CLICK HERE to view the Funeral Mass for Natalie Anderson live at 10 am on Saturday, October 28.

We no longer require reservations to attend the church service.  Masks are heavily encouraged to protect those who are unvaccinated.

Outline and Suggestions for Funeral Masses

St Paul VI Parish Office
40 E Burlington
Riverside, Il 60546
708-447-1020

The staff of St Paul VI parish which consists of the communities of Mater Christi, St Mary, and St Hugh is here to assist you in preparing and celebrating the funeral Mass for your loved one. This is a simple outline of choices you may use to personalize the mass for you and your family. All of these are suggestions; you may choose any sacred music that is familiar or important to you. Mary Prete will assist in any musical questions or special requests you have. Her cell phone is 312-330-0001

You may ask a family member or friend to read the First Reading, the Second Reading, and/or the Universal Prayer. If your family and loved ones prefer not to be readers at the Mass, we at St Paul VI will make sure we have readers available. Likewise, if there are Eucharistic Ministers or altar servers in your family, please let Father know and those members may assist at the Mass. All of us at St Paul VI want to be of service to you during this time of sorrow.

Below are links to some suggested readings from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops as well as links to some suggested songs that are frequently chosen for funerals. You can find most of these songs in the parish’s Gather hymnal.

Outline of Funeral Mass

Entrance Hymn: We suggest that this song and the closing hymn/song be something that is familiar to your family and friends.

Amazing Grace G 645                                                                           Jesus, Remember Me G 510

Be Not Afraid G 683                                                                             Keep in Mind G 646

For All the Saints G 884                                                                       Lord of All Hopefulness G 663

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say G 724                                                  The King of Love My Shepherd Is G 712

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light G 593                                      Sing with All the Saints in Glory G 539

The First Reading: This reading is taken from the Old Testament. You can choose the readings in the book “Through Death to Life” or you can search through the bible to find a reading that speaks to the life or example of your loved one, for example search for the word generous. Remember to choose the New American Bible or New Revised Standard Catholic Edition as your source. An easy search tool is Biblegateway.com. During Easter Time, First Reading may be taken from the New Testament.

Responsorial Psalm: This is a sung response between the first and second reading. The cantor will lead the psalm.

Psalm 23: My Shepherd is the Lord G 34

Psalm 23: Shepherd Me O God G35

Salmo 22: El Senor Es Mi Pastor

Psalm 25: To You O Lord, I lift up my soul G39

Psalm 63: My Soul is thirsting for you O Lord, thirsting for you my God G 56

Psalm 103: The Lord is Kind and Merciful G 75

Psalm 118: This is the day the Lord has made G 81

Second Reading: This reading is taken from the New Testament. You may choose anything the bishops recommend, or you may choose an appropriate text from any book in the New Testament (excluding the gospels).

The Gospel: This reading is proclaimed by the priest. You can choose any reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.

Homily Father gives a short reflection on the scripture and relates it to your loved one. We will ask you to fill out a simple questionnaire so that Father can speak about your loved one.

The Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful): You make ask a relative or friend to read these short prayers or Father can pray them. There are sample prayers in the book Through Death to Life or you may write some.

Preparation of the Gifts: During COVID, the gifts are already at the altar, so this ritual doesn’t take very long at all.

Ave Maria by Schubert                                                         

Ave Maria by Arcadelt                                                           

Come to Me G 731                                                               

Going Home (Choir Solo)                                                      

Love Endures                                                                      

Life is Changed, Not Ended

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace G 828

Pie Jesu, Faure (Choir Solo)

Precious Lord, Take My Hand G 955

Resucito G 535 

Shall We Gather at the River

Communion Songs:

Bread of Life from Heaven/ Pan de Vida G 943                       

Eat This Bread G 941                                                           

Entre Tus Manos                                                                 

I Am the Bread of Life G 945                                    

I Receive the Living God G 916 

On Eagle’s Wings G 691

One Bread, One Body G 932

Panis Angelicus

Pescador de Hombres G 781 

Taste and See G 930  

Words of Remembrance

You may ask someone to give a short remembrance of your loved one. This can be a remembering of some special traits and (or) inspiring qualities of your loved one. It is best to have the words written down, many times family and friends will request a copy of the reflection. If you have any questions, please contact Mary and she will assist you.

Song of Farewell:

Celtic Song of Farewell                                                          How Bright is the Day

Saints of God G 163                                                               May Angels Lead You G 980

The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Closing Hymn:

We suggest that this song and the Entrance hymn/song be something that is familiar to your family and friends.

How Great Thou Art G 578                                                   How Bright is the Day

I am the Bread of Life Verses 4-5 G 945                             On Eagle’s Wings G 691

I Know that My Redeemer Lives G 527                               May Angels Lead You G 980

                                                                                             Sing with All the Saints in Glory G 539