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Catholic Funeral Program Guide: Traditions, Structure, and Design Tips

Honoring a Loved One Through a Catholic Funeral Program

When planning a Catholic funeral, one of the most important details—after arranging the Mass and other rites—is creating a funeral program that reflects the life, faith, and traditions of your loved one.

A Catholic funeral program does more than outline the order of the Mass. It serves as a keepsake for attendees, a reflection of the deceased’s spiritual life, and a guide that helps guests participate in the prayers, hymns, and readings.

Whether you are working with a parish, a funeral home, or creating one yourself, understanding the structure and purpose of a Catholic funeral program will make the process smoother and more meaningful.

The Catholic Funeral Tradition

A Catholic funeral typically follows a three-part structure, which may take place over one to two days:

1. The Vigil (Wake)

The Vigil is a prayer service, often held the evening before the Funeral Mass. Friends and family gather to share memories, pray, and offer support to the grieving family. This service may include readings, the Rosary, and eulogies.

2. The Funeral Mass

The central part of a Catholic funeral is the Funeral Mass, also known as the Requiem Mass. This liturgy focuses on prayers for the soul of the deceased, scripture readings, hymns, and Holy Communion. It follows a set liturgical structure determined by the Catholic Church.

3. The Rite of Committal

Following the Mass, the family proceeds to the burial site for the Rite of Committal, a final blessing of the body before interment.

Why the Program Matters

A well-crafted Catholic funeral program offers several benefits:

  • Guidance – Helps guests follow the liturgy, especially those unfamiliar with the Catholic Mass.
  • Keepsake – Serves as a lasting memory for friends and family.
  • Reflection of Faith – Displays the readings, hymns, and prayers that were meaningful to the deceased.

If you’d like inspiration for layouts, you can review our funeral program examples and design ideas for visual guidance.

Step-by-Step: Creating a Catholic Funeral Program

Step 1: Gather the Details

Before starting the design, collect all necessary information:

  • Full name of the deceased (including maiden name, if applicable)
  • Date of birth and death
  • Service details (date, time, location, presiding clergy)
  • Selected readings, hymns, and prayers
  • Photographs (formal and candid)

Step 2: Understand the Order of Service

The Catholic Funeral Mass generally follows this sequence:

  1. Introductory Rites
    • Processional hymn
    • Sprinkling with holy water
    • Placing of the pall
    • Opening prayer
  2. Liturgy of the Word
    • First reading (Old Testament)
    • Responsorial Psalm
    • Second reading (New Testament)
    • Gospel reading
    • Homily
  3. Liturgy of the Eucharist
    • Presentation of the gifts
    • Eucharistic prayer
    • Communion rite
  4. Final Commendation
    • Song of farewell
    • Incensing of the casket
    • Recessional hymn

If you’re unsure how to format this, our funeral order of service guide can help you structure it clearly.

Step 3: Choose the Prayers and Hymns

Common Catholic funeral prayers include:

  • The Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)
  • Hail Mary
  • Prayer of Commendation
  • The Rosary (in the Vigil service)

Hymns often used include:

  • “Ave Maria”
  • “Amazing Grace”
  • “On Eagle’s Wings”
  • “How Great Thou Art”

Step 4: Select a Design Template

The program’s design should balance beauty with readability. Consider:

  • Front Cover – Photograph, full name, birth/death dates, short scripture or quote.
  • Inside Pages – Order of service, prayers, hymns, and readings.
  • Back Cover – Acknowledgements, thank-you message, obituary, or additional photos.

You can browse our free funeral program template to get started with a printable design that can be customized.

Personalizing a Catholic Funeral Program

While Catholic funerals follow a set liturgical structure, there’s still room to personalize the program to reflect your loved one’s personality and faith journey.

1. Include a Favorite Scripture or Saint Quote

Adding a verse or saint’s quote that was meaningful to your loved one can set a reverent tone. Examples:

  • “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
  • “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” – St. Padre Pio

2. Feature Meaningful Images

Incorporate:

  • Crosses or rosary beads
  • Photos of your loved one in moments of joy
  • Religious artwork such as depictions of the Virgin Mary or patron saints

3. Add a Personal Tribute Section

This can be:

  • A short biography
  • A heartfelt letter from a family member
  • A timeline of important life events

For guidance on tone and structure, our funeral program wording examples can help you craft a meaningful tribute.

Cultural Variations in Catholic Funeral Programs

Catholic funerals can look slightly different depending on cultural traditions. Incorporating these elements can make the service even more personal.

Filipino Catholic Funerals

  • Novena prayers over several days after the burial
  • Offering of flowers and candles during Mass
  • Marian hymns, especially if the deceased had devotion to Mary

Irish Catholic Funerals

  • Inclusion of Celtic crosses or knot designs in the program
  • Traditional Irish blessings, such as “May the road rise up to meet you…”
  • Community singing of hymns

Latin American Catholic Funerals

  • Day of the Dead elements for remembrance
  • Use of Spanish-language hymns and prayers
  • Extended wake with food and storytelling

Printing and Distribution Tips

A Catholic funeral program should be both beautiful and easy to read.

Paper Choice:

  • Matte finish for a softer look
  • Gloss finish for rich photo color

Size:

  • Common options: 8.5″ x 11″ folded in half (bi-fold) or 11″ x 17″ folded in half (large bi-fold)

Printing Options:

  • Home printer (cost-effective for small gatherings)
  • Local print shop for larger services or higher-quality printing

Quantity:

  • Always print extras for keepsakes and those who couldn’t attend

For design efficiency, you can use our funeral program templates, which are editable and ready to print.

Sample Wording for a Catholic Funeral Program

Below is a sample text block you can adapt:

Front Cover
In Loving Memory of
Maria Elena Santos
June 14, 1945 – August 3, 2025
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

Inside Left Page
Order of the Funeral Mass

  1. Entrance Hymn – On Eagle’s Wings
  2. Opening Prayer
  3. First Reading – Wisdom 3:1-9
  4. Responsorial Psalm – The Lord is My Shepherd
  5. Second Reading – 2 Timothy 4:6-8
  6. Gospel – John 14:1-6
  7. Homily
  8. Prayers of the Faithful
  9. Liturgy of the Eucharist
  10. Communion Hymn – Ave Maria
  11. Final Commendation and Farewell
  12. Recessional Hymn – How Great Thou Art

Inside Right Page
Acknowledgements
The family of Maria Elena Santos wishes to thank you for your prayers, support, and presence during this time of loss.

Back Cover
Photo collage and short obituary.

FAQs: Catholic Funeral Programs

Q: Can I include personal eulogies in the Mass program?
A: The Catholic Funeral Mass is highly structured, but you can include a eulogy in the Vigil or reception, and mention it in the program.

Q: Do I have to follow the parish’s formatting?
A: Some parishes provide templates, while others allow you to design your own. Always check with the priest or funeral coordinator.

Q: Can the program be bilingual?
A: Yes, especially if family members speak different languages. Include translations side-by-side for prayers and hymns.