You may choose to have one or two readings prior to the Gospel. The links below will redirect you to the website of the US Bishop's Conference where you will find the individual readings. Once you make your choice, remember to make note of the reading by recording the Book, Chapter and Verses. For example, 2 Maccabees 12:43-46. Then, come back to this page and select your readings from the dropdown lists below.
If you would like to have just one reading, choose it from the Old Testament or
New Testament.
If you would like to have two readings, choose the first reading from the Old Testament and the second reading from the New Testament.
Please note: If the funeral is during the Easter Season, the Old Testament reading is replaced by a separate selection of New Testament Readings.
Having chosen the readings, you may choose whether a family member or friend does the reading(s) or whether you’d like the priest to do the reading(s). If you choose a family member or friend, they should be practicing Catholics preferably with some experience reading at Mass. Simply alert the priest before the Mass as to your desire. If you have reader(s), please print the chosen reading(s) for them so they can be familiar with them before Mass. They do not need to bring that copy with them to the Mass; we have a proper Lectionary from which they will read. Finally, the priest will meet the reader(s) briefly before the Mass to show them the Lectionary and give them some last minute instructions. The Responsorial Psalm will be sung by the cantor.
First Reading (The Easter Season runs from Easter Sunday to Pentecost)