Songs at a funeral

Songs at a funeral Question from Agnes on 7/31/2008:

What is the proper approach to a pastor who agreed to allow these songs to be sung at the dismissal at a funeral: "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"? I think it would be a disgrace. Help, please.

Answer by Catholic Answers on 7/31/2008:

Agnes-- Presumably the pastor allowed it because the deceased was a baseball fan of Irish heritage. Rather than become confrontational over what was probably a well-intentioned concession to a grieving family, I recommend presenting the pastor with constructive suggestions for how to accommodate grief-stricken families while still preserving the dignity of the funeral (either with a Mass or without a Mass). For example, you might recommend that he suggest to families that such songs be played at a wake for the deceased instead of at the funeral. Michelle Arnold Catholic Answers