The Best Entrance Songs/Hymns For A Catholic Funeral
Entrance hymns gather the assembly, set a prayerful tone, and accompany the procession. These selections are widely used for their scriptural depth and pastoral comfort.
“Here I Am, Lord” — Dan Schutte
Synopsis: A dialogue of calling and response drawn from Isaiah 6 and John 21, expressing trust and availability to God in times of loss.
Message: Assures mourners of God’s presence and our willingness to follow His call.
Listen: Pandora · YouTube · Spotify
“Be Not Afraid” — Bob Dufford
Synopsis: A hymn of encouragement rooted in Isaiah 43, reminding the grieving that God walks with us through fear and trial.
Message: Offers hope and reassurance of God’s constant companionship, even in death.
Listen: Pandora · YouTube · Spotify
“On Eagle’s Wings” — Michael Joncas
Synopsis: Drawn from Psalm 91, this hymn offers an image of God’s tender protection and uplifting care.
Message: Consoles with the promise that God bears us up and shelters us.
Listen: Pandora · YouTube · Spotify
“Amazing Grace” — Traditional
Synopsis: A timeless hymn of redemption and mercy that resonates across Christian traditions.
Message: Testifies to the transforming power of grace and the hope of salvation.
Listen: Pandora · YouTube · Spotify
“The Lord’s My Shepherd” — Psalm 23 (Various Settings)
Synopsis: The Shepherd Psalm offers peace, guidance, and trust in God who leads through the valley of the shadow of death.
Message: Affirms God’s care and presence from life into eternal life.
“Ave Maria” — Schubert (also Bach/Gounod)
Synopsis: A serene Marian prayer seeking Our Lady’s intercession and comfort.
Message: Invokes Mary’s maternal care and prayer in grief.
The Best Offertory/Communion Songs For a Catholic Funeral
During the Offertory and Communion, music supports prayer, thanksgiving, and the Church’s hope in the resurrection.
“I Am the Bread of Life” — Suzanne Toolan
Synopsis: Based on John 6 and John 11, proclaiming Christ as the Bread of Life who raises believers up on the last day.
Message: Comforts with Jesus’ promise of eternal life through the Eucharist.
Listen: YouTube · Spotify · Pandora
“Ave Maria” — Schubert
Synopsis: A contemplative prayer that pairs well with the solemnity of Communion.
Message: Seeks Mary’s intercession for peace and consolation.
Listen: YouTube
“On Eagle’s Wings” — Michael Joncas
Message: Portrays God’s protective care and faithful love.
“Be Not Afraid” — Bob Dufford
Synopsis: Encourages trust in God’s guidance amid grief.
Listen: YouTube
“Pie Jesu” — from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem
Synopsis: A gentle prayer asking Jesus to grant eternal rest.
Message: Tender, simple petition for mercy and peace.
Listen: YouTube
The Best RECESSIONAL (CLOSING) Songs
Recessional music accompanies the final procession, sending the assembly forth in hope.
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
Synopsis: A hymn of praise inspired by God’s glory and love.
Message: Encourages confident joy in God’s goodness.
Listen: YouTube
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”
Synopsis: A declaration of faith in Christ’s resurrection and our hope in Him.
Message: Affirms life after death and Christ’s saving presence.
Listen: YouTube
“Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Synopsis: A plea for peace that begins with each person.
Message: Sends mourners forth with a mission of peace and reconciliation.
Listen: YouTube
“You Raise Me Up” — Josh Groban
Synopsis: A contemporary ballad about being strengthened and lifted during hardship.
Message: Offers encouragement and comfort at the conclusion of the liturgy.
Listen: YouTube
“On Eagle’s Wings”
Synopsis: A closing reminder of God’s faithful protection.
Listen: YouTube
“Going Home”
Synopsis: Evokes the soul’s journey to eternal rest.
Message: A peaceful, hopeful farewell.
Listen: YouTube
“Sing with All the Saints in Glory”
Synopsis: An Easter-themed hymn celebrating the resurrection.
Message: Proclaims triumph over death and joy in eternal life.
Listen: YouTube
“The Lord Is My Light”
Synopsis: A song of trust in God’s guidance amid darkness.
Message: Sends mourners forth anchored in faith.
Listen: YouTube
Each recessional selection aims to leave the congregation with hope, faith, and consolation as they depart.
Other Notable Catholic Funeral Songs and Hymns
“How Great Thou Art”
Synopsis: A majestic hymn praising God’s creation and saving work.
Message: Inspires awe and trust in God’s everlasting love.
“All I Ask of You” — from The Phantom of the Opera
Synopsis: Not a liturgical hymn but sometimes requested for its themes of companionship and support.
Message: Emphasizes presence and care in times of grief.
“The Prayer” — Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
Synopsis: A duet invoking guidance, protection, and peace.
Message: Appeals to God for strength and consolation.
“Panis Angelicus” — César Franck
Synopsis: “Bread of Angels,” often sung at Communion; a meditation on the Eucharist.
Message: Points to spiritual nourishment and hope of eternal life.
“Hail Mary: Gentle Woman”
Synopsis: A modern Marian hymn highlighting Mary’s tenderness and intercession.
Message: Offers maternal comfort and peace to the grieving.
The Most Used Catholic Funeral Songs Written Before the 2000s
These enduring selections emphasize faith, hope, and remembrance, and have comforted generations of Catholic families.
- “Ave Maria” — Schubert or Bach/Gounod settings; serene Marian prayer suited to reflection.
- “Amazing Grace” — Classic hymn of mercy and redemption embraced across traditions.
- “Panis Angelicus” — César Franck’s beloved Eucharistic hymn.
- “On Eagle’s Wings” — Michael Joncas; Psalm 91 imagery of divine protection.
- “Here I Am, Lord” — Dan Schutte; call-and-response of faith and mission.
- “Be Not Afraid” — Bob Dufford; reassurance in God’s presence.
- “The Lord Is My Shepherd” — Psalm 23 in various settings; God’s guiding care.
The Most Popular Catholic Funeral Songs Written After the 2000s
- “Rest in Peace” — Michael Joncas; a prayerful assurance of God’s peace and eternal rest.
- “Go in Peace” — Sarah Hart & Dwight Liles (2009); sends the assembly forth under God’s care.
- “Be Still” — Tom Booth (2004); inspired by Psalm 46:10, inviting trust in God.
- “We Are Many Parts” — Marty Haugen (2002); unity in the Body of Christ and mutual consolation.
- “Bread for the World” — Bernadette Farrell (2002); communion, compassion, and hope.
