Catholic Requiem Mass Programme — Complete Template & Guide

A Catholic Requiem Mass is a sacred liturgy offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased. In Ghana, Catholic funerals follow the universal Roman Rite while incorporating local cultural elements. This guide covers the complete structure of a Requiem Mass programme so you can plan a fitting and reverent service.

What Is a Requiem Mass?

The Requiem Mass — from the Latin "Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine" (Grant them eternal rest, O Lord) — is the funeral Mass celebrated for a deceased Catholic. It is the central act of worship at a Catholic funeral and includes the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Mass is offered to pray for the soul of the departed and to bring comfort and hope to the bereaved.

Structure of the Requiem Mass

The Requiem Mass follows the standard structure of the Roman Catholic Mass with specific funeral elements:

• Reception of the body — The priest meets the casket at the church entrance, sprinkles it with holy water, and places a white pall over it as a reminder of baptism.
• Entrance procession — The casket is brought to the front of the church accompanied by the processional hymn. The paschal candle is placed near the casket.
• Introductory rites — The priest greets the congregation, and the Penitential Act is recited.
• Opening prayer (Collect) — The priest offers the opening prayer for the deceased.
• First reading — Typically from the Old Testament. Common choices include Wisdom 3:1-9 ("The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God") or Isaiah 25:6-9.
• Responsorial psalm — Psalm 23 ("The Lord Is My Shepherd") or Psalm 27 ("The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation") are frequently chosen.
• Second reading — From the New Testament epistles. Romans 8:31-39, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, or 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 are popular selections.
• Gospel acclamation — The congregation stands for the Alleluia or, during Lent, an alternative acclamation.
• Gospel reading — A passage from the Gospels, often John 14:1-6 ("In my Father's house are many rooms") or John 11:21-27 (Martha's profession of faith).
• Homily — The priest delivers the homily reflecting on the readings and the Christian hope of resurrection. Eulogies are typically given before or after the Mass, not during the homily.
• Prayer of the Faithful — Intercessions are offered for the deceased, the bereaved family, and the wider community.
• Offertory — The gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar. A hymn is sung during the offertory, such as "How Great Thou Art" or "Be Not Afraid."
• Eucharistic prayer — The priest consecrates the bread and wine. The congregation joins in the Holy, Holy, Holy and the Memorial Acclamation.
• Communion — The faithful receive Holy Communion. A communion hymn such as "Ave Maria," "Panis Angelicus," or "Here I Am, Lord" may be sung.
• Final commendation — After Communion, the priest performs the final commendation and farewell. The casket is incensed and sprinkled with holy water.
• Recessional — The casket is carried out of the church as the recessional hymn is sung. The congregation proceeds to the cemetery for the committal.

The Committal (At the Graveside)

After the Mass, the committal rite takes place at the cemetery. The priest leads prayers as the body is laid to rest. This includes Scripture readings, the Lord's Prayer, a final blessing, and the sprinkling of holy water on the grave. In Ghanaian Catholic practice, family members may also perform cultural rites alongside the Catholic committal prayers.

Popular Catholic Funeral Hymns

• How Great Thou Art
• Ave Maria (Schubert or Bach/Gounod)
• Be Not Afraid
• Here I Am, Lord
• On Eagle's Wings
• Panis Angelicus
• Amazing Grace
• Nearer, My God, to Thee
• Abide With Me
• Lead, Kindly Light

Create Your Catholic Funeral Programme

FuneralPress provides booklet templates that are ideal for Catholic Requiem Mass programmes. You can include the full Mass structure, all readings and responsorial psalms, hymn lyrics, the biography, tributes, and more. Our booklet editor formats everything professionally so you can focus on the content.