The Funeral Rites of the Catholic Church, part 6 (Funeral Mass)

As mentioned in the previous post on the Introductory Rites of the Funeral Mass, there are many options for the prayers of the Funeral Mass. When it comes to the Liturgy of the Word, the same is true — there are many options. The presider (or family) may choose from seven Old Testament readings, ten Responsorial Psalms, nineteen passages from the New Testament letters, eleven Alleluia verses, and nineteen Gospels.* Thus, there is a rich treasure-trove of material from which the Bible can cast light on the life of the deceased.
       Sometimes, the great variety can be overwhelming for the surviving family members to deal with, especially if there is little time to prepare for the Mass. It is always an option for families in this circumstance to ask the presider to pick the most appropriate readings. Also, it is highly recommended that all Catholics plan ahead and choose the readings they would like to use at their own funerals, and make sure that these wishes are known to family members, the chosen funeral director, or the pastor.
       The Mass proceeds as usual, until after the Prayer After Communion. At this point the Rite permits a member or friend of the family to speak in remembrance of the deceased. Note that this should not duplicate the opportunity that was available in the Vigil for many people to tell their stories. It specifically allows for only one such remembrance. I like the way it is done in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, where the policy is that this moment in the Funeral Mass should recall the deceased's life of faith — their birth, initiation in the Church, marriage, ordination, ministry, etc.
       Following the remembrance is the Final Commendation. In this part, the presider first invites all to pray for the deceased. After a time of silent prayer, the Song of Farewell is sung while the presider incenses the coffin. If nothing else is sung during the entire liturgy, this part should be sung.† The words are beautiful in expressing our hope for the soul of the deceased: "Saints of God, come to his/her aid! Hasten to meet him/her, angels of the Lord! ... May Christ, who called you, take you to himself; may angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham..."
       The priest then says the Prayer of Commendation, in which we commend the soul of the deceased into God's care, ask for forgiveness for his/her sins, and (in some versions of the Prayer) ask for comfort for "us who remain."
       Finally, the deacon concludes the liturgy with the words, "In peace let us take our brother/sister to his/her place of rest." A procession then forms, leading out of the church.

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*For children who died before Baptism, the Rite has two Old Testament readings, one Responsorial Psalm, two Alleluia verses, and three Gospels. 
†Dennis C. Smolarski, SJ has composed a simple version set to a familiar hymn tune which can be sung unaccompanied, if need be. It is routinely published in OCP missalettes.