Top 50 Catholic Funeral Hymns and Songs

Selecting music for a Catholic funeral is an integral part of the service. Song choices are limited so that everyone present is able to participate in the funeral celebration. Catholic hymns and songs for funerals convey the message of the paschal mystery of Christ’s suffering, death, and triumph over death. The songs express hope to those in attendance.

Catholic Hymns And Songs For Funerals

In the Order of Christian Funerals, the Catholic Church spells out which types of songs are available for singing during funerals. “Well-chosen music can touch the mourners and others present at levels of human need that words alone often fail to reach”. (OFC, 68) Today, I’ll share some of the best Catholic hymns and songs for funerals.

1. Amazing Grace
2. Sing With All The Saints In Glory
3. I Know That My Redeemer Lives
4. Psalm 134 — In the Silent Hours of Night
5. Lord Of All Hopefulness
6. Song of Farewell
7. Here I Am Lord
8. All Is Well With My Soul
9. Jesus, Remember Me
10. We Walk By Faith (DUNLAP’S CREEK)
11. Bread of Life
12. Taste & See
13. One Bread, One Body
14. You Satisfy The Hungry Heart
15. Eat this bread
16. Be Not Afraid
17. How Great Thou Art
18. I Know That My Redeemer Lives
19. May The Angels Lead You Into Paradise
20. Shepherd Of My Heart
21. All Creatures Of Our God And King
22. Of The Father’s Love Begotten
23. Wait For The Lord
24. Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley
25. This Is The Feast
26. Ave Maria
27. All things bright and beautiful
28. As I kneel before you
29. You are my sunshine
30. Be Not Afraid
31. How Great Thou Art
32. Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
33. May The Choirs Of Angels Come To Greet You
34. Love Is His Word, Love Is His Way
35. On Eagles Wings

How Many Hymns Are In A Catholic Funeral?

In most Catholic Funerals, families choose up to four songs from a list provided by your church’s music director. It is important to note that the music will be sung live, rather than played pre-recorded.

Catholic Music For The Wake (or Vigil)

The use of music at the wake or vigil is strongly encouraged in the Order of Christian Funerals. It helps set a reverent tone of encouragement since music can reach our souls when words don’t have the power.

Here are some great song choices for the wake:

1. Amazing Grace: Yes, this is a very common choice for funerals (Catholic or not) but it’s popular for a reason. Anglican clergyman John Newton wrote Amazing Grace in 1772 and it still holds a special place in many hearts. This song reaches people from all walks of life and it encourages mourners to remember that because of grace, you can face tomorrow.

2. Sing With All The Saints In Glory, by William J. Irons. This classic hymn is loved by many. It gives hope and encouragement for everlasting life.

“in God’s likeness, we awaken,
knowing everlasting peace.”

3. I Know That My Redeemer Lives, by Scott Soper. Below is a version recorded by my friend Chris Brunelle. Chris is a music director in Portland, Oregon and his playlist of Catholic funeral songs is superb.

4. Psalm 134 — In the Silent Hours of Night, by James Abbington. Hymnal .41 in the Lead Me, Guide Me, Second Edition — Liturgy of the Hours, Psalms, and Mass Settings. This hymn is perfect for an evening vigil.

5. Lord Of All Hopefulness, by Jan Struther. This song is played at the beginning of weddings and funeral masses. Written in 1931, it is one of the most popular hymns in the United Kingdom.

Hymns And Songs For The Funeral Mass

Choosing Catholic hymns and songs for funerals should be done carefully. Music can touch mourners in a way that words can not. Even though song choices are limited to those that support and uplift the congregation, they should offer comfort and hope in Christ’s victory over death. They should remind you that Christians share in that victory.

1. Song of Farewell by Ernest Sands. What better beginning to any funeral song than these words:

May the choir of angels,
Come to greet you.
May they speed you to paradise.

2. Here I Am Lord, by Daniel Laurent Schutte. Mr. Schutte is an American composer of Catholic liturgical music and a contemporary Christian songwriter. This song reminds us that God calls us to follow him, even in death, Christians will follow where He leads.

3. All Is Well With My Soul, by Carey Landry. As one of my own favorite hymns, I have asked to have this song played at my own funeral service. It comforts me in knowing that my peace makes all things well with my soul.

4. Jesus, Remember Me, by Jacques Berthier. This song from French singer and composer, Jacques Berthier, comes from Luke 23:42. The words are quite simple, so it is easy for all funeral attendees to sing, regardless of their faith backgrounds.

5. We Walk By Faith (DUNLAP’S CREEK), by Henry Alford, 1844 The below version of this cherished song, written in 1844, was recorded during 2020’s Covid-19 quarantine. I’m sure it uplifted many people during that difficult time.

Hymns For The Communion Processional

The communion hymns are sung when the priest is preparing and receiving the Sacrament. These hymns promote unity among believers who are receiving Holy Communion.

1. Bread of Life, by Sr. Suzanne Toolan
2. Taste & See, by James Moore
3. One Bread, One Body by John B. Foley
4. You Satisfy The Hungry Heart, by Robert Kreutz
5. Eat this bread, by Jacques Berthier

Procession To The Place Of Committal (Closing Hymn)

1. Be Not Afraid, by Bob Dufford, SJ. A Jesuit priest, Fr. Dufford is a composer of Catholic liturgical music. This uplifting song is perfect as a closing hymn in a Catholic funeral mass.

2. How Great Thou Art, by Stuart K. Hine. Written during World War II and published in 1949, this hymn is one of the world’s favorites. This version by Carrie Underwood is especially beautiful.

3. I Know That My Redeemer Lives (MFR, Laudate) Such a comforting song! It allows funeral mass attendees to leave on a positive note. It stems from Job 19:25 and ties together the message of the ceremony, that Christ has triumphed over death.

4. May The Angels Lead You Into Paradise (Traditional) This hymn of farewell brings comfort to mourners. And reminds you that Christians share in the eternal light of God. The choir usually sings this song as the body is being taken out of the church.

5. Shepherd Of My Heart, by Francis Patrick O’Brien. This song is the text of the 23rd Psalm, set to music.

Traditional Catholic Songs For Different Seasons

Funeral music for the Catholic faith should take into account the liturgical season being celebrated. During the Easter season, the timing is perfect to relate Christ’s death and resurrection to your loved one’s own dying and rising to eternal life. Advent and Lent provide their own music with references to God’s forgiveness and grace.

1. All Creatures Of Our God And King (Easter)
2. Of The Father’s Love Begotten (Christmas)
3. Wait For The Lord (Advent)
4. Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley (Lent)
5. This Is The Feast (Easter)

Catholic Funeral Songs For Mom

1. Ave Maria, by Franz Schubert. This beautiful song is the most played song at many Catholic mothers’ funerals. Understandably so, since it captures the “Hail Mary” in such a moving way. The first time I heard it was at my father-in-law’s funeral. Standing in that church, I felt such a connection with him and with the mother of our Lord.

2. All things bright and beautiful, by Martin Shaw. Catholic school children often sing this song that reminds me of mothers.

3. As I kneel before you, by Maria Parkinson. This traditional Catholic song is perfect for a mother’s funeral. It calls to mind how all mothers have similarities to Mary, Mother of Jesus.

4. You are my sunshine. While not a Catholic song, this tune was sung by many a mother to their small children. Ask your church’s music director about the possibility of adding this one. This touching cover by Jasmine Thompson will bring a smile to your lips and a tear to your eye.

5. Be Not Afraid, by Bob Dufford, SJ. I listed this song above, but it is a perfect one for Catholic moms, because what else do moms do but shield us from the scary things in life? This uplifting song is worthy of any mother’s funeral.

Catholic Funeral Songs For Dad

1. How Great Thou Art, by Stuart K. Hine. Also listed above, this song reminds me of the power fathers have in our lives. Whether our heavenly or our earthly father, this song touches me.

2. Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind, by John Greenleaf Whittier. Mr. Whittier was an American Quaker poet, who lived in the early 1800s. This is one of his odes to our Lord and Father.

3. May The Choirs Of Angels Come To Greet You, by Ernest Sands. This song reminds us that choirs of angels come to greet Christians. And that death is temporary, but life in Christ is eternal. Giving comfort that your earthly father is at peace in heaven.

4. Love Is His Word, Love Is His Way, by Luke Connaughton. The words to this song provide comfort and hope in times of uncertainty. A reminder that our father is still looking out for us, but now from heaven.

5. On Eagles Wings, by Michael Joncas. This popular contemplative song was played at many funerals in New York City after 9/11. It was written in 1976 for a friend who had lost his father.

Conclusion

When choosing the songs for a Catholic funeral mass, be sure to connect with your church’s music minister. You will gain so much insight from them about which songs are acceptable in your parish. Hymns that pair with the funeral readings are especially moving. Planning songs for your loved one’s funeral will honor their memory, while also hopefully giving you comfort.