Funeral Mass and Service Readings – Formats and Resources

Funeral Mass & Service Readings & Formats

A collection of readings and formats—both religious and non-religious—commonly used in funeral services to honour and remember loved ones.

Please ensure that any readings, quotes or extracts used are properly attributed to their original authors.

The Funeral Mass

You can access a comprehensive Funeral Mass Template, courtesy of Fr. Pat Rogers CP, Mount Argus Church, Dublin. This printable resource includes suggested readings, hymns, and service structure.

Click here to view the Funeral Mass Template
With thanks to Fr. Pat Rogers CP for his generous contribution.

Church of Ireland Funeral Service

Church of Ireland funerals follow the Book of Common Prayer (2004). The most commonly used format is Funeral Service 2, which includes the full service structure and additional options.

Click here to view Funeral Service 2
Source: Church of Ireland website

At a Church of Ireland funeral:

• Attendees usually receive a copy of the prayerbook with the generic service.
• A personalised funeral booklet (optional) may include hymn lyrics and reading details.
• Services typically feature 3–4 hymns, sung by the congregation and choir.
• The service often concludes with the Nunc Dimittis.

With thanks to Brigitte Nelson, Co-Editor of the Dundalk Group of Parishes Newsletter, for her insights.

Humanist Funeral Service

Humanist funerals are individually composed in consultation with the family and offer a non-religious alternative focused on personal values and memories.

Visit Humanism.ie for more information

• Celebrants work closely with families to create a meaningful ceremony.
• Contact details for celebrants are available on the Humanist Association of Ireland website.
• All enquiries are handled with sensitivity and care.

With thanks to Brian Whiteside, Director of Ceremonies – Humanist Association of Ireland.