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1 Mass of Christian Burial Book of Readings ST. PETER OF ALCANTARA CHURCH PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK
2 Old Testament Readings Please Choose One Reading
3 old testament readings I know that my Redeemer lives. A reading from the Book of Job Job 19: 1, 23-27a Job answered and said: Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust; Whom I myself shall see: my own eyes, not another’s shall behold him; And from my flesh I shall see God; my inmost being is consumed with longing. The Word of the Lord.
4 old testament readings Grace and mercy are with his holy ones. A reading from the Book of Wisdom Wisdom 3: 1-6, 9 The souls of the just are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if in the eyes of men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them, and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect. The Word of the Lord.
5 old testament readings The just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. A reading from the Book of Wisdom Wisdom 4: 7-15 The just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men, and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age. He who pleased God was loved; he who lived among sinners was transported - Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul; For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind. Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take this into account. The Word of the Lord.
6 old testament readings The Lord will destroy death forever. A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah Isaiah 25: 6a, 7-9 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken. On that day it will be said: “Behold our God, to whom we look to save us! This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” The Word of the Lord.
7 old testament readings It is good to wait in silence for the Lord God to save. A reading from the Book of Lamentations Lamentation 3: 17-26 My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord. The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall; Remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind as my reason to have hope. The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord. The Word of the Lord.
8 old testament readings It is good and holy to think of the dead rising again. A reading from the second Book of Maccabees 2 Maccabees 12: 43-46 Judas, the ruler of Israel, took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, in as much as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin. The Word of the Lord.
9 old testament readings Of those who lie sleeping, many will awake. A reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel Daniel 12: 1-3 In those days, I, Daniel, mourned and heard this word of the Lord: At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; Some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever The Word of the Lord.
10 old testament readings To everything there is a season. A reading from the book of Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11 There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men's ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. The Word of the Lord.
11 old testament readings Love is a strong as death. A reading from the Song of Solomon Song of Songs 8: 6-7 Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; For stern as death is love, relentless as the nether world is devotion; its flames are a blazing fire. Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away. Were one to offer all he owns to purchase love, he would be roundly mocked. The Word of the Lord.
12 old testament readings The name lives on for all generations. A reading from the book of Sirach Sirach 44: 1, 10-15 Now will I praise those godly people, our ancestors, each in his own time; Those were godly people whose virtues have not been forgotten. Their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants; Through God's covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out; Their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise. The Word of the Lord.
13 old testament readings God himself will come and save us. A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah Isaiah 35: 1-6, 10 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee. The Word of the Lord.
14 old testament readings Do not be afraid, for I am with you. A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah Isaiah 43: 1-5 But now says the Lord, who created and formed you; Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine. Should you pass through the sea, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not swallow you up. Should you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; flames will not consume you. Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and because I love you, I will give up whole nations to save your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. The Word of the Lord.
15 old testament readings God has sent me to comfort all who mourn. A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah Isaiah 61: 1-3 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, To announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn; To place on those who mourn in Zion a diadem instead of ashes, To give them oil of gladness in place of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit. The Word of the Lord.
16 old testament readings No longer will there be weeping and mourning. A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah Isaiah 65: 17-19, 21, 23-24 Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people. No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime; He dies a mere youth who reaches but a hundred years, and he who fails of a hundred shall be thought accursed. They shall live in the houses they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant. The Word of the Lord.
17 old testament readings I will watch over my sheep. A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel Ezekiel 34: 11-16 Thus says the Lord God: I myself will look after and tend my sheep. As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark. I will lead them out from among the peoples and gather them from the foreign lands; I will bring them back to their own country and pasture them upon the mountains of Israel. In good pastures will I pasture them, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing ground. There they shall lie down on good grazing ground, and in rich pastures, shall they be pastured on the mountains of Israel. I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God. The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal, shepherding them rightly. The Word of the Lord.
18 old testament readings I will gather you and bring you home. A reading from the book of the prophet Zephaniah Zephaniah 3: 16-17, 19-20 Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love. He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. At that time I will bring you home, and at that time I will gather you. For I will give you renown and praise, among all the peoples of the earth, When I bring about your restoration before your very eyes, says the Lord. The Word of the Lord.
19 old testament readings The capable woman is worth more than pearls. A reading from the book of Proverbs Proverbs 31: 10-31 The truly capable woman - who can find her? She is far beyond the price of pearls. Her husband’s heart has confidence in her, from her he will derive no little profit. Advantage and not hurt she brings him all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax. She does her work with eager hands. She puts her back into her work and shows how strong her arms can be. She know that her affairs are going well; her lamp does not go out at night. She holds out her hands to the poor, she opens her arms to the needy. She is clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come. When she opens her mouth, she does so wisely; on her tongue is kindly instruction. She keeps good watch on the conduct of her household, no bread of idleness for her. Her children stand up and proclaim her blessed, her husband, too, sings her praises; Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceitful, and beauty fleeting; the woman who honors the Lord is the one to praise. Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works tell her praises at the city gates. The Word of the Lord.
20 old testament readings Blessed is the woman who trusts in the Lord. A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the woman who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is in the Lord. She is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out it roots to the stream. The Word of the Lord.
21 New Testament Readings Please Choose One Reading
22 new testament readings God has appointed Jesus to judge everyone, alive or dead. A reading from the Acts of the Apostles Acts 10: 34-36, 42-43 Peter proceeded to speak, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the children of Israel as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” The Word of the Lord.
23 new testament readings God has entrusted his love to us. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 5: 5-11 Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find the courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. How much more than, since we are now justified by his Blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life. Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. The Word of the Lord.
24 new testament readings Where sin increased, there grace abounded all the more. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 5: 17-21 Brothers and sisters: If, by the transgression of the one, Death came to reign through that one, How much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification, come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. In conclusion, just as through one transgression, condemnation came upon all, So, through one righteous act, acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous. The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, Grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Word of the Lord.
25 Long Form For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved of sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. The Word of the Lord. new testament readings Let us walk in newness of life. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Long: Romans 6:3-9 Short: Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 Brothers and sisters: Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.
26 new testament readings We wait for our bodies to be set free. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 8: 14-23 Brothers and Sisters: Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, Abba, “Father!” The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectations the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. The Word of the Lord.
27 new testament readings What will separate us from the love of Christ? A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 8: 31b, 35, 37-39 Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of the God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things, we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Word of the Lord.
28 new testament readings Whether we live or die we are the Lord’s. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 14: 7-9, 10c-12 Brothers and sisters: No one lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why then do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you look down on your brother or sister? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. So then each of us shall give an accounting of himself to God. The Word of the Lord.
29 new testament readings All people will be brought to life in Christ. A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 15: 20-28 Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead came also through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the first fruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; Long Form Then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for he subjected everything under his feet. But when it says that everything has been subjected, it is clear that it excludes the One who subjected everything to him. When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the One who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all. The Word of the Lord.
30 new testament readings Death is swallowed up in victory. A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57 Brothers and sisters: Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For that which is corruptible must clothe itself with incorruptibility, and that which is mortal must clothe itself with immortality. And when that which is corruptible clothes itself with incorruptibility and that which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the word that is written shall come about: Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of the Lord.
31 new testament readings What is seen is temporary, what is unseen is eternal. A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 2 Corinthians 4: 14- 5: 1 Brothers and sisters: We know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal. For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven. The Word of the Lord.
32 new testament readings We have an everlasting home in heaven. A reading from the second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 2 Corinthians 5: 1, 6-10 Brothers and sisters: We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven. We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what (we) did in the body, whether good or evil. The Word of the Lord.
33 new testament readings Jesus will transfigure our bodies to be like his glorious body. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians Philippians 3: 20-21 Brothers and sisters: Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified Body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. The Word of the Lord.
34 new testament readings Thus we shall always be with the Lord. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians Thessalonians 4: 13-18 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed we tell you this on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words. The Word of the Lord.
35 new testament readings If we have died with him, we shall also live with him. A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy 2 Timothy 2: 8-13 Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; If we preserve we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. The Word of the Lord.
36 new testament readings We shall see God as he is. A reading from the first Letter of Saint John 1 John 3:1-2 See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, For we shall see God as he is. The Word of the Lord. A reading from the first Letter of Saint John 1 John 3: 14-15 Beloved: We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in them. The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for one another. The Word of the Lord.
37 new testament readings Happy are those who died in the Lord. A reading from the Book of Revelation Revelation 14: 13 I, John, heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” said the Spirit, “let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them.” The Word of the Lord.
38 new testament readings The dead are judged according to their works. A reading from the Book of Revelation Revelation 20: 11- 21: 1 I, John, saw a large white throne with the one who was sitting upon it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. The sea gave up its dead: then Death and Hades gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were throne into the pool of fire. (This pool of fire is the second death.) Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. The Word of the Lord.
39 new testament readings There shall be no more death. A reading from the Book of Revelation Revelation 21: 1-5a, 6b-7 I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” The One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, And I shall be his God And he shall be my son.” The Word of the Lord.
40 new testament readings Experience a love beyond telling. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians Ephesians 3: 14-21 That is why I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name; and I pray that he will bestow on you gifts in keeping with the riches of his glory. May he strengthen you inwardly through the workings of his Spirit. May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith and may charity be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breath and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God himself. To him whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine; to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, world without end. Amen. The Word of the Lord.
41 new testament readings I have fought the fight and finished the race. A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18 I am already being poured out like a libation. The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that Day the Lord, just judge that he is, will award it to me-and not only to me but to all who have looked for his appearing with eager longing. But the Lord stood by my side and gave me strength, so that through me the preaching task might be completed and all the nations might hear the gospel. That is how I was saved from the lion’s jaws. The Lord will continue to rescue me from all attempts to do me harm and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. The Word of the Lord.
42 new testament readings We are given new birth into everlasting life. A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter 1 Peter 1: 3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by the fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. The Word of the Lord
43 Prayers of the Faithful Please Choose One Form
44 general intercessions Form 1 General Intercessions After the homily, the reader goes up to the microphone on St. Joseph’s side of the altar. The Priest will begin the prayer and then the reader begins… Reader says: The response is: Lord, hear our prayer. For _____ who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that he/she may now be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord. Response: Lord, hear our prayer. For our brother/sister __________ who ate the body of Christ, the bread of life, that he/she may be raised up on the last day. We pray to the Lord. Response: Lord, hear our prayer. For our deceased relatives and friends, especially _____ and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. We pray to the Lord. Response: Lord, hear our prayer. For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again that they may see God face to face. We pray to the Lord. Response: Lord, hear our prayer. For all of us assembled here in faith, that we may be gathered together again in God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord. Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
45 general intercessions Form 2 General Intercessions After the homily, the reader goes up to the microphone on St. Joseph’s side of the altar. The Priest will begin the prayer and then the reader begins… Reader says: The response is: Hear our prayer. In Baptism ____ received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead _____ over the waters of death. Lord, in your mercy: Response: Hear our prayer. Our brother/sister _____ was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome him/her into the halls of the heavenly banquet. Lord, in your mercy: Response: Hear our prayer. Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. Lord, in your mercy: Response: Hear our prayer. Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshments, rest, and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. Lord, in your mercy: Response: Hear our prayer. The family and friends of ____ seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. Lord, in your mercy: Response: Hear our prayer. We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our brother/sister ____. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son's coming. Lord, in your mercy: Response: Hear our prayer.
46 general intercessions Form 3 General Intercessions After the homily, the reader goes up to the microphone on St. Joseph’s side of the altar. The Priest will begin the prayer and then the reader begins… Reader says: The response to our prayers is: Lord have mercy. That God will receive our praise and thanksgiving for the life of ________. Let us pray to the Lord. Response: Lord have mercy. That God will lead ________ from death to life. Let us pray to the Lord. Response: Lord have mercy. That all of us, who are ___________'s family and friends, may be comforted in our grief. Let us pray to the Lord. Response: Lord have mercy. That God will grant release to all those who suffer. Let us pray to the Lord. Response: Lord have mercy. That God will grant peace to all who have died in the faith of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord. Response: Lord have mercy. That one day we may all share in the banquet of the Lord, praising God for victo- ry over death. Let us pray to the Lord. Response: Lord have mercy.
47 Music Selections You May Choose Two Hymns
48 MUSIC SELECTIONS FOR MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Choose Two (2) Songs in brackets [ ] are not permitted during Lent. Our Music Director, Mr. Robert Bobek will be happy to assist you in making music selections for the Funeral Mass. You may reach him by calling 516 967-4710. [All Creatures of our God and King] [Alleluia! Sing to Jesus] Amazing Grace Ave Maria Be Not Afraid Be Still My Soul Christ Be Beside Me Christ Be Our Light Eye Has Not Seen [For All The Saints] Hail Mary: Gentle Woman Hosea (Come Back To Me) How Great Thou Art I Am The Bread Of Life I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say I Know That My Redeemer Lives Lift High The Cross Like A Child Rests Lord Of All Hopefulness O God, You Search Me On Eagles' Wings One Bread, One Body Panis Angelicus Prayer Of St. Francis Precious Lord Shepherd Me, O God Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King Ubi Caritas We Remember We Walk By Faith You are near
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