Readings for the Funeral

In the Funeral Mass, or in a Funeral Service w/ no Mass, there are up to three readings: one from the Old Testament, an optional second from the New Testament, and the Gospel reading which is proclaimed by the Priest or Deacon. The Psalm with its response are between the first two readings and is often sung if musicians are present.

The readings for Christian Funerals

– for Adults, for Children, and for Children who died before Baptism –

can be found on the USCCB website.

Below, some are listed for your convenience.

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First Reading (outside of the Easter season )

Job 19:1,23-27a3
Wisdom 3:1-9 or Wisdom 3: 1-6, 9
Wisdom 4:7-15
Isaiah 25:6a,7-9
Lamentations 3:17-26
Daniel 12:1-3
II Maccabees 12:43-46

First Reading (during the Easter season)

Acts 10:34-43 or Acts 10:34-36, 42-43 (shorter)
Revelation 14:13
Revelation 20:11-21:1

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Psalms and Responses- on the USCCB website

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Second Reading (New Testament)

Romans 5:5-11
Romans 5: 17-21
Romans 6:3-9 or Romans 6:3-4, 8-9
Romans 8:14-23
Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39
Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12
I Corinthians 15:20-28 or I Corinthians 15:20-23
I Corinthians 15:51-57
II Corinthians 4:14-5:1
II Corinthians 5:1, 6-10
Philippians 3:20-21
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
II Timothy 2:8-13
I John 3:1-2
I John 3:14-16

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Gospel

Matthew 5:1-12a
Matthew 11:25-30
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:31-46
Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6 or Mark 15:33-39
Luke 7:11-17
Luke 12:35-40
Luke 23:33, 39-43
Luke 23:44-46,50,52-53; 24:1-6a or Luke 23:44-46,50,52-53
Luke 24:13-35 or Luke 24:13-16,28-35
John 5:24-29
John 6:37-40
John 6: 51-59
John 11:17-27 or John aa:21-27
John 11:32-45
John 12:23-28 or John 12:23-26
John 14:1-6
John 17:24-26
John 19:17-18, 25-39