We here at SK Music Ministry are here to support you and your family as you navigate this difficult transitional time. Below are guidelines to choosing your music selections for a funeral liturgy in order to make the process as seamless as possible.

Music is an integral part of any celebration. One of the basic principles that should be applied when selecting pieces is whether the music is deemed liturgical. Both popular and secular music are not appropriate in the liturgy. For the funeral mass or memorial mass, you will need to ensure that the emphasis is on sacred music, which derives its inspiration and context from both scriptural and liturgical sources with the sole purpose of enhancing the funeral rites being celebrated. Therefore, music serves as an asset to those present to express their faith.

We have curated a special list of songs, consisting of both traditional and contemporary, to serve the liturgy. Because of this, we kindly request that you review the provided list before requesting any alternative options.

Any liturgy is an encounter between God and us as the children of God, created in his own image and likeness. Because of this, pre-recorded music is not permitted during the liturgy but it may be used at a reception.

This Mass is part of the Order of Christian Funerals and functions as the centerpiece of the rite. Because of this, secular music is not permitted at any time during the funeral liturgy, including Entrance and Recessional portions. Any additional songs outside of our provided list must be approved by the Director of Music.

An experienced SK Cantor will serve in this capacity at funerals. They are familiar with both the church’s regular worship life and the parish’s mission in terms of liturgy and music. They also help guarantee that the service will go smoothly as the celebrant, cantor and accompanist are accustomed to working with each other. The cantor leads the congregation in singing and sings the Responsorial Psalm.

The cantor is also the vocal soloist, singing appropriate solos that have been selected for the funeral. Your cooperation in not requesting exceptions to this will be greatly appreciated.

A staff accompanist is provided for all funerals and memorial masses. They bear the responsibility of ensuring the proper performance and timing of the musical portions of the liturgy.

All of our cantors and musicians are trained, competent leaders who know the layout of St. Kilian and what is expected during a Funeral Mass. They will be the priority musicians used during the liturgy.

If outside musicians are requested, they must meet the following criteria:

1. Trained vocalist/instrumentalist who has experience within the Catholic liturgy.

2. Consolation meeting (i.e. email) with the SK Music Minister leadership in order to assess one’s abilities in the event that a staff SKMM member is not present.

3. Coordination with staff accompanist prior to the funeral mass. Please note that there is no separate rehearsal for a funeral mass. It is expected that the visiting cantor/instrumentalist arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the mass to run logistics (i.e. musical roadmap, tempi, etc.).

4. When a visiting cantor or instrumentalist is engaged alongside a staff SKMM member, they will receive the music in advance via email to ensure both musicians are prepared and in agreement with one another as collaborators.

The church fee, after meeting with your assigned bereavement minister, includes two musicians (cantor and accompanist) who are essential in ensuring the proper performance and timing of the various musical portions of the funeral Mass. Both are familiar with the church’s worship life, priests’ requests, and the parish’s mission in terms of liturgical music.

If you have a preference of Female or Male cantor, please let the Bereavement Minister know so they may communicate that to the Director of Music. It is ultimately up to the Director of Music for final scheduling of musicians for the liturgy. All SKMM Staff musicians are subject to availability.

Additional vocalists and/or instrumentalists are available if requested. Please note that each additional musician which will cost approximately $150-$300 per musician. These details can be discussed with the Director of Music.