Funeral Planning

THE COLLABORATIVE OF ST. JAMES AND ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The parish families of St. James and St. John's hope to accompany you in this difficult time of loss, and to honor the memory of your loved one as you plan the funeral liturgy. Music is such a comforting and inspirational part of the liturgy, so we encourage you to take some time in choosing the musical selections that will help you, your family and your friends to join together in prayer and thanksgiving for the life of your loved one.


The professional staff of your funeral home will work closely with you as you choose not only the music but also the readings and other elements of the funeral liturgy. Our music directors, Phil Clayton at St. John's (sjbchoirs@gmail.com) and Cynthia Arsenault at St. James (keyedup320@hotmail) are also available to support you and answer questions that you may have. 

  • These selections certainly do not exhaust the rich treasury of Catholic music that can be used at funerals. If there are other songs/psalms that you would like for the funeral liturgy, please feel free to ask the funeral director and/or the parish music director and we will do our best to accommodate appropriate requests.
  • Popular (secular) music selections are not appropriate for the funeral liturgy, but could perhaps be used during the wake or cemetery services. 
  • If you have a friend or relative who would like to participate in the music (as singer or instrumentalist), please contact the parish music director to see if this is possible, and also to discuss parish policies regarding visiting musicians.

Please know that you have the prayerful support of our parish staff and communities.

For a short sample of the music, please click on the song title below.

GATHERING SONG (choose one)

  • Amazing Grace
  • Be Not Afraid
  • Holy, Holy, Holy
  • I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
  • I Know that My Redeemer Lives (DUKE STREET)
  • I Know that My Redeemer Lives (Scott Soper)
  • Jerusalem, My Happy Home
  • Lift High the Cross
  • O God, Our Help in Ages Past

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (choose one)

OFFERTORY AND COMMUNION SONGS (choose two)

FINAL COMMENDATION (choose one)

CLOSING/RECESSIONAL (choose one)