Once everyone is seated after the opening prayer, the funeral Mass continues pretty much like any other Sunday Mass. Hopefully with good music and the leadership of a choir, if possible. “Depending on pastoral circumstances,” you can proclaim either one or two Scriptures before the gospel reading (OCF 165). The rite doesn’t indicate here, but I would presume the psalm is always done, and the alleluia sung or omitted.
After the homily (166), two sets of intercessions are given in the rite (167). The rubric states that one of seven sets in OCF 401 may also be used, “or new intercessions may be composed.”
“The liturgy of the eucharist is celebrated in the usual manner,” according to OCF 168. And a quick note is given in number 169 that if the final commendation will be celebrated at the place of committal, the procession begins after the post-Communion prayer.
We’ll get back into the OCF at about a post a day from here on out. Meanwhile, any observations about the liturgies of Word and Eucharist as presented here or experienced from the pew, presider chair, or from the music ministry?
