Catholic Funeral Songs
If the service is a Catholic Mass or vigil, this list collects the hymns and pieces most commonly used. Songs are noted with where in the service they typically appear so you can plan the full programme.
The songs
Suggested in no particular order — choose what fits them best.
On Eagle's Wings
The most recognised Catholic funeral piece. Often sung during the procession or Communion.
Be Not Afraid
A familiar Catholic memorial choice. Direct text, easy for the congregation.
Ave Maria
Performed by a soloist, often before or after Communion.
Pie Jesu
From the Requiem. Frequently performed by a soloist or choir during the service.
Here I Am, Lord
A widely sung modern Catholic hymn. Common at memorials.
I Am the Bread of Life
A standard Communion piece at Catholic memorials.
Eye Has Not Seen
A reflective piece, often used during Communion or the offertory.
Hosea (Come Back to Me)
Frequently chosen for the reflection or meditation portion of the Mass.
Shepherd Me, O God
A common setting of Psalm 23 in Catholic services.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23 in various musical settings. A standard for the responsorial psalm.
Amazing Grace
Although Protestant in origin, frequently chosen at Catholic memorials.
How Great Thou Art
Another long-standing hymn commonly used at Catholic services.
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
A traditional Catholic closing hymn.
Salve Regina
A Marian antiphon traditionally sung at Catholic funerals, often in Latin.
In Paradisum
The traditional Catholic recessional. Often chanted by a schola.
How Can I Keep from Singing
A reflective piece often used during the Liturgy of the Word or Communion.
You Are Mine
A modern Catholic piece frequently used at memorials.
Now We Remain
A modern Catholic memorial piece often chosen for the offertory or Communion.
We Walk by Faith
A reflective piece commonly used in the Liturgy of the Word.
Blest Are They
Sets the Beatitudes to music. Used at memorials in many Catholic parishes.
Still nothing feels right?
If no existing song captures who them was, we'll write one. Original lyrics built around your stories, them's name, and the things you loved.
How a Catholic funeral Mass is structured
Music in a Catholic funeral Mass usually fits into specific moments. Most parishes will let you choose from approved selections for each:
- Gathering / Processional: On Eagle's Wings, Be Not Afraid, Amazing Grace.
- Responsorial Psalm: Most often Psalm 23 (Shepherd Me, O God or The Lord Is My Shepherd).
- Gospel Acclamation: A simple Alleluia setting.
- Preparation of the Gifts / Offertory: Here I Am Lord, You Are Mine, Now We Remain.
- Communion: I Am the Bread of Life, Eye Has Not Seen, On Eagle's Wings.
- Reflection: Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, How Can I Keep from Singing.
- Recessional: Holy God We Praise Thy Name, In Paradisum (chant), or a more uplifting hymn.
Your parish music director will usually help you finalise the list. Some parishes do not allow secular music inside the Mass — secular pieces (Sinatra, Sheeran, country) are often saved for the visitation, vigil, or reception.
When you want something written for them
If you would like an original Catholic-style piece written for the person — a hymn-inspired arrangement using their name and story — we can write and produce one. From $49, delivered in three days. Mention that you'd like it in a Catholic hymn or chant-inspired style on the order form.
Questions families ask
Other ideas
Write a song just for them.
Share who them was — the stories, the things you loved — and we'll write and produce an original song with them at the heart of it.