e.g., Kyrie, Sanctus, Agnus Dei).
• Secular songs, even if meaningful to the family or deceased, are not allowed during the funeral liturgy, including before, during, or after Communion, or at the final commendation.
• If desired, a suitable secular song or musical tribute may be played at the gathering outside of the liturgy, such as at the wake or at the graveside—but not in church.
• Music must be performed in a manner that upholds the dignity of the sacred rites. All musicians should understand that they are serving a liturgical function.

In all things, the goal is to commend the soul of the departed to God’s mercy, to give witness to our Christian hope, and to bring comfort to the faithful through prayerful and reverent worship.

If you have any questions or need guidance in selecting appropriate music, the parish clergy or music coordinator will be glad to help.