Readings are provided in The Order of Christian Funerals to give grieving families an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their fears and in their sorrows, offering hope in the midst of their pain. The Word proclaimed is God's way of speaking to us and can never be replaced by conventional wisdom or poetry.

If the family wishes to use additional readings that are not contained within The Order of Christian Funerals, they can do so at the conclusion of the Vigil for the Deceased, at the conclusion of the Rite of Committal, or during the funeral meal.

Two readings may be selected for use during the Funeral Liturgy. These readings are to be chosen from The Order of Christian Funerals. The first reading is taken from the Old Testament and the second is selected from the New Testament options. The responsorial psalm is sung. The Gospel is generally selected by the Presider, however, if the family has a request for the Gospel, that should be mentioned to him. Priests or deacons in good standing, who have been granted faculties by the Diocese of Greensburg may celebrate, concelebrate, or preach at a funeral at SMM. Readings may be accessed from the USCCB website here.