St. Jude Parish strives to meet the needs of families dealing with the loss of their loved ones with compassion. Contact the parish office at 616-363-6885, EXT 1153 for any assistance or questions.
Notes for the Special Occasion Lector:
Whether you almost never serve as a lector, except at a funeral or a wedding, or you are an experienced lector, the information below will help you prepare for that special occasion.
Readings from Sacred Scripture
Order of Christian Funerals, General Introduction , nos. 22-23
In every celebration for the dead, the Church attaches great importance to the reading of the word of God. The readings proclaim to the assembly the Paschal Mystery, teach remembrance of the dead, convey the hope of being gathered together again in God’s Kingdom, and encourage the witness of Christian life. Above all, the readings tell of God’s designs for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all whom God has called his own. A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for the funeral rites will provide the family and the community with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears, and hopes.
In the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word at the funeral liturgy, the biblical readings may not be replaced by nonbiblical readings. But during prayer services with the family nonbiblical readings may be used in addition to readings from Scripture.
For Adults
First Readings
Psalms
Second Readings
Gospels