The Gospel

From the Book of Divine Worship - The Burial of the Dead - Rite Two.

Then, all standing, the Deacon or Priest appointed reads the Gospel, first saying:

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

John. 5:24-27 (He who believes has everlasting life)
John. 6:37-40 (All that the Father gives me will come to me)
John. 10:11-16 (I am the good shepherd)
John. 11:21-27 (I am the resurrection and the life)
John. 14:1-6 (In my Father's house are many rooms)

At the end of the Gospel, the Reader says:

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Here there may be a homily by the Celebrant, or other member of the clergy. The Apostles' Creed may then be said, all standing. The Celebrant may introduce the Creed with these or similar words:

In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith and say,

Celebrant and People:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

If there is no Funeral Mass, the Lord's Prayer is said here, and the service continues with the Prayers of the People, or with one or more suitable prayers. (See Additional Prayers at a Burial.)

When there is a Eucharist, the following form of the Prayers of the People is used, or else the form for the Prayers of the People set forth in the Burial of the Dead, Rite One.

For our brother (sister) , let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, "I am Resurrection and I am Life." Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for , and dry the tears of those who weep.

Hear us, Lord.

You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in our sorrow.

Hear us, Lord.

You raised the dead to life; give to our brother (sister) eternal life.

Hear us, Lord.

You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our brother (sister) to the joys of heaven.

Hear us, Lord.

Our brother (sister) was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; give him fellowship with all your saints.

Hear us, Lord.

He was nourished with your Body and Blood; grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.

Hear us, Lord.

Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother (sister); let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.

Silence may be kept.

The Celebrant concludes with one of the following or some other prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother (sister) , who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father's love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen.

Or this:

Father of all, we pray to you for , and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

When there is no Funeral Mass, the service continues with the Commendation, or with the Committal.