Why this guide

Services vary by denomination and community. Use these common outlines as a starting point, then confirm specifics with your priest, minister, rabbi, imam, or officiant.

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Quick comparison (six traditions at a glance)

Tradition	Typical length	Core elements (summary)	Tone / notes
Catholic Funeral Mass	~60–90 min	Introductory rites; Liturgy of the Word (readings, Psalm, Gospel, homily); Prayers of the Faithful; Liturgy of the Eucharist; Final Commendation & Farewell; recessional.	Formal, liturgical; Eucharist is central. Committal often follows.
Christian (Non-Denominational/Protestant)	~45–75 min	Prelude/processional; opening prayer; Scripture readings; hymn(s)/music; obituary/life story; tributes/remarks; eulogy; closing prayer/benediction; recessional.	Flexible order; pastor sets the flow; music and eulogy often emphasized.
Homegoing (Black Christian tradition)	~60–120 min	Call to worship; prayers; Scripture; praise & worship/music; tributes/testimonies; eulogy; recessional/committal.	Celebratory and testimonial within a Christian worship service.
Jewish Funeral Service	~20–60 min	Psalms/readings; eulogies; El Malei Rachamim; Kaddish; procession/burial.	Brief, reflective; burial and mourning practices follow.
Muslim Janazah	~30–60 min (prayer is brief)	Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayer: takbirs, Al-Fatiha, salawat, dua); supplications; burial.	Simple and modest; focus on prayer and swift burial.
Buddhist Funeral	~45–90 min (varies)	Chanting/sutras; offerings; Dharma reading/sermon; eulogies; closing chants; merit dedication.	Meditative; customs vary by school/temple.

How to use this article

1. Pick the outline below that matches your service.
2. Map it to panels (front, interior tabs, back) using the layout notes.
3. Copy the wording cues and edit to fit names, readings, music, and venue details.

Catholic Funeral Mass (Requiem)

Overview

A Catholic Funeral Mass follows a defined liturgy. Families personalize readings, hymns, obituary/acknowledgements, while the priest or deacon leads the prayers.

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Order of Service (ready to paste)

Entrance & Introductory Rites

• Processional Hymn
• Greeting & Sprinkling with Holy Water (placing of the pall if applicable)
• Opening Prayer (Collect)

Liturgy of the Word

• First Reading (Old Testament)
• Responsorial Psalm (sung or spoken)
• Second Reading (New Testament)
• Gospel Acclamation
• Gospel Reading
• Homily

Prayers of the Faithful

• Intercessions for the deceased, family, Church, and community

Liturgy of the Eucharist

• Offertory Hymn & Presentation of the Gifts
• Eucharistic Prayer
• The Lord’s Prayer
• Sign of Peace
• Communion Hymn

Final Commendation & Farewell

• Song of Farewell
• Prayer of Commendation
• Recessional Hymn

Committal often follows at the cemetery.

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Panel map for a 4-page graduated program

Panel	What to place there
Front Cover	Full name, dates, photo, “Mass of Christian Burial,” church name/address, service date/time. Optional subtitle: “A Celebration of Life.”
Interior Tab 1	Liturgy of the Word: list the readings (book/chapter/verse), Psalm refrain, and Gospel reference.
Interior Tab 2	Prayers of the Faithful & Liturgy of the Eucharist: short bullets for intercessions; note “Offertory,” “Eucharistic Prayer,” “Communion.”
Back Cover	Acknowledgements; brief obituary or life story; favorite prayer or hymn stanza; committal and reception details.

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Wording cues (copy, then customize)

Front cover subtitle
“Mass of Christian Burial for [Full Name]”

Acknowledgements (short)
“Our family is deeply grateful for your prayers, presence, and every expression of kindness during this time.”

Prayers of the Faithful (examples)

• “For [Name], who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life: may he/she be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord.”
• “For family and friends who grieve: may they be consoled in their sorrow and strengthened by faith. We pray to the Lord.”

Hymn placement tips

• Entrance: solemn or hopeful processional
• Offertory: reflective
• Communion: gentle, prayerful
• Recessional: confident, sending-forth

Practical tips

• If including Latin/English responses, keep lines short; use two columns only if space allows.
• Print readings as references (book/chapter/verse) to save space.
• Place donations or reception details on the back cover, below acknowledgements.

Christian (Non-Denominational / Many Protestant Churches)

Overview

Christian services vary by church. This structure balances readings, music, tributes, and a eulogy. Coordinate the final order with your pastor or officiant.

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Order of Service (ready to paste)

Prelude & Processional

• Instrumental or hymn as family enters

Opening

• Welcome & Opening Prayer
• Scripture Readings (Old & New Testament)

Music & Tributes

• Hymn or Special Music
• Obituary or Life Story Reading
• Remarks / Tributes (2–3 speakers, 2–3 minutes each)

Message

• Eulogy (by pastor or designated speaker)
• Closing Prayer & Benediction

Recessional

• Final hymn or instrumental
• Committal and reception details announced

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Panel map for a 4-page graduated program

Panel	What to place there
Front Cover	Full name, dates, photo, church/location, service date/time. Optional line: “A Service of Worship and Remembrance.”
Interior Tab 1	Opening: welcome, opening prayer, scripture references (e.g., Psalm 23; John 14:1–6).
Interior Tab 2	Music & Tributes: list song titles/performers; order of tribute speakers; eulogy title or speaker.
Back Cover	Acknowledgements; reception/repast details; tasteful donations line; brief favorite verse, prayer, or poem stanza.

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Wording cues (copy, then customize)

Opening prayer (short)
“Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of [Name]’s life. Be near to us as we remember with gratitude and entrust him/her to Your care. Grant comfort and hope. Amen.”

Tributes guidance (program note)
“Please keep tributes to two minutes so all who wish to share may do so.”

Donations line (tasteful)
“In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to [Charity] in memory of [Name].”

Closing blessing (short)
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may His peace be with you.”

Practical tips

• Print only names/order for speakers; keep longer tributes spoken.
• List song titles and performers; avoid printing full lyrics unless public domain.
• Keep photo captions short and legible.

Additional Traditions (Homegoing, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist)

Below are concise, family-friendly outlines with panel maps and wording cues. Treat these as starting points and confirm details with your officiant.

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Homegoing Service (Black Christian Tradition)

Overview

A Homegoing celebrates a believer’s life and homegoing to God. Expect lively worship, testimonies, and a strong musical presence alongside Scripture and a sermon/eulogy.

Order of Service (ready to paste)

Call to Worship & Processional

• Praise & Worship (congregational or choir)

Opening

• Invocation / Opening Prayer
• Scripture Readings (Old & New Testament)

Music & Tributes

• Musical Selection(s)
• Obituary or Life Story Reading
• Tributes / Reflections (2–4 short remarks)

Message

• Eulogy / Sermon
• Prayer of Comfort

Closing

• Acknowledgements
• Recessional (choir or recorded song)
• Committal / Repast details

Panel map (4-page graduated)

Panel	What to place there
Front Cover	Full name, dates, photo, church/location, service date/time. Optional line: “Homegoing Celebration.”
Interior Tab 1	Praise & Worship / Opening: opening prayer, key Scriptures, first musical selection.
Interior Tab 2	Tributes & Message: order of tribute speakers, eulogy title or preacher’s name.
Back Cover	Acknowledgements, repast information, donations line, favorite hymn lyric or Scripture.

Wording cues

• “Homegoing Celebration for [Full Name]”
• “Please keep reflections to two minutes so all who wish to share may do so.”

Practical tips

• Print song titles and soloists; keep full lyrics brief or use a single stanza.
• If including a choir, list “Mass Choir” or group name rather than every vocalist.

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Jewish Funeral Service (High-Level)

Overview

Services are typically brief and modest. Psalms and readings are followed by eulogies, memorial prayers, and the Mourner’s Kaddish. Burial commonly follows promptly.

Order of Service (ready to paste)

Gathering & Readings

• Opening Psalms / Readings

Eulogies & Prayers

• Eulogies
• Memorial Prayer (El Malei Rachamim)

Concluding

• Mourner’s Kaddish
• Procession to Burial (details noted)

Panel map (4-page graduated)

Panel	What to place there
Front Cover	Full name, Hebrew name if desired, dates, photo (optional), venue/date/time.
Interior Tab 1	Readings & Eulogies: list psalms/readings and speakers.
Interior Tab 2	Prayers: note “El Malei Rachamim” and “Mourner’s Kaddish.”
Back Cover	Shiva information or memorial gathering details, acknowledgements, charitable donations line (tzedakah).

Wording cues

• “Funeral Service for [Full Name]”
• “The family appreciates gifts to [Charity] in memory of [Name].”

Practical tips

• Keep the program simple; avoid lengthy lyrics or graphics.
• If including Hebrew, use a clear font and ensure right-to-left text displays correctly.

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Muslim Janazah (High-Level)

Overview

Simple and dignified. The core is Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayer) followed by supplications and burial.

Order of Service (ready to paste)

Gathering

• Brief words of remembrance or reading (optional)

Salat al-Janazah

• Takbirs, Al-Fatiha, salawat upon the Prophet, supplication (dua) for the deceased

Concluding

• Additional supplications
• Funeral Procession & Burial (details noted)

Panel map (4-page graduated)

Panel	What to place there
Front Cover	Full name, dates, mosque/location, service date/time.
Interior Tab 1	Salat al-Janazah: brief note that the prayer will be offered; space for transliteration if desired.
Interior Tab 2	Supplications: short dua or space to print one concise supplication.
Back Cover	Burial location and time, community acknowledgements, donation information if applicable.

Wording cues

• “Janazah Prayer and Burial for [Full Name]”
• “Please proceed to [Cemetery] following the prayer.”

Practical tips

• Keep design modest; avoid figurative imagery if your community prefers.
• Use clear headings so attendees unfamiliar with Janazah know the flow.

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Buddhist Funeral (High-Level)

Overview

Customs differ by school/temple. Services often include chanting, offerings, a Dharma reading or sermon, remembrances, and closing chants or merit dedication.

Order of Service (ready to paste)

Opening

• Chant(s) / Sutra Reading
• Offerings

Remembrance & Teaching

• Eulogies or Reflections
• Dharma Reading / Short Talk

Closing

• Closing Chant(s)
• Dedication of Merit

Panel map (4-page graduated)

Panel	What to place there
Front Cover	Full name, dates, serene image, temple/location, service date/time.
Interior Tab 1	Chanting & Offerings: list chant names or sutra titles.
Interior Tab 2	Remembrances & Teaching: speakers for reflections; note Dharma talk.
Back Cover	Acknowledgements, memorial gathering details, suggested charities.

Wording cues

• “Memorial Service for [Full Name]”
• “With gratitude to our sangha and friends for their presence and support.”

Practical tips

• Keep text minimal and legible; avoid heavy backgrounds behind chants.
• If printing transliterations, choose a clear, readable type size.

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Final notes for all traditions

• Always confirm order, readings, and music with your officiant.
• Keep long texts (full lyrics, lengthy tributes) spoken; print concise references in the program.
• Place reception/repast or donations information on the back cover, below acknowledgements.

FAQ

Q1. What’s the main difference between a Catholic Funeral Mass and a Christian service?
A Catholic Mass follows a set liturgy (Word, Eucharist, Final Commendation). Many Christian services are flexible, typically including prayer, readings, music, tributes, and a eulogy.

Q2. Can we use a neutral template for any tradition?
Yes. Minimalist, floral, and landscape designs work across traditions. Add the appropriate readings, prayers, and service elements your officiant requests.

Q3. Where should readings, prayers, and hymns go in the program?
List the order on the interior panels. Put long text (full lyrics, long tributes) in the spoken service and print only titles, references, or short stanzas in the booklet.

Q4. How long do services usually last?
Catholic Mass is often 60–90 minutes. Christian services range ~45–75 minutes; Homegoing may be longer. Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist services vary by community and officiant.

Q5. What should we say for donations or “in lieu of flowers”?
Keep it brief: “In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity] in memory of [Name].” Place this on the back panel near acknowledgements.

Q6. How many programs should we print?
Estimate attendees (family, friends, community) plus 10–20% extra. Print more if the service is large, public, or includes a choir or community group.

Q7. Can we include non-religious elements like poems or photo collages?
Yes—most families include a short poem, favorite quote, and a small collage. Keep text legible and avoid placing dense text over busy photos.

Q8. Do we need permission to print song lyrics?
Use public-domain hymns or obtain permission/licensing for modern lyrics. When unsure, print only the title and credit instead of full lyrics.

Q9. How do we adapt the program for two languages?
Use concise text and consistent headings. Either place languages in side-by-side columns or alternate sections (e.g., English order on the first panel, second language on the next).

Q10. Where do reception or burial details go?
Add them to the back panel beneath acknowledgements, or include a small “Next Steps” box with time, location, and directions.