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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Four Real Reasons for Roman Catholic Funerals

Richard J. Clark · February 24, 2017

R. MICHAEL SCHMITZ of Ascension Presents has put out a number of videos aimed at young audiences. But one that caught my attention has a vitally universal message: The Real Purpose of Funerals.

Regardless of your level of liturgical or theological training, this video may be useful to watch and pass along to those without such training.

To begin with, he lists three things that are not the reason we celebrate funerals. Yet these three reasons are embedded in American culture, and sadly creeping into Roman Catholic culture. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the following, they do not possess the depth of God’s calling for us:

1 • To say goodbye

2 • To have closure

3 • To celebrate their life

I certainly hope that when I die the above may be considered, but please, not at my funeral. As a distinguished sinner worthy of note, I’m going to need your prayers—urgently!

In his video, Fr. Schmitz goes on to reference the funeral of Justice Antonin Scalia. Regardless of one’s political affiliations, the homily given by his son, Rev. Paul Scalia, is worth noting. The following statement has become legendary:

“We are gathered here because of one man, a man known personally to many of us, known only by reputation to many more; a man loved by many, scorned by others; a man known for great controversy and for great compassion.

“That man, of course, is Jesus of Nazareth.”

Even in death, Christ—the Eucharist—is the very center of our prayer and of our entire being.

Y REMINDING US that Christ is always the center, Fr. Paul Scalia speaks to us of hope. This hope is key to understanding the real reasons for the Roman Catholic funeral, outlined succinctly by Fr. Schmitz:

1 • To worship God

2 • Thank God for His unending mercy that fills us with hope

3 • Renew our faith—our faith in the Resurrection

Number four is most important of all:

4 • Pray for the soul of the deceased—to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in petition for the deceased

Fr. Schimtz emphasizes multiple times, that “we don’t know” if they are in heaven now. We hope in everlasting life! We are confident of everlasting life! But we, on earth, don’t truly know if our loved one is yet in heaven.

And we look to hope.

ONSIDER THE astoundingly hopeful texts of chants of the Roman Catholic Mass that also emphasize our prayer for the deceased: Subvenite: “Come to her assistance, O you saints of God, go forth to meet her, O you Angels of the Lord; receive her soul and present it in the sight of the Most High.”

Additionally, consider the sequence, Dies Irae (still sing during the Liturgy of the Hours as well as the Extraordinary Form). A hymn of great poetic symmetry, the character of the chant changes dramatically at the Lacrimosa which implore God’s gentle mercy: “Tearful will be that day, on which from the ash arises the guilty man who is to be judged. Spare him therefore, God. Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them rest. Amen.”

Not to be overlooked is a line buried in the middle of the prayer—this gem of remarkable hope:Thou who absolved Mary, and heardest the robber, gavest hope to me, too.

Ultimately, I am greatly moved by the following text from the Credo quod Redemptor: “I believe that my Redeemer lives, and that on the last day, I shall rise from earth and in my flesh I shall behold God my Savior.” This is an astonishing text of joy and hope.

ET US NEVER forget to pray unceasingly. To pray for each other, and for the dead is an act of mercy and kindness. In doing so, we proclaim as a community a central mystery: our hope of resurrection in light of the Paschal Mystery of Christ. As the Order of Christian Funerals states:

1. In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity.

REV. SCHMITZ • The Real Purpose of a Catholic Funeral (Hint: It’s Not Just a “Celebration of Life”)

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Order of Christian Funerals, Requiem Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 14 September (Holy Cross)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I prepared for 14 September 2025, which is the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Finally, let us not forget that listening especially is active participation. When we listen to the performances of Bach’s Saint Matthew Passion, we can fully participate actively in the Passion of Christ. And so, if we listen attentively to the singing and organ music during the celebration of the divine services, our participation is not less complete. The real significance of this objective and very important aspect is insufficiently understood.”

— Flor Peeters

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