+ Entrance Antiphon | Introit

If square notes are an obstacle, modern notation versions are readily available.  P.70 in this PDF

If square notes are an obstacle, modern notation versions are readily available.  P.70 in this PDF

The universality of time and culture shine forth in this Introit text and music.  This Requiem prayer has been prayed for the dead since at least the 3rd Century!  

The recording includes a varied psalm tone as well as the sung Kyrie, often replaced at a funeral by the entrance rites.

Many view Gregorian chant as too difficult for the average parish. The Funeral chants are a perfect place to begin learning.  Brief and relatively simple, these prayers are very memorable with a little practice. 

 

English version based on the chant - John M. Ignatowski

This English antiphon and much more are available in our printable Diocesan resources.

Organ Accompaniment

 

Simple English Propers - Bartlett

Simple Choral Gradual - Rice

 

Choral Settings of the Requiem

Numerous composers have written polyphonic settings of the Funeral Mass.  Gabriel Faure's setting is among the most popular and accessible.  From the solo "Pie Jesu" movement to the moving "Agnus Dei", the piece can be utilized in whole or in part within the Liturgy or a concert setting. 

+ Psalm between the Readings

Psalm 23

  • Other Psalms for Funerals
    • Psalm 25
    • Psalm 27
    • Psalm 42
    • Psalm 63
    • Psalm 103
    • Psalm 116
    • Psalm 122
    • Psalm 130
    • Psalm 143
       
  • Cannot be substituted with a song or poem, even if it is scriptural
    • For example, "Shepherd Me O God" is a song which paraphrases the Psalm, it is not the Psalm itself and cannot be used in place of the Liturgical Psalm text
       
  • Usually sung by a cantor or choir, with people in response
     
  • Setting are various, with newer works by CCWatershed, Fr. Samuel Weber, and others approaching a more approved "chant-like" style.

 

+ Gospel Acclamation

When possible, the chosen Gospel may correspond with the Acclamation verse.  Another approved verse may also be chosen.

  1. Cf. Matthew 11:25
  2. Matthew 25:34
  3. John 3:16G
  4. John 6:39
  5. John 6:40  
  6. John 6:51–52  
  7. John 11:25–26  
  8. Philippians 3:20
  9. 2 Timothy 2:11–12  
  10. Apocalypse 1:5–6  
  11. Apocalypse 14:13  

+ Offertory Antiphon

  1. Domine Iesu Christe, Rex gloriæ [Graduale Romanum, p.674; Gregorian Missal, p.693]
  2. Redemptor meus vivit [Graduale simplex, p.410]
  3. O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory [Simple English Propers, p.418 (Adam Bartlett)]
  4. O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory [Simple Choral Gradual, p.295 (Richard Rice) CMAA]
  5. Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord [Lumen Christi Missal, p.992 (Adam Bartlett) Illuminare Publications]

+ Communion Antiphon

  1. Lux æterna luceat eis, Domine [Graduale Romanum, p.676; Gregorian Missal, p.695; Graduale simplex, p.413]
  2. Lux æterna luceat eis, Domine [Communio, p.138 (Richard Rice) CMAA
  3. May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord [Simple English Propers, p.419 (Adam Bartlett)]
  4. May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord [Choral Communio, p.218 (Richard Rice) Hostia Laudis Co]
  5. May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord [Simple Choral Gradual, p.296 (Richard Rice) CMAA]
  6. Let perpetual light shine upon them, O Lord [Lumen Christi Missal, p.992 (Adam Bartlett) Illuminare Publications]
  7. May light eternal shine upon him (her) Laudate Dominum Communion Antiphons (Andrew Motyka)

+ In Paradisum