"Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow"
Sarah sings regularly at funeral services and believes music can be one of the best sources of consolation at such a difficult time. Arranging a funeral can be a very stressful, and very often those arranging the service are not sure what music to choose, or what is suitable. Sarah can walk you through the different parts of the service and can help with music choice for each section. Equally, if your loved one had very specific instructions about the music they wished for in their funeral service, Sarah will do her utmost to honor those wishes.
During Covid 19 there have been some changes to the numbers allowed at a funeral. The maximum attendance at funerals is now 50, subject to public health advice. This number does not usually include musicians, but always check with your celebrant, funeral director or visit Gov.ie for more information: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/
Sarah's Recordings
Click below to play some of Sarah Tracks.
Ceremonies
Roman Catholic funeral mass
Below are the usual places in a Roman Catholic funeral mass where you would typically have music. Parts of the mass such as the Memorial Acclamation, the Great Amen and the Song of Farewell (Receive his/her Soul) may also be sung. There are very few changes to the musical content during Covid 19. An extra piece of instrumental music may be played as the coffin enters the church. There is no Sign of Peace due to social distancing.
Opening Hymns:
- The Cloud’s Veil
- How Great Thou Art
- Here I am Lord
- Be Not Afraid
- Be Still My Soul
- You Are Mine
- May the Choirs of Angels
- Be Still (for the Presence of the Lord)
- Morning Has Broken
Psalm:
- On Eagle’s Wings
- Tar Anuas a Spioraid Naomh
- The Lord’s My Shepherd (Crimmond or Egan)
- Hiding Place
- ‘Sé an Tiarna m’Aoire
- Here I am Lord
- Shepherd of My Heart
Alleluia:
Plainchant, Mo Ghrása Mo Dhia, Seinn Alleluia, Celtic
Offertory:
- A Mhuire Mháthair
- Ag Chríost an Síol
- All that I am
- As I Kneel Before You
- Ave Maria (Schubert/Gounod/Caccini)
- Bring Flowers of the Rarest
- Panis Angelicus
- Soul of My Saviour
Communion:
- A Clare Benediction
- Amazing Grace
- Ave Maria (Schubert/Gounod/Caccini)
- Bí a Íosa im’ Chríose
- Here I am Lord
- How Great Thou Art
- In The Sweet By and By
- Jealous of the Angels
- May the Road Rise to Meet You
- Pie Jesu (LLoyd Webber/Fauré)
- There is a Place
- Voice of an Angel
Exit piece:
(Some priests will allow a piece of music here that is not a hymn. Always check with the celebrant first.)
Exit Hymns:
- Abide with Me
- All Things Bright and Beautiful
- Amazing Grace
- Be Still My Soul
- Going Home (Quietly Peacefully)
- In The Sweet By and By
- May the Choirs of Angels
- May the Road Rise to Meet You
- Nearer My God to Thee
- Voice of an Angel
- You Are Mine
Exit popular music:
- In the Arms of the Angels
- Black is the Colour
- Bring him Home
- Danny Boy
- Jealous of the Angels
- Nella Fantasia
- Songbird
- The Voyage
- The Rose
- We’ll meet again
- You Raise me Up
Some nice instrumentals:
- An Cúlainn
- Gabriel’s Oboe
- Táimse im’ Chodladh
Civil/Non Religious Funeral Services
- A civil service can combine religious content with the family’s own choices of music, speeches, poems and words of remembrance.
- A non-religious service is without any religious content and is designed by the family with the assistance of a civil celebrant or Humanist celebrant. The service will usually consist of music, eulogies, poems and words or remembrance.
Talk to your funeral director to find out more.
