handbook for choirs - to final

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HANDBOOK ON CHURCH MUSIC: FOR

CHOIRS, PRIESTS AND CATHOLIC

FAITHFUL

` Rev. Peter Schineer, S.!.

FAITH AND LIFE SERIES

Volume ___

"AUDIUM ET SPES INSTITUTE

A#$%&, Ni'eri&



I()ri(&t$r: +John Onaiyekan

Archbishop of Abuja

First Published 2003

Copyright Peter !chineller" !#J#

All rights reser$ed%##

Printed in &igeria by



CONTENTS

P'(FAC(

)# *&'O,-C*O&

2# C.O*' A! /*&*!'

3# .O1 /A!!

# P'(!(& !*-A*O&

# C.-'C. (AC.*&4 5 4-*,(1*&(! FO' /-!*C

*. T+PES OF SON"S AND SIN"IN" AT MASS

. DETAILED OUTLINE OF SIN"IN" AT MASS

-. IMPORTANCE OF THE PRIEST, THE PRESIDER

6# SPIRITUALIT+ OF SIN"IN" PRA+IN" AND SIN"IN"

)0. CHOIR AND PARISH

)). CHOIR /0ARIET+ IN SON" AND MUSIC

)2 LAN"UA"E OF THE LITUR"ICAL H+MNS

)3 PH+SICAL LOCATION

12 CHOIR AND THE ARCHDIOCESE, AND THE NI"ERIAN CHURCH

13. SIN"IN" IN THE BIBLE /// H+MNS, SON"S IN THE BIBLE

1*. RE0IE4 AND CONCLUSION

1. BIBLIO"RAPH+



HANDBOOK ON CHURCH MUSIC: FOR CHOIRS,

PRIESTS AND CATHOLIC FAITHFUL

PREFACE

For 7ho8 is this book intended9 /ost directly" it is a .andbook for Choirs" to

encourage" guide and assist the8 especially as they sing at !unday /ass# :ut in a $ery

i8portant sense" it is 7ritten for priest" church leaders" and for all the people of 4od#

;hy9 :ecause it is a booklet about the i8portance of singing in the /ass# his should be a concern and responsibility of the priest 7ho presides at the /ass# *t is also the

responsibility of each and e$ery Catholic" because" as 7e 7ill see" the entire congregation

should be singing the /ass# o put this another 7ay" Church choirs 7ill ne$er be ableto i8ple8ent 7hat is said here" na8ely the instructions of the Church on singing" unless

that choir has the cooperation of the priests and the people of 4od# All of us ha$e to7ork and gro7 together to see that the /ass is truly a joyful celebration for all#

;hy is this booklet needed9 *n a 7ord" because fro8 8y e<perience and

obser$ation" there is a gap bet7een 7hat the Church says about singing and 7hat * see

happening in parishes and cathedrals# Priests" choirs" and the congregation ha$e not beensufficiently trained or for8ed in 7ho" 7hat" and 7hen 7e sing at !unday /ass# 'ather

than gi$e e<a8ples of that no7" * si8ply ask that the reader takes this book 7ith

seriousness# All that is said in it is not 8y o7n ideas" 8y o7n $ie7s of Church singing#'ather it is all based upon the instruction and teaching of the Church as in the !econd

=atican Council and subse>uent docu8ents# he 8ost recent docu8ent" and one that is

>uite co8prehensi$e is the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, issued in July2000# * 7ill refer to and >uote that docu8ent e<tensi$ely# &ote that 7hene$er there are

>uotations in #56 )rint, they are fro8 the official instructions of the Church#

/y hope" 8y goal is to i8pro$e the >uality" the joy" the spirit" the sense of

participation and celebration at !unday ?and to a lesser e<tent 7eekday@ /asses# * agree

$ery 8uch 7ith the beautiful obser$ation 8ade in the “Instruction on Music in the

Liturgy, 1967 (No. 16

One c&nn5t 7in6 &n8thin' (5re rei'i5$9 &n6 (5re %587$ in 9&cre6

cee#r&ti5n9 th&n & h5e c5n're'&ti5n e;)re99in' it9 7&ith &n6 6ev5ti5n in

95n'. There75re, the &ctive )&rtici)&ti5n 57 the h5e )e5)e, hich i9 9h5n

in 9in'in', i9 t5 #e c&re7$8 )r5(5te6<



). INTRODUCTION

1et us begin 7ith a fe7 basic >uestions# Our hope is that this booklet 7ill pro$ide

ans7ers for these basic and i8portant >uestions#

1. Why sing at Mass at all? Why not just say the prayers? What does singing add?

2. What is the main function of the choir at Sunday liturgy? What is your priority,

major goal? Then, depending upon hat that goal is, ho do you or! to achie"e

it? What steps and means?

#. What parts of the Mass should $e sung $efore others? Where should the priority

$e?What parts, in regard to singing, are less important or more optional?

%. &o you see the difference $eteen singing 'T Mass, and S()*()* T+ Mass?

The -hurch emphasies S()*()* T+ Mass rather than only singing 'T Mass.

/. (n addition to assisting at Sunday Masses, hat other functions does the choir ser"e

ithin the parish, ithin the local community?

*f this booklet pro$ides ans7ers for these >uestions in a con$incing 8anner" it 7ill ha$eachie$ed its purpose#

;here do these >uestions arise9 hroughout &igeria" in e$ery city and $illage"7here$er you find a Catholic Church or outstation" you 7ill find one or t7o or three

Church choirs# &igerians lo$e to sing" and the choirs help and lead in the singing# Choirs

8eet during the 7eek for se$eral hours to prepare for the !unday /ass or /asses# /uchdedication" energy" hard 7ork" organiation and practice goes into the choir#

Our concern here" therefore" is not to stir up interest in the choir" not to encourage

8ore 8e8bers to join# *n that sense" there is probably no need to e$en ask the first>uestion of B;hy sing at /ass at all9 &igerian Catholics sense that singing is

i8portant" it 8eans stronger prayer" it unites us 7ith 4od and 7ith our brothers and

sisters# :ut" it see8s to 8e that 7e ha$e 8uch to do to i8pro$e the o$erall singing at/ass# here are 7ays and 8eans to i8pro$e the 8inistry of the choir# *n the final

analysis" our goal is to i8pro$e the >uality" the holiness" the sense of co88unity and

prayer" at our !unday and 7eekday /asses# And 7e do this by assisting the choir incarrying out its 8inistry#

!o8eone has said that Bno other art brings liturgy so ali$e as does good church

8usicD o 8ake the !unday /ass ali$e and filled 7ith celebration" to 8ake it a holy



and prayerful celebration" in accord 7ith the guidelines of the Catholic Church" that is our

goal#

B4ood church 8usic depends upon a good trained and infor8ed choir" a singing

congregation or asse8bly" and a priest 7ho presides" enjoys" participates" and leads so8e

of the singing# he parish !unday /ass should be so 7ell done and sung so 7ell that people" e$en fro8 neighboring parishes" 7ill 7ant to co8e to your parish because of the

beauty and prayerfulness" because of the singing and celebration at your parish#

;e 8entioned that there is little need to encourage choirs" because they already

ha$e such dedication and energy# :ut 7e can gi$e here the beautiful 7ords of

encourage8ent of Pope Paul =* to the )0th *nternational Congress of Church Choirs in

)6E0# .e says

C&rr8 5$t 85$r (i99i5n ith %58, ith 5ve, ith reverence, &n6 ith

6e6ic&ti5n. The 9)here 75r 85$r )r5)er 7$ncti5n i9 i((en9e<. D5 n5t c$t

85$r9eve9 577 7r5( the re=$ire(ent9 57 the rite9 5r 75r'et the nee69 57 thec5n're'&ti5n. D5 n5t 9h$t 85$r9eve9 $), c5ntr&r8 t5 "56>9 i, in

n&rci99i9tic c5()&cenc8 5ver 85$r virt$59it8 &n6 &rti9tic &#iitie9. R&ther,

?n5 e h5 t5 'ive re& '$i6&nce t5 the &99e(#8 #8 in9)irin' )e5)e t5

9in', #8 r&i9in' the eve 57 their t&9te, #8 &r5$9in' their 6e9ire t5 t&?e )&rt.

"ive t5 the cee#r&ti5n9 95e(nit8, %58, $nit8. Thi9 i9 & )ricee99 9ervice 85$

&re 'ivin' t5 the Ch$rch< +5$ ($9t 6ev5te & 85$r )5er t5 th&t 9ervice.

As the Pope e<plains and as 7e 7ill see" the choir is perfor8ing a ser$ice or

8inistry to the entire congregation ?not a singing concert or perfor8ance for thecongregation@# A key purpose of the choir is to inspire e$eryone to sing" to arouse their

desire to take part# :y doing this" the celebration of .oly /ass 7ill ha$e sole8nity" joy"

and unity# Clearly this is a challenge in $ie7 of the understanding of the people and the priest" in $ie7 of the understanding of the choir# *n all honesty" 8any Catholics e<pect

the choir to perfor8" and they judge the choir by its singing e<pertise# he choir 8ay see

its role this 7ay too# :ut" as 7e 7ill see" in the eyes of the Church teaching anddocu8ents" this is &O the 8ain purpose of the choir" nor the correct understanding of

the sacred liturgy#

@. CHOIR AS MINISTR+



Parishes" in particular those in &igeria" ha$e 8any societies or organiations

such as the 1egion of /ary" and the Catholic ;o8enGs Organiation# hey also ha$e aParish Council" a Parish 1aity Council" and nor8ally a Parish Finance Co88ittee#

*n addition" parishes ha$e other groups of persons 7hich are 8ore officially partof the official 8inistries of the Church that assist in the celebration of /ass# A8ong these

7ould be the altar ser$ers" the lay readers" the !pecial /inisters of Co88union" ushers

or 8inisters of hospitality# ;ith these official 8inistries" 7e note especially the choir orthe 8inisters of 8usic#

Of course the choir is also an organiation that holds 8eetings" conducts

practices" has officials and socialies on occasions# :ut abo$e all" it is a 8inistry orser$ice to the Parish" especially for the celebration of /ass# he choir plays an official

role in the /ass" assisting the priest and guiding the congregation# A state8ent on

Church /usic fro8 the :ishops of the -!A 8akes this clear#

The Ch$rch ($9ici&n i9 7ir9t & 6i9ci)e &n6 then & (ini9ter< n5t (ere8 &n

e()58ee 5r v5$nteer. He 5r 9he i9 & (ini9ter, 95(e5ne h5 9h&re9 7&ith,

9erve9 the c5(($nit8, &n6 e;)re99e9 the 5ve 57 "56 &n6 nei'h#5r thr5$'h

($9ic USA Bi9h5)9, 0iturgical Music Today, *2.

o be a disciples is to be a@ one 7ho follo7s Jesus and his 7ay" and b@ one 7ho learns" a

learner# Choir 8e8bers should ha$e both these >ualities# *n addition" the Church

8usician is a 8inister# o be a 8inister is to be one 7ho ser$es" 7ho responds" 7ho is

part of the larger picture# .e or she is not so 8uch in the center" but at the ser$ice ofothers" of the larger co88unity# he choir accordingly is there to ser$e" to help the larger

co88unity" the congregation to pray and 7orship in the best 7ay possible#

o 8ake the point that the choir perfor8s an official 8inistry" let 8e refer to the

7ords of !t# Pius H" in )603# Part of 7hat he says about 7o8en and their place in the

Church no longer teaches or holds# oday 7o8en can be 8e8bers and leaders of choirs#:ut the heart of 7hat he says" and the reason * gi$e this >uote is that the ch5ir 7$7i9 &

re& it$r'ic& 7$ncti5n. .e 7rites

Ch$rch 9in'er9 7$7i & re& it$r'ic& 7$ncti5n. There75re, 9ince 5(en

c&nn5t )&rtici)&te in thi9 577ice, the8 c&nn5t #e &5e6 t5 %5in the ch5ir 5r

#ec5(e & ch5ir(&9ter.

;e thank 4od that things ha$e changed and 7o8en are able to add their talent" gifts" and

$oices to the choirD

*f 8usic is a 8inistry" then it is not si8ply a ser$ice profession# /usic 8inistry is

a 8usical" affecti$e" and grateful response of 4odGs people# *t is not so8ething that 7e

si8ply Bdo or Bpro$ide for so8eone else# *t is a holy 7ay of li$ing and an e<pression

of our 7ay of li$ing for 4od and one another ?.aas" =iii@



.ere is one description or definition of the choir they are mem!ers of the

assem!ly "ho lea# $eo$le in $rayer through their musical gifts. %hey ha&e an im$ortant role in hel$ing the assem!ly to res$on# strongly in the acclamations, litanies, $salms an#

hymns. %here are also times ("hich are rare "hen it is a$$ro$riate for them to sing a

selection alone. %heir acti&ity is #etermine# !y the liturgy, in ser&ice to the liturgy.%heir focus is not a re$ertoire of hymns !ut on their role to get all in&ol&e# an# singing.

he choir 8ay 7ell need so8e of the hu8ility of /ary 7ho affir8s that B * a8the ser$ant of the 1ord# he choir achie$es its purpose 7hen the co88unity is singing

and celebrating" acti$ely participating in the /ass# 1ike Jesus" the choir too co8es" Bnot

to be ser$ed" but to ser$e" to gi$e 7itness to a life of ser$ice for the good of the parish

co88unity#

. HOL+ MASS



*f 7e are to understand the role and function of the choir at /ass" it 8akes sense

to be sure that 7e ha$e a solid understanding of the parts and 8o$e8ent of the /ass#his 7ill enable us to understand 7hat parts of the /ass should be sung" 7hen the choir

and congregation should sing" and 7hy they should sing# *n addition" one should ha$e a

sense of the 8eaning of the liturgical feasts and seasons" such as Ad$ent" 1ent" (aster" sothat songs 7ould be chosen that are appropriate for those feasts and seasons#

here are t7o 8ain parts to the /ass" na8ely the 1iturgy of ;ord and the1iturgy of the (ucharist# hese t7o parts are so closely connected ?;ord and

!acra8ent@ so as to for8 one act of 7orship# here are t7o additional parts" na8ely" the

*ntroduction or 4athering" and the Conclusion or 4oing Forth# hese t7o parts are

secondary# he t7o 8ain parts of the /ass correspond to the t7o 8ain pieces offurnishing in the sanctuary" na8ely the lectern" the place fro8 7here 7e hear the ;ord

of 4od" and the altar" the table fro8 7hich 7e recei$e .oly Co88union#

*# he *ntroduction or 4athering begins 7ith the processional hy8n" the 4reeting by the priest" the penitential rite or sprinkling 7ith holy 7ater" the 4loria" and it ends

7ith the Opening Prayer said or sung by the priest#**# he 1iturgy of the ;ord begins 7ith the !criptural reading" on !unday fro8

the Old esta8ent# his is follo7ed by the Psal8" a second reading" the Alleluia" and

then the 4ospel# he ho8ily e<plores and e<plains the gospel# hen" on !undays" the profession of faith and the intercessions or Prayer of the Faithful#

***# he 1iturgy of the (ucharist begins 7ith the collecting of the gifts" and then

the procession of gifts to the altar# 'ather than calling this the Offertory" it is no7 called

the Preparation of the 4ifts# he gifts are brought to the altar and sho7n briefly to the people# hen 7e 8o$e to the high point of the /ass" the (ucharistic prayer 7hich begins

7ith the preface and then one of the 8any Canons or (ucharistic prayers# his part of the

/ass in$ol$es three accla8ations 7hich should be sung ?.oly" .oly" .oly" theaccla8ation of faith" and the 4reat A8en@# ;e continue to Co88union" and this part of

the /ass ends 7ith the Prayer after Co88union#

*=# he Conclusion or 4oing Forth begins 7ith any announce8ents# hen the priest gi$es the final blessing and sends the people forth on 8ission#

!inging at the /ass should highlight and celebrate the t7o 8ost i8portant parts

of the /ass# he *ntroduction leads up to the 1iturgy of the ;ord" and the Conclusionfollo7s fro8 the 1iturgy of the (ucharist# hese parts should not be o$erly e8phasied"

and thus singing during those parts is less i8portant and should not distract or delay the

e8phasis upon the 1iturgy of the ;ord and the 1iturgy of the (ucharist#

# PRESENT SITUATION



*n 8any Catholic Churches in &igeria" the singing is centered on 7hat is called

the Bfour hy8n syndro8e# his is especially true at 7eekday /asses" but it also affects

ho7 7e sing on !undays# ;hat is this Bfour hy8n syndro8e and 7here did it co8efro89 /ore i8portantly" 7hy it is inade>uate and 8ust be changed or 8odified9

FOUR H+MN S+NDROME# his consists of the choir or the choir and the people" orthe people alone" singing basically four hy8ns at /ass" " and then possibly adding other

parts such as the 4loria or the Creed# he four that are al7ays sung" and that see8 to be

8ost i8portant 7ould be)# (ntrance hy8nI 2# .y8n during the OffertoryI 3# Co88union hy8nI and #

Closing hy8n#

One reason 7hy these 7ere sung is that the /ass 7as in 1atin" rather than (nglishor the $ernacular# People did not understand 1atin# hus they could not readily join in or

respond to the prayers of the priest# 'ather" the people sang hy8ns 7hile the priest said

or celebrated the /ass# *n addition" before the !econd =atican Council" there 7as an

incorrect e8phasis on the Offertory" 7hich 7as taken to be one of the three 8ain parts ofthe /ass ?Offertory" Consecration" and Co88union@# his ga$e too 8uch e8phasis to

the offertory 7hich is no7 8ore correctly and 8ore 8odestly described and called BthePreparation of the 4ifts# As such" it is not so essential to sing during that part of the

/ass#

;ith the /ass no7 celebrated in the $ernacular" the ideal is not that 7e sing A

/ass" 7hile the priest prays" but that 7e !*&4 .( /A!!" responding to the priest and

joining 7ith hi8 in so8e i8portant parts of the /ass# As a 8atter of fact" there are

8ore than ten parts of the /ass that 8ay be sung" and 8any further options for the priestcelebrant# ;e note too that the old description of B.igh /ass or B1o7 /ass is no

longer used to talk about singing at /ass#

# CHURCH TEACHIN" / "UIDELINES FOR MUSIC



;e present here three key points and principles that should guide choirs and

priests in the singing at /ass#

A. PRINCIPLE OF ACTI0E PARTICIPATION B+ ALL

Art. 112. The tre&9$r8 57 9&cre6 ($9ic i9 t5 #e )re9erve6 &n6 759tere6

ith 're&t c&re. Ch5ir9 ($9t #e 6ii'ent8 )r5(5te6, e9)eci&8 in c&the6r&

ch$rche9G #$t #i9h5)9 &n6 5ther )&9t5r9 57 95$9 ($9t #e &t )&in9 t5 en9$re

th&t, henever the 9&cre6 &cti5n i9 t5 #e cee#r&te6 ith 95n', the h5e #568

57 the 7&ith7$ (&8 #e &#e t5 c5ntri#$te th&t &ctive )&rtici)&ti5n hich i9

ri'ht8 their9. 0&tic&n II, -onstitution on the 0iturgy

&ote that the 7hole body of the faithful should contribute# his is a 8ost i8portant

principle" and one that is fre>uently not understood or follo7ed# he choir should see its

8ain function to be to stir up and lead and e<e8plify acti$e participation and singing byeach and e$ery 8e8ber of the asse8bly# he function of the choir is as a ser$ice to the

larger co88unity# *t is &O to replace the singing of the people# *t is &O pri8arily to sing for the people# * belie$e that if this principle is understood and

reflected upon" it 7ill result in so8e 8ajor changes in the i8age" 7ork" function of the

a$erage choir in &igeria#

his sa8e principle is found in the 'atechism of the 'atholic 'hurch, 117.

here 7e read

S5n' &n6 ($9ic 7$7i their 7$ncti5n &9 9i'n9 in & (&nner & the (5re

9i'ni7ic&nt hen the8 &re (5re c59e8 c5nnecte6<ith the it$r'ic&

&cti5n, &cc5r6in' t5 three )rinci)& criteri&: #e&$t8 e;)re99ive 57 )r&8er, the

$n&ni(5$9 )&rtici)&ti5n 57 the &99e(#8 &t the 6e9i'n&te6 (5(ent9, &n6 the

95e(n ch&r&cter 57 the cee#r&ti5n.

&ote especially the e8phasis upon Bthe unani8ous participation of the asse8bly at the

designated 8o8ents# *n other 7ords" 7e 8ight say that 7e should judge the success of

a choir not by ho7 7ell the ch5ir 9in'9" but #8 h5 e the8 759ter &n6 enc5$r&'e the

$n&ni(5$9 )&rtici)&ti5n 57 the &99e(#8 in the singingD

he people" the entire congregation" 8ust see that they are the pri8ary actors in

the liturgical e$ent# hey are not" and should not be passi$e recipients# hey should notsay or think that 7e co8e to pray and Bthe choir does the singing# o 8ake the point

8ore boldly" 7e could say that the pri8ary 8inister of 8usic is not the choir" the cantor"

but rather the gathered asse8bly# As they are the Church" they are also the singingChurch#

:ecause this point is so central" 7e refer to the 8ost recent docu8ent of the

Church" the re$ised General Instruction on the Roman /issal" &o# )03# here 7e read



The schola cantorum 5r ch5ir e;erci9e9 it9 5n it$r'ic& 7$ncti5n &(5n' the

7&ith7$. It9 t&9? i9 t5 en9$re th&t )&rt9 )r5)er t5 it, in ?ee)in' ith the

6i77erent t8)e9 57 ch&nt9, &re c&rrie6 5$t #ec5(in'8 &n6 t5 enc5$r&'e &ctive

)&rtici)&ti5n 57 the )e5)e in the 9in'in'. 4h&t i9 9&i6 &#5$t the ch5ir &))ie9

in & 9i(i&r &8 t5 5ther ($9ici&n9,

Again" the !econd =atican Council" 'onstitution on the 1iturgy" Art# 30 states

B8 &8 57 )r5(5tin' &ctive )&rtici)&ti5n, the )e5)e 9h5$6 #e enc5$r&'e6

t5 t&?e )&rt #8 (e&n9 57 &cc&(&ti5n9, re9)5n9e9, )9&(568, &nti)h5n9, &n6

95n'9, &9 e &9 #8 &cti5n9, 'e9t$re9 &n6 #56i8 &ttit$6e9. An6 &t the )r5)er

ti(e9, & 9h5$6 5#9erve & reverent 9ience.

.o7 the choir encourages this 7ill take so8e ti8e and so8e creati$ity# Clearly the choir

director ?and the priest@ 8ust in$ite and encourage the people to sing# hey should 8ake

a$ailable the 7ords of the hy8ns" clearly announce 7hat hy8ns 7ill be sung and ho7the faithful should sing the hy8n or at least the chorus or refrain# he choir 8ust also

sing 8usic that is basically si8ple and accessible to the congregation#

B. SIN"IN" AS AN INTE"RAL PART OF THE LITUR"+

For !unday /ass" and to a lesser e<tent for 7eekday /asses" 7e should not think

that singing is optional# ;e should not think that singing parts of the /ass is only to bedone on !undays" or only to be done by so8e of the congregation# 'ather" as the

Church teaches" singing is an integral part of the liturgy# hus 7e read

Art. 11@ The ($9ic& tr&6iti5n 57 the $niver9& Ch$rch i9 & tre&9$re 57

ine9ti(&#e v&$e, 're&ter even th&n th&t 57 &n8 5ther &rt. The (&in re&95n

75r thi9 )re/e(inence i9 th&t, &9 9&cre6 95n' $nite6 t5 the 5r69, it 75r(9 &

nece99&r8 5r inte'r& )&rt 57 the 95e(n it$r'8.

Sin'in' 75r(9 & nece99&r8 5r inte'r& )&rt 57 the 95e(n it$r'8 &n6 95 it

9h5$6 n5t re&6i8 5r e&9i8 #e entire8 5(itte6 C5n9tit$ti5n 5n the Lit$r'8

he 4eneral *nstruction on the 'o8an 1iturgy ?henceforth 4*'/@ has a sectionentitled" Bhe *8portance of !inging# here 7e read

. The 7&ith7$ h5 '&ther t5'ether t5 &&it the L5r6>9 c5(in' &re

in9tr$cte6 #8 the A)59te P&$ t5 9in' t5'ether )9&(9 &n6 in9)ire6 it$r'ic&

95n'9 9ee C5. :1*. Lit$r'ic& 95n' i9 the 9i'n 57 the he&rt>9 %58 9ee Act9

@:2*. Th$9 St. A$'$9tine 9&89 ri'ht8: T5 9in' #e5n'9 t5 5ver9. There i9

&95 the &ncient )r5ver#: One h5 9in'9 e )r&89 tice "IRM,



2 4ith 6$e c5n9i6er&ti5n 75r the c$t$re &n6 &#iit8 57 e&ch it$r'ic&

&99e(#8, 're&t i()5rt&nce 9h5$6 #e &tt&che6 t5 the $9e 57 9in'in' in the

cee#r&ti5n 57 the M&99. Ath5$'h it i9 n5t &&89 nece99&r8 t5 9in' & the

te;t9 th&t &re 57 the(9eve9 (e&nt t5 #e 9$n' e.'. in ee?6&8 M&99e9,

neverthee99 the complete a$sence of all singing $y ministers and people hich$y la accompanies cele$rations hich ta!e place in Sundays and +oly &ays of

o$ligation should $e particularly guarded against.

In ch559in' the )&rt9 &ct$&8 t5 #e 9$n', h5ever, )re7erence 9h5$6

#e 'iven t5 th59e th&t &re (5re 9i'ni7ic&nt &n6 e9)eci&8 t5 th59e t5 #e 9$n'

#8 the )rie9t 5r 6e&c5n 5r re&6er, ith the )e5)e re9)5n6in' 5r #8 the )rie9t

&n6 )e5)e t5'ether "IRM, 2.

*n a 7ord" liturgy 7ithout 8usic is not liturgy# ;ords that are sung are 8ore deeply

co88unicated than 7hen they are 8erely recited# .o7 8uch better to sing B.appy

:irthday than to say it# !o too 7ith BAlleluia# !inging bonds the congregation to one

another in praise and thanksgi$ing# *t strengthens the people to go forth and li$e thegospel call#

C. ALL IN0OL0ED IN SIN"IN" THE MASS, RATHER THAN SOME

IN0OL0ED IN SIN"IN" AT MASS

Our goal is that A11 the people" not just the choir or select persons" sing the

/ass# :y singing the /ass" 7e 8ean that the i8portant parts of the /ass" and the prayersin 7hich the people participate and profess their faith should be sung first of all" if there

is any singing" and before any other hy8ns or songsD his is a strong state8ent yet it is

e<actly 7hat the Church desires# (<actly 7hat parts of the /ass this refers to" 7ill bee<plained further on#

As 7e ha$e just e<plained and >uoted

In ch559in' the )&rt9 &ct$&8 t5 #e 9$n', h5ever, )re7erence 9h5$6 #e

'iven t5 th59e th&t &re (5re 9i'ni7ic&nt &n6 e9)eci&8 t5 th59e t5 #e 9$n' #8

the )rie9t 5r 6e&c5n 5r re&6er, ith the )e5)e re9)5n6in' 5r #8 the )rie9t

&n6 )e5)e t5'ether "IRM, 2.

*n 8y $ie7 and fro8 8y e<perience" the 8ost difficult challenge facing the choir

is to get the entire congregation to join in the singing# he people 8ust be educated in

this direction" and the choir 8ust consciously in$ite the congregation to join the singing"and 8ake it easy for the8 by singing si8ple hy8ns" or hy8ns 7ith responses that can

easily be sung# #



Thr5$'h 9$it&#e in9tr$cti5n &n6 )r&ctice9, the )e5)e 9h5$6 #e 'r&6$&8

e6 t5 & 7$er in6ee6 t5 & c5()ete )&rtici)&ti5n in th59e )&rt9 57 the

9in'in' hich )ert&in t5 the( In9tr$cti5n 5n M$9ic in Lit$r'8, 1*, N5.

1*.

The 75r(&ti5n 57 the h5e )e5)e in 9in'in', 9h5$6 #e 9eri5$98 &n6)&tient8 $n6ert&?en t5'ether ith it$r'ic& in9tr$cti5n< In9tr$cti5n 5n

M$9ic in Lit$r'8, 1*, N5. 1-.



*. T+PES OF SON"S AND SIN"IN" AT MASS

he /ass has a rich $ariety of 8o$e8ents" types of prayers" gestures" and actions#

here are different types of songs" different tones and 8oods for the $arious parts of the

/ass that are to be sung# !o8e parts of the /ass are 8ore central and i8portant thanothers# hese 8ore i8portant parts could and should be highlighted by singing# First 7e

present the si< types of singing in outline" and 7e then 7ill e<pand and e<plain the8

8ore fully# hus" there are

1. FOUR ACCLAMATIONS A@ AlleluiaI :@ .oly" .oly" .olyI C@ the 8e8orial

accla8ation of faithI ,@ the 4reat A8en# hese should be sung before any other

parts of the /ass# Accla8ations are !.O-! 5 es" * belie$e" es * 7ill do thisDhey are short" 8usically strong" best sung by heart# hey co8e at the 8ost

significant parts of the /ass# !ho7 our strong assent to 4odGs ;ord and 4odGs

Action#

@. RESPONSORIAL PSALM# his is al7ays sung# he asse8bly should sing the

refrain# he cantor should sing the Psal8 and teach the refrain#

. PROCESSIONAL SON"S he (ntrance song and Co88union processional

?note that the recessional hy8n is not included here@

2. ORDINAR+ CHANTS the yrie" 4loria" 1ordGs Prayer" 1a8b of 4od" Creed

8ay or 8ay not be sung#

3. SUPPLEMENTAR+ SON"S a hy8n during the Preparation of the 4ifts and the

'ecessional ?at the end of /ass@" and a song after Co88union# hese are least

i8portant" and can be sung by choir or people" or o8itted#

*. LITANIES Penitential 'ite" the Prayer of the Faithful" the 1a8b of 4od

-sually these are 8ore effecti$e 7hen sung" but need not be# hese in$ol$e

repetition of sa8e or si8ilar phrase or refrain" that should be sung at least three

ti8es#

. DETAILED OUTLINE OF SIN"IN" AT MASS



1. "ATHERIN" H+MN# As the priest and 8inisters process to the altar" a hy8n

should be sung that 4A.('! .( P(OP1( O4(.(' in song" gets the8 into the8ood" creates an at8osphere" and sets the tone for prayerful celebration# hus this

should not be a hy8n sung only by the choir# *t should be a hy8n that the people are

fa8iliar 7ith and can sing loud and clear# Or" it 8ight be a hy8n 7hich the choiralternates 7ith the congregation#

The )$r)59e 57 thi9 it$r'ic& 95n' i9 t5 5)en the cee#r&ti5n,

inten9i78 the $nit8 57 th59e h5 h&ve &99e(#e6, e&6 their th5$'ht9 t5 the

(89ter8 57 the 9e&95n 5r 7e&9t, &n6 &cc5()&n8 the )r5ce99i5n 57 )rie9t &n6

(ini9ter9 "IRM, 2.

The 5)enin' it$r'ic& 95n' i9 9$n' &tern&te8 either #8 the ch5ir &n6 the

)e5)e, 5r #8 the c&nt5r &n6 the )e5)eG 5r it i9 9$n' entire8 #8 the )e5)e 5r

#8 the ch5ir &5ne "IRM, 2-.

* ad8it * a8 surprised that the docu8ent states that it 8ight be sung by the choir alone#his does not see8 to be in har8ony 7ith the purpose of the song" na8ely to gather A11

the people#

!ince its function is to acco8pany the procession of the 8inisters to the altar" it

should not be unduly prolonged in a 7ay that it delays the priest beginning the /ass# &ote again ho7e$er" that the focus of this hy8n is not the priest" but 8ore the gathered

asse8bly# Of all the hy8ns sung on a !unday or feast day" this should be 8ost

seasonal" that is" in accord 7ith the spirit of the liturgical season or the feast celebrated#

@. SPRINKLIN" 4ITH 4ATER 5r PENITENTIAL RITE.

a@ !P'*&*&4 ;*. :1(!!(, ;A(' On !undays" it is $ery proper and

fitting to ha$e this ritual ?so8eti8es called the Asperges@ occasionally# ;hile the

people are being sprinkled" a hy8n of praise" or a hy8n for the co8ing of the .oly !piritshould be sung# !o8e suggest that the 4loria can be sung 7hile the priest 8o$es about

the congregation sprinkling#

b@ P(&*(&*A1 '*(# his is no so 8uch a confession of our sins" not a listof our sins# 'ather the e8phasis and focus is on praise and thanksgi$ing to 4od for his

co8passion" forgi$eness and 8ercy# *f the yrie is sung" it should not be o$erly long or

elaborate# it i9 5r6in&ri8 )r&8e6 #8 &, th&t i9, &tern&te8 #8 the c5n're'&ti5n &n6

the ch5ir 5r c&nt5r "IRM 3@. hus all the people should sing it or the people 7ith

the choir alternating# his part of the /ass is still a part of the introduction to the

;ord" and should not be o$ere8phasied#

. "LORIA# his is the only true hy8n in the liturgy# &or8ally this 7ould be sung# *t

is a prayer of praise of the people" so they should sing it# *t should not be o$erly long or



elaborate# *t is still a part of the introduction# his is not the ti8e for a perfor8ance by

the choir# *f the choir leads it" the people definitely should participate by singing a

refrain#it i9 9$n' #8 ever85ne t5'ether, 5r #8 the )e5)e &tern&te8 ith the ch5ir,

5r the ch5ir &5ne. I7 n5t 9$n', it i9 t5 #e recite6 either #8 & 5r #8 t5 )&rt9

57 the c5n're'&ti5n re9)5n6in' t5 e&ch 5ther "IRM 3

.ere again * a8 surprised that the *nstruction allo7s the choir to sing it alone# his is not

in accord 7ith its state8ent that this is a hy8n and prayer of the asse8bled Church#

2 RESPONSORIAL PSALM

!o8e call this the second reading" because it is a significant part of !cripture" usually aPsal8 that is prayed#

.ere is the place for a cantor" that is an indi$idual choir 8e8ber to guide and lead the

singing of the co88unity# Proclai8ing the psal8 is clearly the 7ork of the cantor ?notthe lector@ and the refrain is sung by the asse8bly after being sung " taught or

introduced by the cantor#It i9 &))r5)ri&te th&t the re9)5n95ri& )9&( #e 9$n', &t e&9t &9 7&r &9 the

)e5)e>9 re9)5n9e i9 c5ncerne6 "IRM *1.

!o that the people can learn the refrain and sing it" it is i8portant that the refrain be

!*/P1(# he focus should be on the 7ords of the !cripture" and not on so8e o$erly

co8ple< 8elody that the people ha$e difficulty in singing and re8e8bering#

&ote too that during the (aster season" and 7ith so8e of the Psal8s throughout the year"

the refrain can 8ore si8ply be a sung Alleluia" rather than a full $erse or refrain# his

si8ple option should be used 5 again so that the people focus on the Psal8 and do not getlost in trying to re8e8ber the refrain#

3. ALLELUIA 5r ACCLAMATION

An accla8ation signifies a shout of joy fro8 the 7hole asse8bly# *t is al7ays

sung on !unday# he people assent" or say a strong yes to 4odGs 7ord and action# he

8elody should be strong" appealing" affir8ati$e" and so si8ple and easy that thecongregation kno7s it by heart#

The &e$i& i9 9$n' #8 & 9t&n6in'< The ver9e i9 9$n' either #8 the ch5ir

5r the c&nt5r "IRM *@.

Again" that sa8e docu8ent adds that the &e$i& ver9e #e75re the "59)e (&8 #e

5(itte6 i7 it i9 n5t 9$n' "IRM *.

he A11(1-*A is not a response to second reading" but beginning of the 8o$e8ent to

proclai8 the gospel# *t announces or proclai8s the co8ing of the 4ospel" the story of



Jesus# he priest or deacon 7ho 7ill proclai8 the gospel should stand and 8o$e as soon

as the alleluia begins#

*. CREED OR PROFESSION OF FAITH.

The )r57e99i5n 57 7&ith i9 t5 #e 9$n' 5r 9&i6 #8 the )rie9t t5'ether ith the

)e5)e t5 re9)5n6 &n6 t5 'ive their &99ent< I7 it i9 9$n', it i9 9$n' #8 &

t5'ether, 5r #8 the )e5)e &tern&tin' ith the ch5ir. I7 n5t 9$n', it ($9t #e

recite6 #8 & t5'ether 5r #8 t5 )&rt9 57 the c5n're'&ti5n re9)5n6in' 5ne t5

the 5ther "IRM *-.

&ote that it does not allo7 the choir alone to sing the entire Creed# !o8e e<perts in8usic and liturgy 7ould prefer that the Profession of Faith be recited rather than sung"

because it is not a hy8n" but a declaration of faith# *f it is sung" it should be a si8ple

straightfor7ard 8elody rather than co8ple<" in$ol$ed 8usical structure#

. PRA+ER OF THE FAITHFUL "ENERAL INTERCESSIONS.

&ote the se>uence of intentions 7e should be praying for

75r the nee69 57 the Ch$rch, 75r )$#ic &$th5ritie9 &n6 the 9&v&ti5n 57 the

h5e 5r6, 75r th59e 5))re99e6 #8 &n8 nee6, 75r the 5c& c5(($nit8 "IRM

.

his is not the ti8e for long speeches" for repetitions of the gospel or ho8ily# 'ather it is brief" clear prayer for specific needs as indicated abo$e#

Occasionally the petitions the8sel$es could be chanted ?if they are brief" as they should be@# he refrain or response" si8ilar to a litany prayer" can al7ays be sung# Again" the

response should be clear and si8ple" for e<a8ple" B1ord" hear our prayer" or B.ear

our hu8ble prayer" 8ercy on your people" 1ordD

-. PREPARATION OF THE "IFTS.

his part of the /ass" the beginning of the 1iturgy of the (ucharist" is no longer called

specifically the Offertory# 'ather it is called the preparation of the gifts# he gifts are

collected and brought to the altar# here is no real offering of gifts at this ti8e of the/ass# he gifts are 8erely lifted up and sho7ed to the people# he real offering 7ill

take place during the (ucharistic Prayer" 7hen 7e offer oursel$es" all 7e ha$e and are"

7ith Jesus" to the Father#



The )r5ce99i5n #rin'in' the 'i7t9 i9 &cc5()&nie6 #8 the it$r'ic& 95n' 75r

the )re)&r&ti5n 57 the 'i7t9, hich c5ntin$e9 &t e&9t $nti the 'i7t9 h&ve #een

)&ce6 5n the &t&r "IRM 2.

*t adds that this is like the gathering hy8n" na8ely to be sung by the choir and people

alternately or the people alone or the choir alone# he hy8n need not speak of bread and7ine# And since this part of the /ass is not really the offering of bread and 7ine" so8e

of the current and traditional hy8ns 7hich e8phasie offering are not really suitable#

he hy8n can speak of praise" joy and thanksgi$ing to 4od# Or it could be a hy8n inaccord 7ith the season of the year" for e<a8ple" Christ8as" 1ent or (aster#

his can be the opportunity for the choir to sing a hy8n on its o7n# Or on

occasion it could si8ply be instru8ental 8usic 7ith no 7ords# *n any case" singing and8usic at this ti8e should not delay the priest and keep hi8 7aiting# *ts function is to

acco8pany the preparation of the gifts#

. PREFACE &n6 HOL+, HOL+, HOL+

*f the priest sings the preface" then it is natural and nor8al that the !A&C-! 7ill be

sung" as it should be# *t is one of the 8ajor accla8ations of the /ass and has the highest

priority in being sung#

Acc&(&ti5n: %5inin' ith the &n'e9, the h5e c5n're'&ti5n 9in'9 the

S&nct$9 Thi9 &cc&(&ti5n i9 &n intrin9ic )&rt 57 the E$ch&ri9tic Pr&8er &n6

& the )e5)e %5in ith the )rie9t in 9in'in' 5r recitin' it "IRM

.

he .oly" .oly should be 7ell kno7n by the people and easily sung# he sa8e is true ofthe other accla8ations of faith that are intrinsic to the (ucharistic Prayer#

1. EUCHARISTIC PRA+ER

hese 8ay be sung or chanted in their entirety by the priest" and in the back of the!acra8entary are suggested 7ays of singing the $arious canons# *ndeed this is the 8ost

i8portant part of the /ass" and on occasion" to e8phasie this as the central part of the

/ass" it 7ould be good for the priest to chant it#

11. ACCLAMATION OF FAITH.

he ne<t 8ajor accla8ation follo7s the rite of *nstitution# Again" it is one of the

four top8ost priorities of 7hat should be sung at e$ery /ass" if there is any singing at all#



*f the priest intones it" as he should" then the people are clearly in$ited to

Bproclai8 the 8ystery of faith in song# here are 8any 8elodies and different 7ords

too for this central accla8ation# he 8elody should be si8ple" 7ell kno7n" and notlong# !o8eti8es the sa8e 8elody can be used here as for the follo7ing accla8ation"

the 4reat A8en#

*n so8e places" there is a refrain or accla8ation sung t7ice" after the

consecration of the bread and again after the consecration of the 7ine# he official

docu8ents only call for one accla8ation" to be sung after the consecration of the 7ine#

1@. "REAT AMEN

he (ucharistic Prayer ends 7ith 7hat is clearly the high 8o8ent of the entire

/ass" the 4reat A8en# his is an accla8ation that belongs to the people# he

7orshippers assent to the eucharistic prayer and 8ake it their o7n in the 4reat A8en#

.ere again" if the priest chants the concluding prayer Bhrough hi8" 7ith hi8%#Al8ighty Father" fore$er and e$er the people 7ill surely and naturally respond by

singing" acclai8ing" A/(&#

;riting o$er )00 years ago" !t# Jero8e said that this 4reat A8en should

B!O-&, 1*( .-&,(' *& .( C* OF 'O/(" !.A*&4 A11 .( PA4A&(/P1(!#

1. OUR FATHER / THE LORD>S PRA+ER

his is a co88unal prayer" a prayer of the co88unity as they prepare for .olyCo88union# hus it should be said or sung by A11 ?and not the choir alone@# *t should

not be o$erly co8ple< or long#

12. THE "REETIN" OF PEACE

he Church docu8ent e<plains that this is the opportunity for the 7&ith7$ t5 577er

95(e 9i'n 57 their ecce9i& c5(($ni5n &n6 ($t$& 5ve 75r e&ch 5ther #e75re

c5(($nic&tin' #8 receivin' the S&cr&(ent<. It i9 9$it&#e th&t e&ch )er95n 577er

the 9i'n 57 )e&ce 5n8 t5 th59e ne&r#8 &n6 in & 6i'ni7ie6 (&nner "IRM -@.

*n accord 7ith this instruction" this 4reeting should be brief and not o$erdone#

And it see8s to offer little ti8e or opportunity for e<tensi$e greetings or for the singingof 8usic to acco8pany the greeting#

13. LAMB OF "OD



D$rin' the #re&?in' 57 the #re&6, the 0am$ of *od i9, &9 & r$e, 9$n' #8 the

ch5ir 5r c&nt5r ith the c5n're'&ti5n re9)5n6in'G 5theri9e, it i9 &t e&9t

recite6 &5$6 "IRM -.

his is not necessarily a song of the people as is the .oly" .oly# hus it 8ay be sung by

choir" but the people should join in a refrain or response# *t is in the for8 of a litany# he

first response is usually" Bha$e 8ercy on us# he final response is al7ays Bgrant us peace# &ote that the singing continues for as long as the priest breaks the bread or

shares the bread in the $arious ciboria# hus the singing should not be o$erly long or

elaborate" and should not delay the priest#

1*. COMMUNION PROCESSIONAL SON"

D$rin' the )rie9t>9 rece)ti5n 57 c5(($ni5n, the c5(($ni5n 95n' i9 #e'$n.

It9 7$ncti5n i9 t5 e;)re99 5$t&r68 the c5(($nic&nt9> $ni5n in 9)irit #8

(e&n9 57 the $nit8 57 their v5ice9, t5 'ive evi6ence 57 %58 57 he&rt &n6 t5

hi'hi'ht (5re the c5(($nit&ri&n ch&r&cter 57 the c5(($ni5n

)r5ce99i5n. The 95n' c5ntin$e9 hie the S&cr&(ent i9 #ein' (ini9tere6 t5

the 7&ith7$. B$t the c5(($ni5n 95n' 9h5$6 #e en6e6 in '556 ti(e

henever there i9 t5 #e & h8(n &7ter c5(($ni5n "IRM -*

:ecause of the 8otion and 8o$e8ent for Co88union" it can be difficult to get the people in$ol$ed in singing# he hy8n should begin >uickly rather than 7ait for choir

8e8bers to recei$e# *ts function is to unite the people in procession as they co8e for7ard

for Co88union# One good song 7ith se$eral $erses that the people kno7 and can singeasily is ideal# hey should be able to sing the hy8n or the refrain e$en 7ithout books

in their hands as they process for Co88union#

he 8ain purpose of the hy8n is to foster a sense of unity a8ong the people"

union 7ith Jesus and 7ith one another# he focus should not be on adoration of the

:lessed !acra8ent ?as at :enediction@ or on de$otion to the (ucharist" but on

co88union# his hy8n can also be seasonal" that is" especially appropriate for Ad$ent"Christ8as" 1ent" (aster" etc#

1. H+MN AFTER COMMUNION

According to the instruction on the /ass"

A7ter C5(($ni5n, the )rie9t &n6 )e5)e (&8 9)en6 95(e ti(e )r&8in'

9ient8. I7 6e9ire6, either & )9&( 5r 5ther c&ntice 57 )r&i9e 5r & h8(n (&8

#e 9$n' #8 the entire c5n're'&ti5n "IRM --.



his singing is optional# &ote this is not the ti8e for a perfor8ance by the choir" but for

song Bsung by the entire congregation# At least a refrain should be sung by the entirecongregation#

1-. RECESSIONAL

*t is interesting to note that the *nstruction does not call for any singing at theconclusion of the /ass# Of course it does not forbid it" and the custo8 has been to ha$e a

closing hy8n or a recessional# !trictly speaking there is no need for it" as the priest has

said that the /ass is ended" and has sent the people forth on 8ission" to ser$e the 1ord#

*f there is a hy8n here" as there nor8ally is" it should be a strong song that e8phasies8ission" going forth to share the 4ood &e7s# Or it could be seasonal" to re8ind the

congregation of the season" feast or ti8e of the year 7e are celebrating# his hy8n

could be sung by the choir alone" especially if the people ha$e sung a song after

co88union#



-. IMPORTANCE OF THE PRIEST, THE PRESIDER

B&o other single factor affects the liturgy as 8uch as the attitude" style" and

bearing of the celebrant ?priest@ ?-! :ishops" /usic in Catholic ;orship" &o# 2)@#

*ndeed" the attitude of the priest to the singing 7ill set the tone for the entire celebrationand 7ill affect ho7 the choir and the congregation sing or do not sing#

Appendi< *** of the !acra8entary" the large book that the priest prays fro8 during/ass" is entitled B/usic for the Order of /ass# *t is 7orth e<a8ining and studying

because it gi$es a@ the occasions" ti8es 7hen the priest can sing" and b@ 8elodies"

chants for those occasions# *t is >uite e<tensi$e#

here are a fe7 prayers that the priest prays >uietly" or silently by hi8self# :ut

8ost of the prayers of the /ass he can chant" and 8elodies or notation is gi$en for these#

hese include

he 4reeting

the Penitential 'itethe Opening Prayer

4eneral *ntercessions"

Prefaces"(ucharistic Prayers ?Canons )@ including especially the introductions to the

Accla8ation of Faith and the 4reat A8en#

the 1ordGs Prayer"

the 'ite of Peace"the Concluding 'ite"

the Final :lessing"

the Prayer o$er the People"the ,is8issal#

7o 7ords of instruction are gi$en to the priest in regard to singing#

It i9 e9)eci&8 7ittin' th&t the )rie9t 9in'9 th59e )&rt9 57 the E$ch&ri9tic

Pr&8er9 hich &re )r5vi6e6 ith ($9ic& n5t&ti5n "IRM 12.

It i9 6e9ir&#e th&t the )rie9t &n6 the (ini9ter9 57 ever8 6e'ree, 9h5$6 %5in

their v5ice9 t5 the v5ice 57 the h5e 7&ith7$ in th59e )&rt9 hich c5ncern the

)e5)e In9tr$cti5n 5n M$9ic in the Lit$r'8, @*.

he priest or presider clearly sets the tone for the /ass# *f he sings" if he leads the

people in song" if he joins the people in the singing" the people and choir 7ill follo7#

here should be a good 7orking relation bet7een the choir and the priest# here

should be 8utual understanding and encourage8ent# /any priests need to be educated

and updated on 7hen" 7hat" and by 7ho8 the singing at /ass 7ill happen# For e<a8ple"



the priest 8ay ha$e to learn ?fro8 official Church docu8ents" as presented in this

booklet@ that the highest priority at /ass is to sing the four accla8ations ?alleluia"

!anctus" Accla8ation of Faith" and the 4reat A8en@# For the last three of these" he has ani8portant part in singing the introduction to the8# *t is not necessary that the priest ha$e

a first class $oice# /uch 8ore i8portant is his 7illingness to lead and join by his effort

and e<a8ple#

Choir 8e8bers of the leader of the choir 8ight discuss so8e of the $arious

options possible for /ass" and practice 7ith the priest so8e of the dialogue responses"for e<a8ple the Preface" the introduction to the 1ordGs Prayer" and the final :lessing" all

of 7hich the Church encourages to be sung#

As the principal leader of the liturgical asse8bly" priests 8ust be e$er 8ore

8indful of their o7n 8usical role in the liturgy# Priest should gro7 8ore fa8iliar" 8ore

at ho8e 7ith chanting the presidential prayers of the /ass and the 8any other parts of

the /ass that can be enriched through 8usic#

6# SPIRITUALIT+ OF SIN"IN" PRA+IN" AND SIN"IN"



Be9i6e9 ($9ic& 75r(&ti5n, 9$it&#e it$r'ic& &n6 9)irit$& 75r(&ti5n ($9t

&95 #e 'iven t5 the (e(#er9 57 the ch5ir, in 9$ch & &8 th&t the )r5)er

)er75r(&nce 57 their it$r'ic& r5e i n5t 5n8 enh&nce the #e&$t8 57 the

cee#r&ti5n &n6 #e &n e;ceent e;&()e 75r the 7&ith7$, #$t i #rin'

9)irit$& #ene7it t5 the ch5ir (e(#er9 the(9eve9 In9tr$cti5n 5n M$9ic in

the Lit$r'8 @2.

es" singing not all adds a joyful spirit to the celebration of /ass" it should i8pro$e the

>uality of the prayer# !inging can highlight and add intensity to the 8eaning of 7ordsand prayers# As 7e ha$e seen before" 8usic should not be seen as a decorati$e e<tra"

an optional interlude# 'ather it is i8portant and essential for the celebration of /ass#

he -! :ishops thus could 7rite that 8usic un$eils Ba di8ension of 8eaning and

feeling" a co88unication of ideas and intuitions 7hich 7ords alone cannot yield#

ou lead not just by $oices" but by non$erbal actions" 7ar8th and friendliness you

con$ey" s8iles" unhurried 8anner

One suggestion is that choirs take so8e ti8e to reflect" pray and 8editate on the7ords of the hy8ns that they are singing# Just as the lay reader or lector should 8editate

on the ;ords of !cripture that he or she 7ill proclai8 at /ass" it 8akes e8inent sense

for the choir to pray o$er the hy8ns that they sing# !uch reflection 7ill add feeling and8eaning to the 7ords" and 7ill be con$eyed to the entire congregation#

he 7ords of hy8ns re8ain 7ith the congregation# .o7 8any hy8ns ha$e 7e

not co88itted to 8e8ory# .o7 often do the 7ords and 8elodies of hy8ns not co8e back to us 5 7hen 7e are happy or sad" rejoicing or troubled# hus it is all the i8portant

that 7e ha$e good hy8ns" based upon !cripture and solid theology#

One further step in intensifying the 8eaning of the liturgy is through dance"

physical 8o$e8ent# *n addition to processional dances" the choir 8ight look to for8 and

cooperate a dance group in the parish" for e<a8ple of children# his co8bination ofsong and dance could be part of the liturgy for special occasions#

Finally" the choir 8e8bers co88unicate to the entire congregation not only by

their $oices" but through non$erbal" non8usical co88unication" na8ely by their7ar8th and friendliness" their s8iles" the unhurried 8anner" the joy they 8anifest as

they lead and share in the singing#

;hile 8usic is so i8portant" it 8ust ser$e rather than do8inate# /usic should

assist the asse8bled belie$ers to e<press and share the gift of faith that is 7ithin the8# *t

should heighten the te<ts so that they speak 8ore fully and 8ore effecti$ely#

)0. CHOIR AND PARISH#



he 8ain function of the choir is to assist" participate at the !unday liturgy" and as

7e ha$e said so 8any ti8es" to encourage and lead the entire congregation in the singing#A choir should be judged not by their solo perfor8ances" but by the degree and e<tent to

7hich the entire congregation is acti$ely singing and participating in the /ass# he

choirGs role should not" ho7e$er" be li8ited to the !unday liturgy# .ere are so8esuggested areas for interest and participation by the choir#

• *n planning the liturgy the choir through its leader or representati$e should 7ork

7ith the parish priest" the ushers" ser$ers" readers#

• *t 8akes e8inent sense for the choir to ha$e a representati$e on the Parish

Pastoral Council or Parish 1aity Council# At least the choir should liaise 7ith the

Co88ittee or subco88ittee that o$ersees the liturgy in the parish# his 7ouldenable t7o 7ay co88unication fro8 the choir to the parish leaders" and feedback

nd e$aluation fro8 the parish leaders to the choir#

• One of the concerns of the choir should be to assure that the 8icrophone and

loudspeaker syste8 in the Church is ade>uate# ;ith this in place" they can clearlyannounce the hy8ns and in$ite the congregation to join# !o too" the chanting of

the responsorial Psal8 7ill be heard by all" and 7ill elicit a strong response fro8

the people# .ere the choir liaises 7ith lectors or lay readers#

• ;ith the cooperation of the priest" and the finance co88ittee" the choir should try

to set up 7ays that the people ha$e books 7ith songs" so that they can acti$ely

participate in the singing# Part of the 7eekly parish bulletin 8ight be used to

present ne7 hy8ns# here should also be a bulletin board 7hich announces thehy8ns" or at least a good sound syste8 o$er 7hich the cantor announces the

hy8ns# As one co88entator notes" the 8anner of in$iting the people to join in a

particular song 8ay be as i8portant as the choice of the song itself#

• Choir 8e8bers 8ight organie and lead a childrenGs choir# his 7ould bothencourage the children and prepare for the future# he children 8ight ha$e a

special childrenGs /ass once a 8onth" or sing once a 8onth at one of the 8ain

asses# /uch creati$ity is allo7ed in these /asses" including special (ucharistic prayers 7ith sung refrains#

• &or8ally" the !unday /ass is not the ti8e for special solo perfor8ances by the

choir# :ut there could be se$eral special concert for the parish throughout the

year# hese could be not si8ply 8usical concerts" but also include readings fro8!cripture and special prayers# Ad$ent" Christ8as and (aster 7ould be possible

occasions for such presentations#

• *n general" the choir should 8ake it their concern to o$ersee and contribute to the

o$erall sense of celebration ?especially 8usical celebration@ in the parish# .ar$est

ti8e" parish anni$ersaries" parish celebrations" 7ould be ti8es for 8usical

contributions#

• he choir 8ight reflect on ho7 to i8pro$e the participation and >uality of the

singing at 7eekdays /asses# For e<a8ple" so8e or all of the accla8ations should

be sung at the daily /asses#



• Celebrations such as 7eddings" baptis8s" and funerals" or co88unal celebrations

of penanceKreconciliation and co88unal healing ser$ices are also enriched by

singing# !8all groups of the choir 8ight 8ake it their responsibility to assist7hen possible at such celebrations so that there is singing" and that the Psal8" for

e<a8ple is sung 7ith a response or refrain fro8 the congregation#

• *f there is a prison near the parish" or hospitals and clinics" or an orphanage thechoir should take on the responsibility of reaching out and bringing 8usic andcelebration to those places# !uch reaching out 7ill gi$e the choir a sense of

8ission 5 singing" sharing their gifts 7ith others" especially those 7ho ha$e little

or less# !uch encounters 7ith the poor" 7eak" sick 7ill also help us sing better at!unday /ass 5 see 8ore clearly 7hat church" 8ission" liturgy is all about# *t 7ill

also set an e<a8ple for other parish societies of the sense of 8ission that e$ery

society should ha$e#

• Other prayer ser$ices in the parish could be enriched 7ith input fro8 the choir#

hese 7ould include :enediction ?7hich should al7ays include !cripture 5 and

possibly a Psal8@# Parish societies too 8ight include good singing as part of their

8eeting# he choir 8ight assist in achie$ing this goal#• Once a year" perhaps around the feast of !t# Cecilia" patroness of 8usicians

?&o$e8ber 22@" or !t# 4regory the 4reat" patron of 8usic ?!epte8ber 3@ " or !t#

,o8inic !a$io" patron of choir boys ?/arch 6@" there could be a parish

celebration honoring the choir# his 7ould be a ti8e to ackno7ledge theircontribution" to thank and encourage the choir# *t could be as part of the 8ain

!unday /ass# *t could include a si8ple co88issioning or rene7al of

co88issioning of the choir" 7ith special blessings upon the8 and their fa8ilies#



)). CHOIR /0ARIET+ IN SON" AND MUSIC

Choirs should be encouraged to use so8e creati$ity and $ariety in the !unday

liturgies# For e<a8ple" instead of one cantor leading and singing the responsorialPsal8" a s8all group of t7o to four 8e8bers 8ight lead# !o too" in the hy8ns" a soloist

8ight sing one $erse" and then the congregation" and then the choir and then the

congregation#

!o8eti8es there could be instru8ental 8usic 7ithout $oice" for e<a8ple as part

of the Preparation of the 4ifts" or as a >uiet reflection after Co88union#

he choir ?and the priest@ should also respect the 8o8ents and ti8es of silence

that are called for in the sacred liturgy# &ot e$ery gap or >uiet ti8e should be filled in

7ith 8usic#

S&cre6 9ience 9h5$6 #e 5#9erve6 &t the 6e9i'n&te6 ti(e9 &9 )&rt 57 the

cee#r&ti5n< Th$9 &t the )enitenti& rite &n6 &'&in &t the invit&ti5n t5 )r&8..

&t the c5nc$9i5n 57 & re&6in' 5r the h5(i8< &n6 &7ter c5(($ni5n<

"IRM 23.

Of course the hy8ns chosen should reflect the liturgical season# Christ8as hy8ns

can and should be sung until the end of the Christ8as season" 7hich day is the :aptis8

of the 1ord# (aster hy8ns should be sung through the (aster season" at least to the Feastof the Ascension#

here should be so8e $ariety in the singing fro8 !unday to !unday# hus theCreed need not be sung e$ery !unday" nor the response to the prayer of the faithful be

chanted# On so8e days" the penitential rite should be chanted# he Our Father can be

sung or not sung" and it 8ight occasionally be chanted in 1atin# hese are just a fe7

e<a8ples of possible $ariations#



)2 LAN"UA"E OF THE LITUR"ICAL H+MNS

*n regard to the language of song" the choir can 7ell 8o$e in t7o directions" the

use of the $ernacular" and the use of 1atin#

A@ 1OCA1 1A&4-A4(! A&, *&!'-/(&! 5 .( =('&AC-1A'

he !econd =atican Council encouraged the use of local languages in the /ass"and thus in the singing at /ass# hus 7e read in the Constitution on the 1iturgy

Art. 11. In cert&in c5$ntrie9, e9)eci&8 in (i99i5n &n69, there &re )e5)e

h5 h&ve their 5n ($9ic& tr&6iti5n, &n6 thi9 )&89 & 're&t )&rt in their

rei'i5$9 &n6 95ci& i7e. F5r thi9 re&95n their ($9ic 9h5$6 #e he6 in )r5)er

e9tee( &n6 & 9$it&#e )&ce i9 t5 #e 'iven t5 it, n5t 5n8 in 75r(in' their

rei'i5$9 9en9e #$t &95 in &6&)tin' 5r9hi) t5 their n&tive 'eni$9<

There75re in the ($9ic& tr&inin' 57 (i99i5n&rie9, 're&t c&re 9h5$6 #et&?en t5 9ee th&t the8 #ec5(e c5()etent in )r5(5tin' the tr&6iti5n& ($9ic

57 th59e )e5)e9 #5th in the 9ch559 &n6 in 9&cre6 9ervice9, &9 7&r &9 (&8 #e

)r&ctic&#e.

%he 'atechism of the 'atholic 'hurch re$eats this "hen it states)

The h&r(5n8 57 9i'n9 95n', ($9ic, 5r69 &n6 &cti5n9 i9 & the (5re

e;)re99ive &n6 7r$it7$ hen e;)re99e6 in the c$t$r& richne99 57 the Pe5)e

57 "56 h5 cee#r&te 113-.

.ere there is 8uch scope gi$en to choirs" to dra7 upon the 8usical resources of the$arious cultural and language groups of &igeria# (specially in the larger cities" 7here

8any language and cultural groups co8e together for /ass" the choir can on occasions

sing hy8ns in the $arious local languages#

!o too" in ter8s not just of 7ords and 8elodies" the choice of 8usical instru8ents should

reflect the richness of local cultures# hus the Council Fathers could 7rite in the

Constitution on the 1iturgy

Art. 1@ The )5)e 5r'&n i9 t5 #e he6 in hi'h e9tee(< B$t 5ther

in9tr$(ent9 (&8 #e &6(itte6 75r $9e in 6ivine 5r9hi), in the %$6'e(ent &n6

ith the c5n9ent 57 the c5()etent territ5ri& &$th5rit8<

Finally" scope is clearly gi$en for the co8position of ne7 hy8ns" 7ith certain guidelinesArticle )2) encourages such co8positions" but c5()59iti5n9 hich c&n #e 9$n' n5t

5n8 #8 &r'e ch5ir9 #$t &95 #8 9(&er ch5ir9, &n6 hich (&?e )599i#e the &ctive

)&rtici)&ti5n 57 the h5e c5n're'&ti5n.



&ote that 7hen hy8ns are co8posed" they should dra7 their inspiration fro8 the richness

of !cripture

Art. @2 S&cre6 Scri)t$re i9 57 the 're&te9t i()5rt&nce in the cee#r&ti5n 57

the it$r'8. F5r it i9 7r5( it th&t e995n9 &re re&6 &n6 e;)&ine6 in the h5(i8,

&n6 )9&(9 &re 9$n'. It i9 7r5( the Scri)t$re9 th&t the )r&8er9, c5ect9, &n6h8(n9 6r& their in9)ir&ti5n &n6 their 75rce, &n6 th&t &cti5n9 &n6 9i'n9

6erive their (e&nin' C5n9tit$ti5n 5n the Lit$r'8.

%he 'atechism of the 'atholic 'hurch echoes this)

the te;t9 inten6e6 t5 #e 9$n' ($9t &&89 #e in c5n75r(it8 ith C&th5ic

65ctrine. In6ee6 the8 9h5$6 #e 6r&n chie78 7r5( the S&cre6 Scri)t$re &n6

7r5( it$r'ic& 95$rce9 113-.

*f hy8ns are co8posed for use in the !unday liturgy" they should be appro$ed by the

parish priest" to be sure that their thought" i8agery and content are in accord 7ith theCatholic faith#

:@# -!( OF 1A*&

he Catholic tradition is re8arkable in its ability to hold together see8ingly opposite

tendencies# hus in $ie7 of inculturation it uses local languages and 8odes of 8usic# At

the sa8e ti8e" it 7ants to be catholic and uni$ersal" and indeed" keep its links 7ith the

'o8an Church# hus it encourages the preser$ation of so8e 1atin fro8 its long 8usicaltradition#

A thin'9 #ein' e=$&, "re'5ri&n ch&nt 9h5$6 h56 & )rivie'e6 )&ce, &9

#ein' (5re )r5)er t5 the R5(&n it$r'8<

Since the 7&ith7$ 7r5( 6i77erent c5$ntrie9 c5(e t5'ether ever (5re

7re=$ent8, it i9 6e9ir&#e th&t the8 ?n5 h5 t5 9in' &t e&9t )&rt9 57 the

5r6in&r8 57 the M&99 in L&tin, e9)eci&8 the )r57e99i5n 57 7&ith &n6 the

L5r6>9 Pr&8er, 9et t5 9i()e (e56ie9 "IRM 21.

hus choirs should be trained and skilled in singing so8e of the basic 1atin 4regorianchants# his 7ould include the yrie ?4reek" not 1atin@ and the 4loria" Credo" !anctus"

Pater &oster" and Agnus ,ei# .ere again" these are not intended to be perfor8ances by

the choir# 'ather" the choir has the challenge and responsibility of teaching the entirecongregation these chants" and encouraging all Catholics to be fa8iliar 7ith the8" and

able to sing the8 8onthly or at least for special large asse8blies#



)3 PH+SICAL LOCATION

he choir is al7ays a part of the 7hole asse8bly and congregation" but a special

part and 7ith a special role# his 7ill influence 7here it locates itself# hus 7e read

In re&ti5n t5 the 6e9i'n 57 e&ch ch$rch, the ch5ir 9h5$6 #e 95 )&ce6 th&t

it9 ch&r&cter &9 & )&rt 57 the &99e(#8 57 the 7&ith7$ th&t h&9 & 9)eci&

7$ncti5n 9t&n6 5$t ce&r8. The 5c&ti5n 9h5$6 &95 &99i9t the e;erci9e 57 the

6$tie9 57 the 9ch5& c&nt5r$( &n6 &5 e&ch (e(#er 57 the ch5ir c5()ete,

th&t i9, 9&cr&(ent& )&rtici)&ti5n in the M&99 "IRM 1@.

*n 8any churches" placing the choir in the 8idst or 8iddle of the congregation see8s to

be a good choice# his see8s better than putting the8 in the $ery front" in or near the

sanctuary# .ere they can tend to be seen as perfor8ers" gi$ing a concert" rather than

leading the congregation# !o too" if they are in the back or up in a choir loft" they are toodistant and their influence and e<a8ple is not percei$ed by the congregation#

*f placed in the 8iddle" then the physical and spiritual presence of the choir is 8ost

i8portant# hey should not be shuffling papers" see8 distracted# 'ather they should

e<e8plify acti$e" joyful participation in the /ass# he choir should appear 7ar8"friendly" in$iting" and 7elco8ing" thus happy and joyful in their singing#



12 CHOIR AND THE ARCHDIOCESE, AND THE NI"ERIAN CHURCH

he 8ain responsibility of the choir is to the local parish# et" it should also ha$e

so8e input into the diocese" and occasionally through the diocese on the national

&igerian Church#* a8 think especially of special diocesan and national celebrations# his could be

a ,iocesan (ucharistic Congress" ,iocesan Pastoral Congress" Ordination to the

priesthood" celebrations on the $isit of so8e dignitary" etc# 4ood singing" and goodliturgical singing should 8ark these occasions# .ere too" the choir or choirs are not to

perfor8" but to lead and encourage the acti$e participation and singing of the entire

congregation# his 7ill not happen easily or auto8atically#

Choirs 8ust co8e together through their leaders" and perhaps through a diocesan1iturgical or /usic or Choir Co88ittee to plan and e<ecute such diocesan celebrations#

Are the Catholics of the diocese fa8iliar 7ith si8ple" 7ellkno7n accla8ations" .oly"

.oly" responses to the prayer of the faithful# *f not" these should be discussed and

7orked to7ard# Choice of the language of hy8ns should also be discussed at thediocesan le$el# ;hich particular $ersions of 4regorian chant are kno7n by 8ost

Catholics in the diocese9For large celebrations at the diocesan or national le$el" 8uch energy" planning"

and practice 8ust co8e together" so that the entire congregation celebrations and joins in

the prayer and singing# As 7e >uoted at the beginning of this booklet

One c&nn5t 7in6 &n8thin' (5re rei'i5$9 &n6 (5re %587$ in 9&cre6

cee#r&ti5n9 th&n & h5e c5n're'&ti5n e;)re99in' it9 7&ith &n6 6ev5ti5n in

95n'. There75re, the &ctive )&rtici)&ti5n 57 the h5e )e5)e, hich i9 9h5n

in 9in'in', i9 t5 #e c&re7$8 )r5(5te6< Instruction on Music in the Liturgy,

1967 (No. 16



13. SIN"IN" IN THE BIBLE /// H+MNS, SON"S IN THE BIBLE

he bible speaks of the beauty and i8portance of song" and the bible furnishes

e<a8ples of songs or hy8ns# ;e 7ill look at both aspects# hese reflections can

pro$ide 8aterials for choirs for study or for days of recollection#

PSALMS he book of Psal8s is .( hy8n book of the :ible" and a 8ost i8portant

hy8n book for Christians# At e$ery /ass" 7e read or sing fro8 the Psal8s" and read or

sing a refrain or response fro8 the Psal8s#

he Psal8s are prayerful hy8ns 7hich e<press a $ariety of 8oods and feelings# hey

should be the special prayer of choir 8e8bers as they help us to e<press" and e<press in

song" our joy" thanksgi$ing" sorro7" petition" and repentance#

Psal8 )6 )L!ing to the 1ord a ne7 song of praise in the asse8bly of the faithful%

1et the8 praise his na8e in the festi$e dance" let the8 sing praise to hi8 7ith ti8brel

and harp#1et the faithful e<ult in gloryI let the8 sing for joy upon their couches" let the high

praises of 4od be in their throats#

OLD TESTAMENT E0ENTS. *n 8any occasion in the :ible" the people celebrate

e$ents" $ictories 7ith song and dance# *n this instance" the 7o8an Judith is the leader"

celebrating the $ictory o$er the AssyriansBJudith led all *srael in this song of thanksgi$ing" and the people s7elled

this hy8n of praise

!trike up the instru8ents" a song to 8y 4od 7ith ti8brelsIchant to the 1ord 7ith cy8balsI

!ing to hi8 a ne7 song" e<alt and acclai8 his na8e ?Judith ) ) to )L )2@#

After the *sraelites $ictoriously cross the 'ed !ea" it is ti8e for celebration#

Bhen /oses and the *sraelites sang this song to the 1ordI* 7ill sing to the 1ord" for he is gloriously triu8phant%

he prophetess /iria8" AaronGs sister" took a ta8bourine in her hand" 7hile all

the 7o8en 7ent out after her" 7ith ta8bourines" dancingI and she led the8 in the refrain!ing to the 1ord" for he is gloriously triu8phantI

.orse and chariot he has cast into the sea ?(<odus ) )" 2)@



/uch of Je7ish 7orship centered on the te8ple in Jerusale8# /usic often resounded

through the halls and 7alls of the te8ple# his is recounted in the books of Chronicles#

hus 7hen the ark of the co$enant is brought to Jerusale8B,a$id co88anded the chiefs of the 1e$ites to appoint their brethren as chanters"

to play on 8usical instru8ents" harps" lyres" and sy8bals" to 8ake a loud sound of

rejoicing ?) Chr# ))L@#

;hen the e8ple is dedicated" there 8ust be 8usic#

B;hen the tru8peters and singers 7ere heard as a single $oice praising andgi$ing thanks to the 1ord% building of the 1ordGs te8ple 7as filled 7ith a

cloud% ?2 Chr# )3@#

!e$eral other celebrations are supported by 8usic# !ee for e<a8ple 2 Chr# EL and2 Chr# 2630 Bhey sang praises till their joy 7as full" then fell do7n and prostrated

the8sel$es#

*n the first book of !a8uel 7e ha$e the 8ar$elous story of ho7 !aul 7as tor8ented byan e$il spirit# .is solution is 8usicD And so ,a$id" a skilled harpist is su88oned and

to good effect# B;hene$er the spirit fro8 4od seied !aul" ,a$id 7ould take the harpand play" and !aul 7ould be relie$ed and feel better" for the e$il spirit 7ould lea$e hi8

?) !a8 )L 23@ For the co8plete story" see ) !a8# )L )23#

1ater in the book of !a8uel" ,a$id and !aul are close friends# -pon returning fro8 a

$ictorious battle" there 8ust be song and celebration and dancing#

BAt the approach of !aul and ,a$id ?on ,a$idGs return after slaying the

Philistine@" 7o8en ca8e out fro8 each of the cities of *srael to 8eet ing !aul"singing and dancing" 7ith ta8bourines" joyful songs" and sistru8s# he 7o8en

played and sang

!aul has slain his thousands and ,a$id his ten thousands ?) !a8# )ML@#

NE4 TESTAMENT

*n the gospel of 1uke" the birth of Jesus in :ethlehe8 is heralded by angels#

he song of the angels at his birth is the basis for our 4loria B4lory to 4od in highhea$en" peace on earth to those on 7ho8 his fa$or rests ?1k# 2)3)@#

*n that sa8e gospel" 7hen the prodigal son returns" his elder brother refuses totake part in the celebration e$en though the elder son BAs he neared the house on his

7ay ho8e" he heard the sound of 8usic and dancing# % ?1k# )2@# Of course" the

father had to celebrate and rejoice because the son 7ho 7as lost 7as found#

At the end of the life of Jesus Christ" after the 1ast !upper and the institution of

the (ucharist" the apostles 7ith Jesus proceed to the 4arden of 4ethse8ane# he gospel



of /ark notes that BAfter singing songs of praise" they 7alked out to the /ount of

Oli$es ?/k# )2L@#

*n the Acts of the Apostles 7e ha$e the beautiful story of Paul and !ilas in prison

in Philippi# BAbout 8idnight" 7hile Paul and !ilas 7ere praying and singing hy8ns to

4od as their fello7 prisoners listened" a se$ere earth>uake suddenly shook the place%?Acts )L22L@# he result is freedo8 for allD

&ot only in e$ents" but also in letters and teachings are there references to songand 8usic# !t# Paul is e<plaining speaking in tongues and adds B* 7ant to pray 7ith

8y spirit" and also to pray 7ith 8y 8ind# * 7ant to sing 7ith 8y spirit and 7ith 8y 8ind

as 7ell ?) Cor# ))@#

o7ards the end of the letter to the (phesians" a8id $arious teachings and

e<hortations" 7e read B:e filled 7ith the !pirit" addressing one another in psal8s and

hy8ns and inspired songs# !ing praise to the 1ord 7ith all your hearts## ?(ph# )M)6@#

!i8ilarly" 7e read in the letter to the Colossians B!ing gratefully to 4od fro8 yourhearts in psal8s" hy8ns" and inspired songs% ?Col# 3)L@#

he letter of Ja8es is one of the 8ost do7n to earth and practical# here 7e read

that B*f anyone a8ong you is suffering hardship" he 8ust pray# *f a person is in good

spirits" he should sing a hy8n of praise ?Jas# )3@#

Finally in the :ook of 'e$elation" 7e ha$e the $ision of hea$en" 7here the

elders 7ith their harps sing the ne7 hy8n" and the $oices of angels and countless tens of

thousands cry out ?'e$# M)@# 1ater in the sa8e book" 7e see the se$en angelsholding the se$en final plagues# hen John sees those 7ho had 7on the $ictory#

Bhey 7ere holding the harps used in 7orshipping 4od" and they sang the song of

/oses" the ser$ant of 4od" and the song of the 1a8b/ighty and 7onderful are your 7orks" Al8ighty 4od%## ?'e$# )3@#

SON"S AND H+MNS IN THE BIBLE

;hile there is no one list agreed upon by scholars of the :ible" 8any scholars 7ould listthe follo7ing as true hy8ns in the &e7 esta8ent 5 that is $erses that 7ould ha$e been

put to 8usic at the ti8e of the 7riting of the &e7 esta8ent#

!o8e of these 7ere probably used at /ass and at celebrations of :aptis8" or as part of

catechesis 7hen Christians gathered#

/agnificat" ?1k# )L@ he hy8n K canticle of /ary 7hen she $isits (liabeth

:enedictus" ?1k# )LEE6@ he prophetic canticle of Nechariah concerning John

the :aptist and Jesus



&unc ,i8ittis ?1k# 22632@ !i8eon" in the te8ple" blesses 4od 7ith these 7ords#

Phil# 2L)) Put on the 8ind of Jesus 7ho e8ptied hi8self Col# ) )20 Jesus is the first born of all" the head of the church

) Cor )3# .y8n in praise of lo$e

'o8# 322L 'ede8ption through Jesus Christ'o8# L ))) *f 7e die 7ith Christ" 7e li$e 7ith hi8

'o8# M 3)36 *f 4od is for us" 7ho can be against

'o8# )) 333L .o7 deep are the riches and 7isdo8 of 4odD(ph# ) 3) 4od chose us in Christ

(ph# ) 2023 .e has put all things under Christ

(ph# 2 ))M Christ is our peace and reconciliation

(ph# ) Arise fro8 the dead" and Christ 7ill gi$e you lightitus 3 E he kindness and lo$e of 4od has appeared

) i8# 3)L Jesus 7as 8anifested in the flesh%taken up in glory

2 i8 2 )))3*f 7e ha$e died 7ith hi8" 7e shall also li$e 7ith hi8

) Pet# )3 Praised be 4od 7ho ga$e us ne7 birth) Pet# ) )M2) ou 7ere deli$ered by ChristGs blood

) Pet# 22)2 Christ suffered# :y his 7ounds" you 7ere healed#) Pet#3 )M22 Christ 7as put to death" but gi$en life#

'e$# M hey sing" .oly" holy" holy is the 1ord

'e$# ) 2 he !ong of the 1a8b#

;e conclude these reflections on 8usic and song in the !criptures 7ith the last Psal8# *t

is one of the 8ost beautiful and poetic" one surely put to 8usic in 8any cultures

throughout the ages of Old and &e7 esta8ent#

Psal8 )0

AlleluiaPraise the 1ord in his sanctuary" praise hi8 in the fir8a8ent of his strength#

Praise hi8 for his 8ighty deeds" praise hi8 for his so$ereign 8ajesty#

Praise hi8 7ith the blast of the tru8pet" praise hi8 7ith lyre and harp"Praise hi8 7ith ti8brel and dance" praise hi8 7ith strings and pipe#

Praise hi8 7ith sounding cy8bals" praise hi8 7ith clanging sy8bals#

1et e$erything that has breath praise the 1ord# Alleluia#



1*. RE0IE4 AND CONCLUSION

;e ha$e co$ered 8uch territory" e<ploring" e<plaining and presenting the officialChurch teaching on the i8portance and place of singing in the /ass# .ere 7e 7ish

si8ply to put in a fe7 paragraphs the 8ost i8portant points 5 points for parish priests"

choirs" indeed all of the Catholic faithful to keep in 8ind and to put into practice#

;.O" ;.(&" ;.A" ;.

;.O !*&4!9 he ideal is for 8a<i8u8 participation by the entire co88unity in

singing those parts that are called for# At ti8es the priest chants" at ti8es the choir or

cantor 8ay sing a special hy8n# :ut o$erall" the purpose of the choir is not to replace the

congregation but to encourage and lead it#

;.(& ,O ;( !*&49 ;e should sing at the 8ost i8portant parts of the /ass 5 and

this 8eans the four accla8ations before anything else# As 7e ha$e sho7n abo$e" the

Creed is less i8portant than a Co88union hy8n" and the hy8n during the Preparation of the 4ifts less i8portant than the Preface ?sung by the priest@# ;e should concentrate"

7ith the priest" on !*&4*&4 .( /A!!" rather than singing hy8ns A /A!!#

;.A ,O ;( !*&49 ;here called for" 7e sing the parts of the /ass in response to

the priest# .y8ns should be fitting for the ti8e of the /ass" and should be in tune 7iththe liturgical season of the year# he 7ords of hy8ns should as far as possible take their

inspiration fro8 the !criptures#

;. !*&49 !t# Augustine e<pressed it centuries ago# B.e 7ho sings" prays t7ice#!inging adds celebration" sole8nity to the liturgy# !ong unites the people 8ore closely"

8ore fully 7ith 4od and 7ith one another# Pope John HH***" no7 :lessed John HH***

once said that Bof all the 8eans gi$en 8an by 4od" to life hi8 up" to help hi8 get a7ayfro8 narro7 selfishness and turn to7ard uni$ersal horions" 8usic is surely one of the

$ery highest#

he &igerian Church has a great lo$e and interest" a great tradition of 8usic# Our

hope is that this booklet helps Catholics to put that lo$e and energy at the ser$ice of

4od" at the ser$ice of the sacred liturgy#



1. BIBLIO"RAPH+

CHURCH DOCUMENTS

'onstitution on the *acre# Liturgy+ !econd =atican Council" )6L3.

Instruction on Music in the Liturgy+ !acred Congregation of 'ites" 'o8e )6LE#

General Instruction on the Roman Missal, ---.%he Lectionary for Mass, *ntroduction

'atechism of the 'atholic 'hurch

Music in 'atholic orshi$, :ishopsG Co88ittee on the 1iturgy" -nited !tates CatholicConference" )6E2#

Liturgical Music %o#ay, :ishopsG Co88ittee on the 1iturgy" -nited !tates Catholic

Conference" )6M2#

OTHER RESOURCES

.aas" ,a$id# %he Ministry an# Mission of *ung /rayer. !t# Anthony /essenger Press"2000#

.ansen" Ja8es# %he Ministry of the 'antor. he 1iturgical Press" )6M#/cenna" (d7ard J# %he Ministry of Musicians. he 1iturgical Press" )6M3#

handbook for choirs - to final

Documents