Music Planning Guide ~ 2021 Gathering Song/Antiphon
Transcript of Music Planning Guide ~ 2021 Gathering Song/Antiphon
Music Planning Guide ~ 2021 Lent through Pentecost Cycle B
YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH
Suggested psalms, songs and hymns (G=Gathering/O=Offertory/C=Communion/S=Sending,
Sq=Sequence)
About Liturgical Music As I finally prepare this guide in mid-January 2021, we are enduring life and worship under COVID-19 protocols which right now in the Diocese of Crookston has prudently continued suspension of singing by the congregation. While we “fast” from this deeply rooted practice, reflections from “Today’s Liturgy (OCP)” and “Living Liturgy (Liturgical Press)” [as well as my own intermittent musings, hopefully] present worthwhile reflections on our liturgical offerings.
February 17 - Ash Wednesday Today’s Gospel from Matthew, taken from the Sermon on the
Mount, speaks of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. The use of
ashes is an ancient custom used even in ancient Israel as a
symbol of the community’s penitence.
Lent as we know it (fasting and penance) began in the second
century. By the fourth century emphasis on the baptismal
nature of the season appeared because of the great influx of
new Christians. The baptismal nature of the season, however,
vanished from the time of the Middle Ages until the Second
Vatican Council. The General Norms for the Liturgical Year
and the Calendar, issued by the USCCB, states: “The Lenten
liturgy disposes both the catechumens and the faithful to
celebrate the paschal mystery: catechumens, through the
several stages of Christian initiation; the faithful, through
reminders of their own baptism and through penitential
practices” (27).
How does this affect us musicians? In keeping with ancient
tradition, it’s important to select repertoire for the season that
honors both the penitential and baptismal nature of the
season. Peruse the texts – especially contemporary composers
– in the Lenten section of your worship resource for some
ideas beyond this particular one.
Remember that the Common Psalms of the season (Lectionary
#174.5-7) are Psalms 51, 91, and 130. These may be used
instead of the Psalm of the day throughout the Sundays of
Lent. Be sure to select texts with the proper translations (cf.
Respond & Acclaim) for Responsorial Psalms. Other versions
and arrangements may be used at preparation of the gifts or
as Communion processionals. Today there is no penitential
rite. During all of Lent there is no Gloria (except solemnities
such as St. Joseph and the Annunciation) or Alleluia.
- Elaine Rendler McQueeney – OCP Today’s Liturgy
Gathering Song/Antiphon: You are merciful to all, O Lord,
and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook
people’s sins, to bring them to repentance, and you spare
them, for you are the Lord our God.
Again We Keep This Solemn Fast (O/S)
Come, Follow Me (Berberick)
Enter the Journey (Friedman)
Escúchanos, Señor/Attende Domine (Ashes/O/C) Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive (O/S) 40 Days (Maher) From Ashes to the Living Font (O/S) From the Depths of Sin and Sadness (O/S)
Grant to Us, O Lord (O/C) Have Mercy, Lord, on Us (O/S)
Have Mercy on Us, Lord ATTENDE DOMINE Hosea (O/C) In These Days of Lenten Journey (Manalo) Journey for Home (O/C/S) O Lord, Your Mercy Does Extend (O) Parce Domine/Spare Your People, Lord (DeBruyn) Pardon Your People (Landry) (S) Perdón, Oh Dios Mio (O/C) Return to God (Angotti, Haugen-Ashes) (O/C) Return to the Lord, Your God (Dufford) Show Us Mercy (O) Sí, Me Levantaré (Ashes/S) The Glory of These Forty Days ERHALT UNS HERR There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy IN BABILONE This Is Our Accepted Time (O/S) Today Is the Accepted Time (O/S)
Joel 2:12-18 The Lord is slow to anger and rich in kindness.
The faithful return with their whole hearts, fasting and repenting. All
God’s people gather together before the Lord for mercy.
Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6a, 12-13, 14, 17
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Paul implored the Corinthians to be
reconciled to God right away. As Christ carried their sins upon the
cross, so can they bear his holiness within them, if they turn to him.
“Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of
salvation.”
Gospel verse: If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus warned the disciples against
performing religious acts only to attract the attention of others. In
giving alms, praying and fasting, Christians are to conduct
themselves in such a way that no one will know, except God, who
sees all things.
Distribution of Ashes: Acuérdate de Jesucristo (O/C)
Al Partir el Pan (C) Ashes to Ashes (Schutte) Be Merciful, O Lord (Angrisano) El Señor Es Compasivo: Sal 103(102) (O/C) Ojalá Escuchen la Voz: Sal 95(94) (Florián) (O/C) Óyenos, Señor: Sal 130(129) (O)
Signed by Ashes (Keil) Take These Ashes/To the Desert Follow Me (Hart)
With These Ashes (Chiusano)
Preparation of the Altar and Gifts:
Silence/Instrumental
Be Still and Know That I Am God (Walker)
Christ in Me Arise (Thomson)
Come Home (Landry) God of Mercy (Manalo/Hurd) Hosea (Norbet) Misericordia, Señor: Sal 51(50) (C)
O Buen Jesús Pequé, Pequé, Dios Mio Renew Me, Lord SAFE HARBOUR
Tree of Life (Ashes, C) Turn to Me (Foley) Yes, I Shall Arise (C)
Communion Song/Antiphon: He who ponders the law of the Lord day and night will yield fruit in due season.
Be Merciful/Create in Me (Stephan)
Be Merciful, O Lord/Create a Clean Heart
(Consiglio)
Create in Me (Kendzia, Hess, Hurd)
Gracious God (Manibusan)
Loving and Forgiving (Soper)
Oh Dios, Crea en Mi (Cortés)
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling THOMPSON
Ubi Caritas (Hurd, Rosania)
With the Lord There Is Mercy (Modlin)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth
Ashes (Conry)
Christ before Us (Whitaker)
God Be in My Head (Brown)
Into the Desert (Stephan)
Perdona a Tu Pueblo
Save Your People (Farrell)
Though the Mountains May Fall (Schutte)
OR Silence
Question of the Day: Jesus warns us “not to perform righteous deeds / in order that people may see them.” Where in your life have you been particularly attuned to the approval of other people?
Calendar
February
20 World Day of Social Justice
About Liturgy An Idol of Faith: We have reached the season of Lent, the time for all things sad and repentant and morose and sackcloth and ashes and everything else depressing, right? No! Lent need not be those things, at least not overly so. We ought to be repentant for our sinfulness, yes, and further, knowing our sinfulness led Jesus to his suffering and death on the cross can lead us to be sad and even grieve these things.
But to do so without also knowing there’s more to the story is to, in a sense, make an idol out of one tiny facet of our faith. During Lent we should not only remember repentance, suffering, and death. We should also, while celebrating these things, remember that new life arises from these very things – there is joy and even
more celebrating to come. Lent is only one part of a broader story, a
broader mystery, which as a whole tells us where we’ve come from, who we are now, and who we should strive to be, and the future that awaits us all if we help each other grow in faith and holiness. - Living Liturgy 2021
February 21 - First Sunday of Lent The Rite of Election will be celebrated at the Cathedral today.
Each year on the first Sunday of Lent we hear the Gospel story
of the temptation of the Lord in the desert. The Gospel of Mark
today consists of only four verses. After his baptism by John
the Spirit leads Jesus to the wilderness. Mark says that Jesus
survived the temptations and is ready to begin his ministry.
The significance of the reference to John the Baptist’s arrest is
that as John’s ministry concludes, Jesus’ begins.
John Shea says that, “as difficult as it is, turning away by
itself does not make the kingdom of God arrive. Turning away
must be complemented by turning toward, by believing in the
good news” (The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for
Christian Preachers and Teachers: Eating with the
Bridegroom: Mark, Year B, Collegeville: Liturgical Press,
2005, page 81). And that’s the difficult part! It’s a lifetime
chore. Shea claims it’s rooted in lethargy!
The entrance chant and a Communion verse are taken from
Psalm 91, parts of which are known to many from “On
Eagle’s Wings”, and later from “Be with Me, Lord”, thanks to
the gifts and work of composer Father J. Michael Joncas.
Remember the following:
- RCIA – The rite of “election” or “enrollment of
names” takes place today throughout the Catholic Church.
- In the Diocese of Crookston, it is planned to be
celebrated at 3 PM this afternoon. Celebrate the “Rite of
Sending” in your parishes your catechumens beginning
their final leg of their journey toward Initiation
Sacraments at this year’s Easter Vigil. (RCIA, #106-117
for Catechumens; RCIA). Due to the pandemic, we are
encouraging pastors to celebrate the Call to Continuing
Conversion with their candidates for full communion in
their home parish.
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: When he calls on me, I
will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory, I will
grant him length of days.
Again We Keep This Solemn Fast ERHALT UNS HERR (O/S)
Caminaré: Sal 116(115) (S)
Christ in Me Arise (Thomson)
Enter the Journey (Friedman)
40 Days (Maher)
Forty Days and Forty Nights (O/S)
From Ashes to the Living Font (O/S)
Have Mercy, Lord, on Us (O/S)
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (Bolduc) (O/C/S)
In These Days of Lenten Journey (Manalo)
Led by the Spirit KINGSFOLD
Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days ST. FLAVIAN (S) Perdón, Oh Dios Mio Perdona a Tu Pueblo (S)
Praise the Lord, My Soul (Foley)
Return to God (Angotti O/C) (Haugen O/C/S) Show Us Mercy (O)
Sí, Me Levantaré (S)
The Glory of These Forty Days ERHALT UNS HERR (O/S)
These Forty Days of Lent (O/S)
This Is Our Accepted Time (O/S)
Today Is the Accepted Time (O/S)
Venimos ante Ti (C)
Genesis 9:8-15 After the great flood, God told Noah of the
covenant between heaven and earth. Never again would a flood
destroy the earth. To mark this covenant, the Lord set up a rainbow
in the sky.
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth
to those who keep your covenant.
1 Peter 3:18-22 As the ark saved a chosen few in Noah’s day, so
does baptism by faith save God’s chosen today. Baptism is “an
appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ.”
Gospel verse: One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
Mark 1:12-15 The Spirit sent Jesus to the desert to fast and pray
for forty days. Afterwards, Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming
“the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
(RCIA Rite of Sending for your Catechumens takes place after the
Homily.)
Dismissal of the Catechumens - Candidates are NOT dismissed.
Dismissal of the Catechumens (Thomson)
Dismissal of the Catechumens (Celtic Mass)(Walker)
Take the Word of God with You (Walker)
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Silence/Instrumental
Be Still and Know That I Am God (Walker)
El Señor Es Compasivo: Sal 103(102) (C)
God of Mercy (Manalo)
Gracious God (Manibusan)
Jesus, Meek and Humble (Walther)
Misericordia, Señor: Sal 51(50) (Cortés C) (Florián)
Not by Bread Alone (C)
On Eagle’s Wings (C)
Only This I Want (Schutte) Pequé, Pequé, Dios Mio
Seek the Lord (O’Connor) (S)
Señor, Tu Tiene Palabras: Sal 19(18) (C)
Strength for the Journey (C)
Tree of Life – has verses for each week of Lent (C)
Turn Our Hearts Around (C)
You Have Called Us (Farrell)
Communion Song/Antiphon: One does not live on bread
alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of
God. OR
The Lord will conceal you with his pinions, and under his
wings you will trust.
Be Merciful/Create in Me (Stephan)
Be Merciful, O Lord/Create a Clean Heart
(Consiglio)
Be with Me (Haugen)
Create in Me (Kendzia, Hurd)
Come unto Me (Hurd)
Oh Dios, Crea en Mí (Cortés)
On Eagle’s Wings (Joncas)
Pan de Vida (Rubalcava)
Pan del Cielo
Tâm Tình Hiê′ n Dâng/A Gift of Love (Sông Lam)
With the Lord There Is Mercy (Modlin)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth
Beyond the Days (Manalo)
Blessed Be Your Name
Blest Be the Lord (Schutte)
Change Our Hearts (Cooney)
Christ before Us (Whitaker)
Forty Days and Forty Nights HEINLEIN
Lead Me, Lord (Becker)
We Belong to You (Thomson)
OR Silence
Calendar
February
22 Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle
Washington’s Birthday
Julian Calendar Lent begins
23 Opt. Mem. of St. Polycarp, bishop & martyr
26 Purim
Question of the Week: After Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit drives “Jesus out into the desert.” Where do you find solitude and quiet to be with God?
About Music Concerning Covenant: The Old Testament passage about Noah and his family seeing the rainbow at the end of the great flood is the first of many readings in this cycle of the Lenten readings regarding covenant. “God of All Covenants” (WLP), Orin E. Johnson, speaks directly to these readings and the varied theological concepts of covenant that are so strong these next few weeks.
February 28 - Second Sunday of Lent
Today’s First Reading recalls the sacrifice of
Abraham, a text that will also appear as the Second Reading
of the Easter Vigil. Some ask how God could be so cruel as to
demand the sacrifice of a person’s child. The real message
here for us is the depth of Abraham’s love. He is willing to
give up that which he loves most in life, his child, for God. As
a result of his obedience, he is given te greatest of blessings –
“descendants as countless as the stars.” The Second Reading,
Romans 8, reminds us that ours is a God of love who did not
spare his own son in his great love for us.
Each year, the Gospel of the Second Sunday of Lent
tells the story of the Transfiguration. Remembers, homilists,
there are Harry Potter fans in the assembly who are familiar
with the term “transfiguration.” Many religions believed that
gods could change form, and Harry and friends learn about
transfiguration spells at the Hogwarts School. Jesuit Father
John Donahue suggests that “transformation” would be a
better word for today’s Gospel story, “Since Jesus, though in
the form of God, took on the ‘form’ of a slave (Philippians
2:6-7), and is now transformed and seen as an exalted
member of the heavenly court” (Hearing the Word of God,
Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2004, p. 33). If congregational singing is permitted, consider singing
the Penitential Act throughout Lent. There are myriad choices among
the many publishers’ resources. Parishes with RCIA Candidates for Full Communion (not
appropriate for the Elect): Consider celebrating the Penitential Act
(Scrutiny) at the Mass they attend, RCIA #459-472.
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: Of you my heart has
spoken: Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide
not your face from me. OR
Remember your compassion, O Lord, and your merciful love,
for they are from of old. Let not our enemies exult over us.
Redeem us, O God of Israel, from all our distress.
Be Still for the Presence of the Lord (O/C)
Caminaré: Sal 116(115) (S)
Come, Worship the Lord (Talbot)
From Ashes to the Living Font (O/S)
Glory and Praise to You (O/C/S)
God So Loved the World (O/C/S)
God’s Holy Mountain We Ascend
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (Bolduc) (O/C/S)
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (O/S)
In These Days of Lenten Journey (Manalo) (S)
Juntos como Hermanos (O/C/S)
Let the Weight of Your Glory Fall (O)
O Bless the Lord, My Soul ST. THOMAS (WILLIAMS)
Open the Eyes of My Heart (O/S)
Perdona a Tu Pueblo (S)
Priestly People (O/C)
Rain Down (Cortez)
Remember Your Love (Ducote)
Return to God (Angotti O/C) (Haugen O/C/S)
Save Us, O Lord (Dufford)
Save Your People (Farrell)
Señor, Tu Gran Misericordia (O/S)
The Road of Mercy (Briare)
‘Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here SWABIA (O)
Word of God, Come Down on Earth (O)
You Are the Voice (O/C)
Genesis 22:1-2,9,10-13,15-18 God tested Abraham, asking
him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Seeing Abraham’s obedience,
God relented. Because of Abraham’s faith, God blessed him greatly.
Psalm 116:10, 15, 16017, 18-19
I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.
Romans 8:31-34 We have received the ultimate proof of God’s
love: Christ Jesus given up to death for the sake of us all. “If God is
for us, who can be against us?”
Gospel verse:
From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard:
This is my beloved Son, listen to him.
Mark 9:2-10 Jesus went up a mountain with his disciples and
was transfigured before their eyes. A voice from a cloud proclaimed,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Silence or instrumental
All That Is Hidden (Farrell)
Beautiful Savior
Christ in Me Arise (Thomson)
Del Señor Viene la Misericordia: Sal 130 (129) (C)
El Señor Es Compasivo: Sal 1013(102) (C)
Gracious God (Manibusan) (S)
If God Is for Us (Brown)
Misericordia, Señor: Sal 51(50) (Cortés C) (Florián)
Oh Buen Jesús
Ojalá Escuchen la Voz: Sal 95(94) (Florián) (O/C)
Renew Me, Lord SAFE HARBOUR
Restless Is the Heart (Farrell)
Sí, Me Levantaré (C)
The Lord Is My Light (Walker)
This Alone (Manion)
Transfiguration (Manalo, Landry)
Tree of Life (C)
You Are the Light I Seek
Communion Song/Antiphon: This is my beloved Son, with
whom I am well pleased; listen to him.
Al Partir el Pan
Christ, Be Our Light (Farrell)
How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place (DeBruyn)
I Have Loved You (Joncas)
In the Presence of God (Kendzia)
Lord, Let Your Mercy (Dufford)
Miracle of Grace (Stephan)
Sacred Silence (Booth)
The Lord Fills the Earth with His Love (Inwood)
Transfigure Us, O Lord (Hurd)
You Are the Light (Hart)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
Anthem (Conry)
Be Thou My Vision SLANE
Blessed by Your Sacrifice ST. ELIZABETH
Lead Me, Lord (Becker)
O Bless the Lord (Michaels)
Take the Word of God with You (Walker)
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy IN BABILONE
OR Silence
Pope’s Intention for March: Evangelization: Sacrament of Reconciliation Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.
Calendar
March
3 Opt. Mem. of St. Katharine Drexel, virgin
4 Opt. Mem. of St. Casimir
5 World Day of Prayer
First Friday
6 First Saturday
Question of the Week: In the Gospel, a voice from the cloud says, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” How do you take time in prayer not only to talk, but also to listen to Jesus?
About Music: God’s revelation: We likely can rapidly name, off the top of our heads, five or six pieces of music through which the transfiguration narrative is told or allowed to unfold and be unpacked, or hymns with light as a central focus of the text. Instead of suggesting any of these, it might be valuable to note that this gospel is paired with the Old Testament reading of the near sacrifice of Isaac and that these texts, along with the psalm and epistle, all include strong elements of God’s direct revelation of faithfulness to us as we learn to trust God’s will and eternal love for us. We would be wise to include music that speaks to these facets of our faith, like “All That Is Hidden” (Farrell-OCP), or the Taizé community’s “Eat This Bread” (GIA), which also points the singer’s heart and mind toward the coming journey to Jerusalem. – Living Liturgy 2021
March 7 - Third Sunday of Lent RCIA - First Scrutiny (Elect only) (takes place after homily) (If you have Elect, you may, but are not required to, use cycle A readings.)
Today’s (and the Fourth and Fifth Sunday’s) music
suggestions are designed for both the readings for Liturgical
Year B as well as Year A (RCIA). The entrance antiphon for
both years is taken from Psalm 25. Hurd’s energetic version,
“To You O God” is listed for entrance. Check your own
parish resources for alternate settings of Psalm 25.
Theologian John Shea ties together today’s Gospels
from both Year B and A for preachers and teachers in Eating
with the Bridegroom, Year B. In the Gospel concerning the
cleansing of the temple (Year B), Shea calls temple worship
commercial. “…in fact, physical and social life defines and
restricts its mode of worship… Worshippers give God
something…[sacrificial animals]…and God give the
worshiper something…forgiveness for sins and help in various
endeavors…Jesus’ Father, however, is not a deal maker”
(90). (www.litpress.org)
Shea then shifts to the story of the Samaritan woman
(RCIA/Year A). “When the woman asks Jesus about where to
worship [John 4:20-24] Jesus says ‘true worshipers will
worship the Father in spirit and truth.’” Shea adds:
“Whenever consciousness discerns, welcomes, and
cooperates…with the activity of God (spirit), God is
worshipped…In this sense he may be doing more than
cleansing the temple, He may be replacing it.” (91 ibid).
Perhaps our absent members are still worshipping
God even though they may not be at Mass today. Also check
out “I Am the Bread of Life (Come and Follow Me)” by Steve
Angrisano and Tom Booth. This title just may find its way into
your Paschal repertoire.
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney – Today’s Liturgy (OCP)
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: My eyes are always on
the Lord, for he rescues my feet from the snare. Turn to me
and have mercy on me, for I am alone and poor. OR
When I prove my holiness among you, I will gather you from
all the foreign lands; and I will pour clean water upon you
and cleanse you from all your impurities, and I will give you a
new spirit, says the Lord.
Christ in Me Arise (Thomson)
Crux Fidelis (O/C)
From Ashes to the Living Font (O/S)
From the Depths We Cry to Thee HEINLEIN (O)
Fuente de Agua Viva (O)
Healing Waters (O)
Holy, Holy, Holy NICAEA
I Heard the Voice of Jesus (Bolduc O/C/S) (KINGSFOLD O/S)
In These Days of Lenten Journey (Manalo)
Journey for Home (O/C/S)
Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER (S)
Porque Nos Invitas (C)
Seek the Lord (O’Connor)
To You, O God, I Lift Up My Soul (Hurd)
Vamos Peregrinos (S)
We Acclaim the Cross of Jesus (O/S)
We Belong to You (Thomson)
We Should Glory in the Cross (O/S)
What Wondrous Love Is This (O/S)
Exodus 20:1-17 or 20:1-3,7-8,12-17God delivered the
commandments to Moses and the Hebrews, who had been freed from
slavery in Egypt. “You shall not have other gods besides me,” says
the Lord God.
Psalm 19:8. 9. 10, 11
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25 Paul preached Christ crucified “a
stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” God’s folly is
wiser and his weakness stronger than human wisdom.
Gospel verse:
God so loved the world that He gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
John 2:13-25 Jesus found people buying and selling in the
temple. With a whip, he drove out the moneychangers. He said,
“Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”
Preparation of the Altar and Gifts:
Silence/Instrumental
Acuérdate de Jesucristo (C)
All Who Are Thirsty (C)
Come, Just as You Are (C)
Del Señor Viene la Misericordia: Sal 130(129) (C)
Earthen Vessels (Foley)
Endless Is Your Love (Kendzia)
Grant to Us, O Lord (C)
How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place (DeBruyn)
Keep in Mind (C)
Misericordia, Señor: Sal 51(50) (Cortés C)
Nothing (C)
O God, You Search Me (Farrell)
Oh Dios, Crea en Mí: Sal 51(50) (C)
Open My Eyes (Manibusan)
Señor, Tú Tienes Palabras: Sal 19(18) (C)
Stain Me (C)
Tree of Life (C)
Turn to Me (Foley)
Your Words Are Spirit and Life (Farrell)
Communion Song/Antiphon: The sparrow finds a home, and
the swallow a nest for her young: by your altars, O Lord of
hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they who dwell in
your house, for ever singing your praise.
Al Partir el Pan
As the Deer (Farrell)
As the Deer Longs (Hurd)
Come to Me and Drink (Hurd)
Create in Me (Kendzia)
Fly Like a Bird (Canedo)
Gusten y Vean: Sal 34(33)
Hemos Oído tu Voz
I Am the Bread of Life (Come and Follow Me)
(Angrisano/Booth)
I Am the Bread of Life (Toolan)
Lord, You Have the Words (Joncas)
Lord, You Have the Words of Everlasting Life
(Harbor)
Pan de Vida (Rubalcava)
Señor Tu Eres el Pan
To You, O Lord (Soper)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth
And We Cry, “Holy”
Better Is One Day (Redman)
City of God (Schutte)
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord (Inwood)
God of the Hungry (Soper)
How Firm a Foundation FOUNDATION
Save Your People (Farrell)
Take Up Your Cross (Cortez)
The Church’s One Foundation AURELIA
OR Silence
Calendar
March
8 Opt. Mem. of St. John of God, religious
International Women’s Day
9 Opt. Mem. of St. Frances of Rome, religious
12 Girl Scouts’ Birthday
14 Daylight Savings Time begins: Clocks
forward one hour.
Question of the Week: In the Gospel, Jesus purifies the temple. How does your faith community maintain a sacred and holy space for the people of God to worship?
Connecting the Responsorial Psalm To psalmist preparation: In the final verse of today’s psalm we proclaim of God’s words, “They are more precious than gold,/than a heap of purest gold.” These words of God contained in the Bible, and the Word of God made present in Jesus Christ, are our greatest treasure. How do you relish these gifts of God in your own life?
March 14 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
RCIA - Second Scrutiny (takes place after homily) (If you have Elect, you may, but are not required to, use cycle A readings.)
Today’s Year B Gospel from Saint John reminds us
that “God so loved the world…,” and the RCIA (Year A)
Gospel relates the healing the blind man.
Images of light are common to both sets of Gospel
readings. “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”, “Open My
Eyes”, and “Amazing Grace” are obvious musical choices
that can be incorporated into Year B and RCIA (Year A)
liturgies today.
John’s reference to the bronze serpent in today’s
Gospel alludes to an interesting story in Numbers 21:4-9.
First of all, understand that the desert floor was covered with
snakes and Moses made a bronze serpent and placed it on a
pole. If those who were bitten by a snake looked up at the
bronze serpent, they would not die, but live. With our eyes
upon Jesus, we will not die.
“All is gift” encapsulates the message for today. In
the first reading, God’s great mercy on the repeatedly sinful
people can only be gift. The Gospel reinforces the message:
Christ is gift to us. In Preaching the New Lectionary, Year B
(Collegeville: Liturgical Press,1999), Sister of Saint Agnes
Dianne Bergant states that today’s Pauline reading to the
Ephesians contains the heart of Paul’s theology. “Salvation is
a grace that we receive ‘in Christ,’ because of Christ. Grace
and faith are essential components of salvation: God bestows
the grace and we accept it in faith. Good works are important
but only as a result of having been saved, not as a condition
for it” (p.114).
Remember this week’s feasts of Saint Patrick and
Saint Joseph, both popular ethnic celebrations. Consider these
Celtic-based hymn tunes and texts for today’s liturgical feast:
“This Day God Gives Me”, and “Irish Blessing”.
Saint Joseph is honored with his own special hum,
“Holy Patron, Thee Saluting.”
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy OCP
NB – Be on the watch for special parish and diocesan
celebrations surrounding the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March
19th!
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice, Jerusalem,
and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning;
exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.
Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death (O/C/S)
Beyond the Days (Manalo)
Caminaré: Sal 116(115) (S)
Christ before Us SUO GÂN
From Ashes to the Living Font (O/S)
God So Loved the World (O/C/S)
Journey for Home (O/C/S)
Let Us Go Rejoicing (Angrisano)
Lift High the Cross
Lord of All Hopefulness SLANE
Open My Eyes (O/C)
Perdón, Oh Dios Mio
Perdona a Tu Pueblo (S)
Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness (O/S)
Rain Down (Cortez)
The King of Love My Shepherd Is ST. COLUMBA
There’s a Wideness/Be Merciful (O/C/S)
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy (O/S)
We Remember (Haugen)
What Wondrous Love Is This WONDROUS LOVE
With Our Eyes on the Cross (Walton)
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 God’s people lived in sin,
mocking God’s messengers and ignoring the Lord’s warnings.
Finally, their enemies destroyed Jerusalem. They were taken captive,
but God showed mercy.
Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Let my tongue be silenced, if ever I forget you!
Ephesians 2:4-10 God is rich in mercy, and out of love the Lord
brought us to life in Christ when we were in sin. God saved us by
grace, not by anything we have done.
Gospel verse:
God so loved the world that He gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
John 3:14-21 God’s Son came into the world not to condemn it,
but to save it. As Moses lifted up the serpent, so must the Son of Man
be lifted up, that all who believe may have eternal life.
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Silence/Instrumental
Amazing Grace NEW BRITAIN (S)
Canticle of Mercy (C)
Christ Be beside Me ST. ROSE
El Señor Es Compasivo: Sal 103(102) (C)
El Señor Es Mi Luz: Sal 27(26) (Rubalcava) (C)
Eres Mi Pastor (C)
God So Loved (Canedo)
Hold On to Love (Manibusan) (C)
Hoy Perdóname
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (S)
In Perfect Charity PERFECT CHARITY
O God, for You I Long (Farrell)
Oh Buen Jesús
Sáname
Sí, Me Levantaré
The Same Love
Turn Our Hearts Around (C)
You Are the Healing (Soper)
Communion Song/Antiphon: Jerusalem is built as a city
bonded as one together. It is there that the tribes go up, the
tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord.
Christ, Be Our Light (Farrell)
Come to Me (Norbet)
Gusten y Vean: Sal 34(33)
Holy Darkness (Schutte)
I Received the Living God (Ballard, Jacob)
Listen, O Lord, to My Prayer
My Shepherd Is the Lord (Gelineau)
Only This I Want (Schutte)
Open My Eyes (Manibusan)
Pan de Vida (Rubalcava)
There Is a Longing (Quigley)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
Christ in Me Arise (Thomson)
Christ the Lord (Hart)
City of God (Schutte)
God of the Hungry (Soper)
In These Days of Lenten Journey (Manalo)
Let All Things Now Living ASH GROVE
Stand by Me (Kendzia)
The Church’s One Foundation AURELIA
With Our Eyes on the Cross (Walton)
OR Silence
Calendar
March
17 Opt. Mem. of St. Patrick, bishop
18 Opt. Mem. of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop
& doctor
19 Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
20 Spring begins
Question of the Week: In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “[T]he light came into the world, / but people preferred darkness to light.” Where do you perceive light encountering darkness in your community at this moment?
About Music The Music of Incarnation: This Sunday’s gospel contains one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture, John 3:16. If you haven’t lately, consider singing a piece of music, for instance during the preparation of the gifts, for the assembly to remain still and listen to these profound words – especially if the advice on utilizing silence and stillness is taken to heart. Robert Farrell has an approachable setting for SATB and keyboard (OCP). [If not by choir, by cantor.] Alternately, it would also be good to place on the assembly’s lips a text that breaks open the significance of this passage. A wonderful text by J. Michael Thompson is titled “God of Love: (WLP, also in Liturgical Press’s Sacred Song), which can be sung to BEACH SPRING among other favorite hymn tunes.
March 21 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
RCIA - Third Scrutiny (takes place after homily) (If you have Elect, you may, but are not required to, use cycle A readings.)
Today’s Gospel from Year A (RCIA liturgies) tells of the
raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11). The Year B
Gospel from John 12 speaks of the grain of wheat that must
die in order to bear fruit. Both concern what Jesuit Father
John Donahue speaks of as the paradox of life through death.
Today there’s a reprieve from preparing cantors for
the double-duty liturgies of Lent. The Responsorial Psalm for
Years A (RCIA) as well as B may be used interchangeably.
Psalm 51, “Create a clean heart in me, O God,” is the great
Miserere of David and has been set to music by many religious
composers. For RCIA liturgies, Psalm 130 is prescribed, but
with an option to use Psalm 51, a Common Psalm of Lent.
Rick Modlin has composed a setting of Psalm 130, “With the
Lord There Is Mercy”, that has become popular with many
youth and young adult worshippers.
The underlined Communion suggestion is Bernadette
Farrell’s “Unless a Grain of Wheat.” Check out Hurd’s
offering, “Come to the Feast/Ven al Banquete” which serves
as an excellent Communion song as the refrain is eucharistic
and verse two reiterates the message of the wheat seed.
The feast of the Annunciation, celebrating Gabriel’s
announcement to Mary that she was chosen to be the Mother
of Jesus, is celebrated this week. The feast is a solemnity,
which is the highest-ranking feast in the Church’s calendar.
“Ave Maria/Hail Mary”, “Luke 1: My Soul Rejoices”, and
“Luke 1: Magnificat” are all appropriate.
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy OCP
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: Give me justice, O
God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless.
From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God,
are my strength.
Christ in Me Arise (Thomson)
Crux Fidelis (O/C)
For You Are My God (Foley)
Forty Days and Forty Nights HEINLEIN
From Ashes to the Living Font (O/S)
From the Depths We Cry to Thee HEINLEIN
Glorify Thy Name (O/C)
God So Loved the World (O/C/S)
Have Mercy, Lord, on Us (O)
I Am the Bread of Life (Toolan)
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (Bolduc O/C/S)
(KINGSFOLD O/S)
Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER
O God, beyond All Praising (O/S)
O God, Our Help in Ages Past ST. ANNE (S)
Perdona a Ty Pueblo (S)
Priestly People (O/C)
Save Your People (Farrell)
Take Up Your Cross (Cortez)
Vamos Peregrinos (S)
You Are the Way (O/S)
Jeremiah 31:31-34 God says, “I will make a new covenant with the
house of Israel…I will place my law within them and write it upon
their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people…I will
forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.”
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15
Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Hebrews 5:7-9 When Jesus was in the flesh, he prayed constantly
to God. Through his prayer and obedience, Jesus became the source
of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
Gospel verse: Whoever serves me must follow me, says the
Lord; and where I am, there also will my servant be.
John 12:20-33 Jesus told his followers: “Unless a grain of
wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of
wheat…And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone
to myself.”
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Silence or instrumental
As the Deer (Farrell)
Entre Tus Manos
Flow, River Flow (Hurd)
For the Sake of Christ (Canedo)
Grant to Us, O Lord (C)
Have Mercy on Us, Lord ATTENDE DOMINE
I Will Follow
I, the Lord (Kendzia)
Keep in Mind
La Alianza Nueva (C)
Oh Dios, Crea en Mí: Sal 51(50) (C)
Once Again (C)
Pues Si Vivimos/When We Are Living
Quiero Servirte, Mi Señor (C)
Renew Me, Lord SAFE HARBOUR
Tomado de la Mano
Yes, I Shall Arise (C)
You Are the Light (Hart)
Communion Song/Antiphon: Amen, amen I say to you:
Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it
remains a single grain. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.
As the Deer Longs (Hurd)
Banquete de Unidad
Create in Me (Kendzia)
Eye Has Not Seen (Haugen)
Hemos Oído Tu Voz
I Have Loved You (Joncas)
Keep in Mind (Deiss)
Oh Dios, Crea en Mí (Cortés)
Only This I Want (Schutte)
Pan del Cielo
Señor, Tú Eres el Pan
Take and Eat
The Goodness of the Lord (Soper)
The Jesus Song (Booth)
Unless a Grain of Wheat (Farrell)
With the Lord There Is Mercy (Modlin)
Yo Soy el Pan de Vida (S)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
Christ before Us SUO GÂN
Glory in the Cross (Schutte)
In These Days of Lenten Journey (Manalo)
Lead Me, Lord (Becker)
Purify My Heart (Doerksen)
Rain Down (Cortez)
Roll Away the Stone (Conry)
Stand by Me (Kendzia)
Though the Mountains May Fall (Schutte)
OR Silence
Calendar
March
21 International Day to Eliminate Racial
Discrimination
World Down Syndrome Day
23 Opt. Mem of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo,
Bishop
24 International Day for the Right to the Truth
Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations
and for the Dignity of Victims
25 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the
Lord
27 Passover begins at sundown
Question of the Week: Jesus tells his disciples, “[U]nless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, / it remains just a grain of wheat; / but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” How have you encountered this mystery that death leads to even more abundant life?
About Music Embracing the Cross: If we have planned music well thus far, we have noticed that the season of Lent is largely not one about suffering and death, at least not until reaching the last Sunday, this Sunday, and of course Passion Sunday. Music of repentance and discipleship gives way not to music of redemption, of sacrifice, and of the cross itself. Jaime Cortez has a recent “Take Up Your Cross” (OCP) that weds discipleship and sacrifice well. There is, too, a more “traditional” hymn by the same name in most hymnals, which also carries a similar message. From the “Praise and Worship” genre “Above All” (LeBlanc & Baloche) is a powerful and prayerful reflection on the crucifixion Jesus foretells in today’s gospel.
March 28 - Passion (Palm) Sunday Today’s Responsorial Psalm 22 is the prayer of Jesus on the
cross. How many people can identify with this great lament,
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” In praying
Psalm 22, remember that it can be the cry of a young mother
who is exasperated from doing the most servile works for her
children and left with no time for herself: “Like water my life
drains away” (verse 15a), or of someone begging God for
help and feeling his/her prayers go unanswered, planting
seeds of doubt: “My heart has become like wax, it melts away
within me” (verse 15b). Pray for them. Remember those who
are seriously ill: “My God, I call by day, but you do not
answer; by night, but I have no relief” (verse 3). Pray for
them. The elderly come to mind in verses 17c-18a: “So wasted
are my hands and feet that I can count all my bones.” Pray for
them. For whom else shall we pray?
To sing the Psalms well requires more than teaching
musical notes. Today’s Psalm can be broken open to become a
lament prayer for your rehearsals and meetings. Pass out
copies of your favorite translation to your people and provide
a silent reflection time. Then ask them to contribute their
thoughts and prayers. Conclude by praying the prayer of
Jesus on the cross, Psalm 22, together. Then encourage
action.
Balance is important today. The festive entrance
should not overpower today’s focus – the Passion. (Mass
begins with the opening prayer after the solemn entrance.)
After the proclamation of the Passion, festive music is not in
keeping with the tone at this point in the liturgy.
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy
OCP
Gospel: Mark 11:1-10 Jesus rode the colt into Jerusalem.
Some people spread cloaks and reeds before him and honored him.
Chant at the Procession
Let the King of Glory Come (Joncas)
Palm Sunday Procession (Drollinger)
The Children of Jerusalem (Consiglio)
The King of Glory KING OF GLORY (E)
Entrance/Antiphon: Six days before the Passover, when the
Lord came into the city of Jerusalem, the children ran to meet
him; in their hands, they carried palm branches and with a
loud voice cried out: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed are you
who have come in your abundant mercy! O gates, lift high
your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the
king of glory! Who is this king of glory! He, the Lord of hosts,
he is the king of glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed are
you, who have come in your abundant mercy!
A Ti, Jesús, Honor y Gloria (S)
Acuérdate de Jesucristo (C)
All Glory Laud and Honor ST. THEODULPH
Alzad la Cruz
Blessed is He/Palm Processional
Crux Fidelis (O/C)
Gloria, Honor a Ti
He Is Exalted
Hosanna
Hosanna Filio David (Chant)
Hosanna, Hijo de Dios
Hosanna, Son of God
Hosanna to the Son (Canedo)
Hosanna to the Son of David (Booth, Schutte)
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates TRURO
Palm Sunday Processional (Willcock)
Porque Nos Invitas (C)
Ride On! Ride On in Majesty
Show Us Your Mercy (O)
Sing Hosanna to Our King
Take Up Your Cross (O/C/S)
The Name of Jesus
Is 50:4-7 The servant of the Lord God was rebuffed but did
not turn back.
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Phil 2:6-11 Christ was in the form of God but did not
consider equality with God a thing to be grasped at.
Gospel verse: Christ became obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him and
bestowed on him the name which is above every name.
Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39 Jesus is betrayed, tried, condemned,
crucified and buried; this is his Passion and death. A Roman soldier
said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Faithful women stayed
with Jesus.
Preparation of the Altar and Gifts:
Silence/Instrumental
Jesús Recuérdame (S)
Lord, Let Me Walk (C/S)
Mirad la Cruz (S)
O Sacred Head (Hurd)
O Sacred Head, Surrounded (S)
Oh Cruz Fiel y Venerable (S)
Ours Were the Griefs He Bore (Dean)
Take Up Your Cross (Cortez)
The Jesus Song (Booth)
Unless a Grain of Wheat (C)
Up to Jerusalem (S)
Were You There (S)
What Wondrous Love Is This WONDROUS LOVE
When I Behold the Wondrous Cross (S)
Who Is the Crucified? (Keil)
Wood of the Cross (Alstott)
Your Sacrifice (C)
Communion Song/Antiphon: Father, if this chalice cannot
pass without my drinking it, your will be done.
Al Partir el Pan
Amén. El Cuerpo de Cristo (Schiavone)
Behold, Before our Wond’ring Eyes (Glen)
Glory in the Cross (Schutte) (S)
Jesus, the Lord (O’Connor)
Keep in Mind (Deiss)
My God, My God (Smith, Manion)
Take and Eat (Joncas)
Unless a Grain of Wheat (Farrell)
Venid, Oh Cristianos
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
Jesus, Remember Me (Berthier)
O Sacred Head, Surrounded PASSION CHORALE
Praise to You, O Christ, Our Savior (Farrell)
Take Up Your Cross ERHALT UNS HERR
There Is a Balm in Gilead BALM IN GILEAD
Were You There WERE YOU THERE
When I Behold/Survey the Wondrous Cross HAMBURG Your Only Son (Paris)
OR Silence
Pope’s Intention for April: Universal intention: Fundamental rights We pray for those who risk their lives while fighting for fundamental rights under dictatorships, authoritarian regimes and even in democracies in crisis.
Calendar
March
28 Passover begins
29 Monday of Holy Week
30 Tuesday of Holy Week
31 Wednesday of Holy Week
April
1 Thursday of Holy Week
Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper
2 Friday of the Passion of the Lord
World Autism Day
3 Holy Saturday
The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
Question of the Week: After his death, a centurion says of Jesus, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” What has Jesus done in your life that inspires you to say the same?
About Music Music for Procession: Music selected for the procession must be music for travelling and must be easily learned and owned on first or second hearing. It must also be able to be repeated many times over without growing wearisome or “tired.” Further, it should be able to be sung unaccompanied or accompanied by instruments one can travel with: guitars, hand percussion, and the like. There are many options for such a piece of music. John Angotti’s “Sing Hosanna to Our King” (WLP) has a lot of energy and a receptive melody as does Dan Schutte’s “Hosanna to the Son of David” (OCP). An issue can arise if the procession becomes too spread out, for instance if a large assembly walks to narrow a path. It is vital that good sound reinforcement be a part of the preparations for today’s liturgy, and important that music ministry lead from within. That is, you might prepare a handful of people (a couple instrumentalists, a couple singers) to nominally lead the music, but the remainder of the choir should scatter themselves about the procession at regular intervals. It can be helpful as well to have a visual leader when possible, visible to the whole of the procession, marking time and encouraging participation.
- Living Liturgy 2021
Chrism Mass - Monday, March 29 - 6:30 pm.
SACRED TRIDUUM 2021
“Triduum” is an odd-sounding word (tree-doo-oom) that
comes from the Latin term for “three days.” These most
sacred days begin Holy Thursday evening to Friday evening
(day one), include Friday evening and Holy Saturday (day
two), and conclude with the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday
Evening Prayer (day three). We recall that, though the modern
world (like the ancient Romans) starts a day at midnight, the
Jewish (and Christian liturgy’s) day starts at sundown. (And a
day for the ancient Greeks started at “sunrise!)
These “three days” are the most sacred of the liturgical year.
And the pinnacle of the Triduum is the Easter Vigil (General
Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, 19). Parishes
sometimes begin this only an hour, or even minutes after
sundown. It’s as though the church can’t wait to celebrate
Easter. But care should be taken to preserve the sacred
symbolism of the Light overcoming the darkness.
Notes on Triduum Liturgies No Perpetual Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
permitted during Triduum
[Parishes or] Groups authorized to have perpetual
exposition are bound to follow all the liturgical norms
given in Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist
outside Mass, nos. 82-100.
Under no circumstances may perpetual
exposition take place during the Easter Triduum.2 The
Easter Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the
Lord’s Supper, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil,
and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday night.3
The Reception of the Holy Oils Blessed
at the Chrism Mass
It is appropriate that the oil of the Sick, the oil of
Catechumens, and the Sacred Chrism, which are blessed
by the Bishop during the Chrism Mass, be presented to
and received by the local parish community.
The reception of the holy oils may take place at
the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday or on
another day after the celebration of the Chrism Mass.
The oils should be reserved in a suitable repository in
the sanctuary or near the baptismal font. The oils, in
suitable vessels, are carried in the procession of the gifts,
before the bread and wine, by members of the assembly.
No Good Friday Liturgy? No Transfer of Blessed
Sacrament on Holy Thursday5
“This rite of transfer of the Blessed Sacrament may not
be carried out if the liturgy of the Lord’s Passion will not
be celebrated in that same church on the following
day.”4 Roman Missal (third edition): “If in the same
church the celebration of the Lord’s Passion on the
following Friday does not take place, the Mass is
concluded in the usual way [like any Sunday Mass]
and the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the
tabernacle.”6
Adoration not Exposition
The rubrics for the procession on Holy Thursday read:
“The Blessed Sacrament, accompanied by lighted
candles and incense, is carried through the church to the
chapel of reservation, to the singing of the hymn, ‘Pange
lingua’ or some other eucharistic song.” The directives
from the Congregation are very clear in this regard:
“The Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a closed
tabernacle or pyx. Under no circumstances may it be
exposed in a monstrance.”7 This is also clearly
understood by the rubric describing the end of the
procession with the Blessed Sacrament which reads:
“Then the deacon or the priest himself places the
Sacrament in the tabernacle and closes the door.”8
After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the faithful
should be [strongly] encouraged to spend a suitable
period during the night in the church in adoration
before the reposed Blessed Sacrament. Some
communities have established the custom of praying
compline (night prayer) at the conclusion of the time of
solemn adoration.
2 Responsum ad dubium received by Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy. (BCL Newsletter Vol.
XXI), June 1995.
3 General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar [hereafter GNLY], no. 19.
4 Sacred Congregation of Rites. “Declaration of March 15, 1956,” no. 3, AAS 48 (1956): 153;
Ordinationes et declarationes circa
Ordinem hebomadae sanctae instauratum, no. 15, AAS 49 (1957): 93.
5 Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Paschale Solemnitatis:
Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts [hereafter PS].
January 16, 1988, no. 54. “This rite of transfer of the Blessed Sacrament may not be carried out
if the liturgy of the Lord’s passion will not be celebrated in that same church on the following
day.” http://www.wf-f.org/PaschaleSolemnitatis.html#anchor270734
6 Roman Missal III: rubrics for “The Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament” no. 44.
7 PS, no. 55.
8 Roman Missal III, Rubric for Holy Thursday no. 39, “Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament.”
April 1 - Holy Thursday Today we’ll focus on some Roman Missal rubrics. A
generation ago there would be only one Mass on Holy
Thursday. Out of need, a morning Mass or another evening
Mass is permitted “but only for the faithful who are in no way
able to participate in the evening Mass.” Such celebrations
must “not prejudice the evening Mass” (Holy Thursday,
rubric 3).
There is a Penitential Act. There is no Creed. The
Gloria is sung, during which bells are rung, and “when it is
finished, they remain silent until the Gloria in excelsis of the
Easter Vigil. Likewise, during this same period, the organ and
other musical instruments may be used only so as to support
the singing” (rubric 7).
This should clarify any ambiguity regarding tradition
and local custom. “The singing of the people, the ministers,
and the Priest Celebrant has a special importance in the
celebrations of these days, for when texts are sung, they have
their proper impact” (Easter Triduum, rubric 2).
That being said, please take into consideration where
we are here in the Diocese of Crookston as far as pandemic
protocols concerning congregational singing. Cantors need to
be trained well to be the voice of the assembly offering their
praises to God.
Regarding the selection of music, the rubrics are
generous. During the Washing of Feet, the procession of the
gifts, and the Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
particular texts are listed but there is leeway for other
appropriate songs.
Concerning environment: “The altar (not on but
around) may be decorated with flowers with a moderation that
accords with the character of this day” (rubric 5).
(NB – depending on pandemic protocols, these rituals may not
occur “as usual”).
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: We should glory in the
Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life
and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.
Alzad la Cruz
Glory in the Cross (Schutte)
Keep in Mind (Deiss)
Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER
Praise to You, O Christ, Our Savior (Farrell)
Table of Plenty (Schutte)
Take Up Your Cross (Cortez, Stephan)
Then Let Us Glory in the Cross
We Should Glory in the Cross
What Is This Place KOMT NU MET ZANG
Exodus 12:1-8,11-14 The Lord instructs Moses and Aaron
regarding the Passover meal. They were to eat roasted lamb,
unleavened bread, and bitter herbs and to sprinkle blood from the
lamb on the doorpost and lintels as a sign that those inside obeyed
God’s command.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the blood of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Paul recounted the tradition of the
Lord’s Supper: Jesus said, “This is my body that is for you. This cup
is the new covenant in my blood. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Gospel verse: I give you a new commandment, says the
Lord: love one another as I have loved you.
John 13:1-15 Jesus called his disciples together for the
Passover Supper. During the meal, Jesus rose, tied a towel around
himself, and washed the disciples’ feet. He said, “If I, therefore, the
master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one
another’s feet.”
Foot Washing (NB current pandemic protocols):
As I Have Done for You (Schutte)
I Give You a New Commandment (Hurd)
No Greater Love (Schoenbachler)
Shepherd of Souls ST. AGNES
Te Alabamos, Señor (Hurd)
The Lord Jesus (Norbet)
The Sacrament of Service
This Is How (C)
Vine and Branches (Thomson)
What I Have Done for You (O/C)
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
A New Commandment (C)
Bread for the World (Farrell)
Donde Hay Amor y Caridad/Where Charity and Love
Abound (Rubalcava)(C)
Here at This Table (Whitaker)
In Remembrance of You (C)
Love One Another (Alonso, King)
Quiero Servirte, Mi Señor
The Jesus Song (Booth)
The Servant Song SERVANT SONG
Ubi Caritas (Hurd, Rosania)
Ubi Caritas/We Will Find God UBI CARITAS
Un Mandamiento Nuevo (C)
Where Charity and Love Prevail (Benoit, Hill)
Where Charity Is True
Communion Song/Antiphon: This is my Body that will be
given up for you; this is the Chalice of the new covenant in my
Blood, says the Lord; do this, whenever you receive it, in
memory of me.
Al Partir el Pan
Amén. El Cuerpo de Cristo (Schiavone)
Bread of Angels (Stephan)
Called to the Supper of the Lord (T)
Do This in Memory of Me
In Remembrance (Bolduc)
One Bread, One Body (Foley)
One Love Released (Frenzel)
Our Blessing Cup (Hurd)
Pan de Vida (Hurd)
Pan del Cielo
Remember Me
Supper of the Lamb (Schutte)
Taste and See (Moore)
The Supper of the Lord (Rosania)
When We Eat This Bread (Joncas)
Transfer of the Eucharist (NB current pandemic protocols)
A Tan Alto Sacramento
Pange Lingua/Canta Lengua Jubilosa
Pange Lingua, Gloriosi/Down in Adoration Falling PANGE LINGUA GLORIOSI
Sing, My Tongue, the Savior’s Glory PANGE LINGUA
GLORIOSI
Adoration (Maher)
Pange Lingua, Gloriosi/Sing, My Tongue, the
Savior’s Glory ST. THOMAS (TANTUM ERGO)
Ubi Caritas/Where True Charity and Love Dwell UBI
CARITAS
DEPART IN SILENCE
Question of the Day: Jesus asks his disciples, “Do you realize what I have done for you?” How would you personally answer this question?
April 2 - Good Friday “Forgiveness – is the bearing of the other person’s burden,
moving toward her, even when she refuses to move an inch
toward you. There is something relentless, even aggressive,
about forgiveness, since it amounts to a refusal ever to give up
on a relationship.” – Father Robert Barron, The Strangest
Way: Walking the Christian Path (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis
Books, 2002), pg. 109.
It is said that it is difficult for a person who hasn’t
experienced mercy to show mercy. Jesus does Peter a huge
favor today even within Peter’s denial of him. Up to now,
Peter has not been known for his compassion. He is sure of
himself, impetuous, and a leader. In fact, in the Garden of
Gethsemane, Peter drew his sword and struck a slave.
Imagine Peter’s pain after the cock crowed and he realized
that he was a sinner. Where was he while Jesus hung on the
cross? Imagine how much unfinished business there was
between Jesus and Peter. It was too late to ask for forgiveness.
So much was left unsaid.
Selecting the right music for Triduum with your
worshipping community is your job. There are plenty of
resources for that. It is [my job] to guide you in music and
ministry. Liturgy can form us but we must cooperate if we
want to become holy through it. Unless we break open what
these liturgies are all about – abundant hospitality, humble
service, knowing we are sinners, forgiving one another,
worshipping God, and walking the walk that Jesus walked,
then why do this? “Now is the time and the proper hour…”
Make peace. Show mercy.
-Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy 2021
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Isaiah foretold the Messiah’s sufferings
by describing those of the servant who died and was raised up to take
away the sins of many.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
Father, I put my life in your hands
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Jesus is the great high priest, servant of
all, source of salvation. Though he was God’s son, he
learned obedience through suffering. He was heard
because of his reverence.
Gospel verse: Christ became obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
which is above every other name.
John 18:1-19:42 The Gospel of John provides a variation on the
story of Jesus’ betrayal, condemnation, suffering and
death. Death and life are side by side today. Jesus’ death
brings life. A soldier thrust his lance into his side, and
immediately blood and water flowed out.
GATHER IN SILENCE
Solemn Intercessions
Good Friday Solemn Intercessions (Keil)
Adoration of the Holy Cross:
A Tan Alto Sacramento
Above All
Acuérdate de Jesucristo
Behold the Cross (Hurd)
Behold the Wood (Schutte)
Faithful Cross (Kendzia)
Father, into Your Hands (Foster)
Father, into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit
(DeBruyn)
From the Wounds of Christ (Zaragoza) (C)
Give Me Jesus (Hansen)
God of Mercy (Manalo)
God So Loved the World (C)
Jesús Recuérdame
Jesus, Remember Me (C)
Joseph, Take Him Off the Tree
Junto al Pie de la Cruz Santa STABAT MATER
Lord, Let Me Walk (C)
Madre Llena de Aflicción
Mirad la Cruz
O Cross of Christ, Immortal Tree
O Sacred Head (Hurd) (C)
O Sacred Head, Surrounded
Oh Cruz Fiel y Venerable
Perdona a Tu Pueblo
Take Up Our Cross (C)
The Jesus Song (Booth)
Tree of Life
We Acclaim the Cross of Jesus
We Should Glory in the Cross
Were You There WERE YOU THERE
What Wondrous Love Is This WONDROUS LOVE
When I Behold the Wondrous Cross
Who Is the Crucified? (Keil)
Wood of the Cross (Alstott)
Collection for the Holy Land: See Above or Silence
Song for Communion:
Crux Fidelis
Entre Tus Manos
Father, I Put My Life in Your Hands (Talbot)
How Beautiful
Jesus, the Lord (O’Connor)
My God, My God (Manion)
My Shepherd Is the Lord (Gelineau)
O Word of Christ (Hart)
Óyenos, Señor: Sal 130(129)
Pastures of the Lord (Stephan)
Unless a Grain of Wheat (Farrell, Hurd)
Venid, Oh Cristianos
DEPART IN SILENCE
Question of the Day: The letter to the Hebrews urges us to “hold fast to our confession.” Who do you personally confess Christ to be?
April 3 - Easter Vigil It is important to cover all aspects of the Easter Vigil in this
short column, so I’ll offer some hopefully helpful tips. A walk-
through for all ministers (except musicians and elect) has its
own rewards. A sense of teamwork is essential. If the Vigil is
well-prepared, time passes swiftly. An unrehearsed Vigil can
seem eternal!
PART I: THE SOLEMN BEGINNING OF THE VIGIL or
LUCERNARIUM
Procession: Consider using the Latin version, Lumen Christi,
for the procession. It has punch, is understandable without
translation, and is a sensible choice for multicultural worship.
The Deo gratias response is easy and it can be a healing
gesture of unity.
Easter Proclamation/Exsultet: The Exsultet text in the Roman
Missal [RM] has changed, and note that both the long and
short chats are inserted directly into the ritual book. Go to
ocp.org to hear the verbatim settings by Paul Hillebrand, Tom
Kendzia, Christopher Walker, and a bilingual setting by Pedro
Rubalcava.
PART II: THE LITURGY of the WORD
“At least three readings should be read from the Old
Testament, both from the Law and the Prophets, and their
respective Responsorial Psalms should be sung” (RM, rubric
21). Creation, the Sacrifice of Abraham, and the parting of the
Red Sea are all in the books of the Law (Torah).
PART III: BAPTISMAL LITURGY
People must be able to see the rite! John Becker’s “Litany of
the Saints” is now available in Spanish and English. Barbara
Bridge has composed a new version of the litany.
PART IV: THE LITURGY of the EUCHARIST
For the first Communion antiphon, see “Our Paschal
Sacrifice/El Cordero Pascual” by Eleazar Cortés and Pedro
Rubalcava.
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy
Processional of light: Christ Our Light! Thanks Be to God!
Exsultet – be sure to use the text found in the Roman Missal III –
full or abridged.
Scripture -
Nine readings are assigned to the Easter Vigil: seven from the
Old Testament and two from the New. If circumstances
demand in individual cases, the number of prescribed readings
may be reduced. Three selections from the Old Testament,
however, should be read before the epistle and Gospel,
although when necessary, two may be read. In any case, the
reading from Exodus about the escape through the Red Sea
(reading 3*) should never be omitted. – Lectionary for Sunday
Mass
Genesis 1:1-2:2 God created the world and saw how good it was.
God looked at everything and found it very good.
Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 25
Lord, send out your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.
Or Ps 33:4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20, 22
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Genesis 22:1-18 Abraham offered his only son Isaac as a sacrifice
to God, and it was credited to him as justice.
Ps. 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
You are my inheritance, O Lord.
*Exodus 14:15-15:1 Israel passed through the Red Sea
unharmed. As for the Egyptians, their horses and chariots were
tossed into the sea.
Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18
Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
Isaiah 54:5-14 I, your Maker, the LORD of hosts, will establish
you in justice, far from fear where no harm can come near you.
Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Isaiah 55:1-11 “All you who are thirsty, come to the water!... I
will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to
David.”
Is. 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4 All who cling to God’s law will live.
“Blessed are we, O Israel; for what pleases God is known to us!” Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 The Lord will pour clean water over
the people and give them a new heart. Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4
Like a deer that longs for running streams,
my soul longs for you, my God.
OR when there are NO baptisms:
Is. 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 (Note different verses from above). Same refrain as Is. 12 above. OR Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Romans 6:3-11 Christ’s death is death to sin once and for all,
and his life is life for God. We are dead to sin and living for God in
Christ. Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Mark 16:1-7 When the women came to the tomb, they found
the stone had been rolled away. Inside there was an angel who said
to them, “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been
raised; he is not here…He is going before you to Galilee.”
Hymns for Baptism:
Letanía de los Santos
Litany of Saints (Chant, Becker)
Rite of Sprinkling/Initiation:
Anointing, Fall on Me (I)
I Saw Water Flowing
I Saw Water Flowing Clear (Alonso)
Living Streams (Mass of Christ the Savior) (Schutte)
River of Glory (Schutte)
Shall We Gather at the River HANSON PLACE
Springs of Water (Janco)
Springs of Water, Bless the Lord ASSURANCE
(Alonso)
There Is One Lord
Veni, Creator Spiritus (I)
Wade in the Water (Ridge)
Waters of Life (Dean)
We Shall Draw Water (Inwood)
You Will Draw Water
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Alleluia! Love Is Alive (Angrisano)
Alleluia No. 1 (C)
Baptized in Living Waters (C)
Canten a Dios con Alegría (S)
Come, Spread the News (S)
Down to the River to Pray (Crandal)
Flow, River, Flow (Hurd)
Fuente de Agua Viva (C)
Jesus Reigns (S)
La Ruda Lucha Terminó
Not by Bread Alone (C)
Out of Darkness (Kendzia)
Resucitó/He Is Risen (Argüello) (C)
Sing, Rejoice, O Heavenly Powers (S)
The Strife Is O’er VICTORY
Un Solo Señor (Rubalcava) (C)
We Know That Christ Is Raised (S)
Ye Sons and Daughters O FILII ET FILIAE (C)
Communion Song/Antiphon: Christ our Passover has been
sacrificed; therefore, let us keep the feast with the unleavened
bread of purity and truth, alleluia.
Bread of Angels (Stephan)
Christ, Be Our Light (Farrell) – Easter Vigil verses
Come to the Water (Foley)
Dad Gracias al Señor: Sal 136(135)
I Am the Bread of Life (Toolan)
Miracle of Grace (Stephan)
Pan del Cielo
This Is the Day (Joncas)
Three Days (McKinley)
Todos Los Que Han Sido Bautizados
You Have Called Us (Farrell)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
Christ before Us SUO GÂN
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today LLANFAIR
Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain GAUDEAMUS PARITER
El Señor Resucitó
Hallelujah Is Our Song (Hart)
In Christ Alone (Getty)
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today EASTER HYMN (Alonso)
Sing with All the Saints in Glory HYMN TO JOY
The Day of Resurrection ELLACOMBE
Question of the Day: At the Easter Vigil our individual candles are lit by sharing the flame of the paschal candle with one another. How are you spreading the light of Christ in your daily life?
April 4 - Easter Sunday
The Masses will be full today (following the current pandemic
protocols of course) and hopefully folks will leave wanting to
come again soon. There are folks who absolutely must hear
“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” or it is not Easter for them. It is
not an easy hymn to play for organists. It demands a rousing
tempo and facile feet. If you’re not an organist “by birth,”
then minimize pedal usage for the Alleluias! A competent
organist might completely let go of the keyboard for an
alleluia or two. Accompany the assembly on measures 1 and
2, then play only the first beat of measure 3. Come back in on
measure 4. Let the assembly hear the sound of their own
voices. Best to wait until an interior verse – after they’ve
gotten into the hymn to try this.
An instruction in the Roman Missal for Easter Vigil
(#34) directs the priest to intone the Alleluia three times,
raising his voice a step each time. Respond and Acclaim
contains a written-out version of this in three keys on page 76.
Here’s a suggestion. On the last measure of the first alleluia
(after the F minor chord), in rhythm, substitute a C# / (Db)
major chord. It will help transition everyone gracefully into
the next introduction. After the second set of alleluias, insert a
D7 chord. It will transition you into the third introduction in G
minor. It can work for today’s Gospel Acclamation, too. Do it
with your choir (cantor).
Easter is here! Here’s to you for making a difference
in the liturgical life of your community!
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy 2021
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: I have risen, and I am
with you still, alleluia. You have laid your hand upon me,
alleluia. Too wonderful for me, this knowledge, alleluia,
alleluia.
OR The Lord has truly risen, alleluia. To him be glory and
power for all the ages of eternity, alleluia, alleluia.
Alabaré (S)
Aleluya, el Señor Resucitó (S)
All You on Earth (O/S)
Alleluia! Alleluia! HYMN TO JOY
Alleluia! Love Is Alive (Angrisano)
Alleluia! The Strife Is O’er (O/C/S)
At the Lamb’s High Feast SALZBURG (O/S)
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today LLANFAIR (O/S)
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today VICTIMAE (Sq/O/S)
Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain GAUDEAMUS PARITER (S)
El Señor Resucitó (Vizcaíno)
Festival Canticle (O/C/S)
He Is Risen (O/S)
Holy, Holy, Holy Cry (Modlin)
Hymn of Joy (O)
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today EASTER HYMN (O/S)
Jesus Is Risen LASST UNS ERFREUEN
La Ruda Lucha Termino (O/C/S)
Let Easter Alleluias Fill This Place (O/S)
Singers, Sing (O/S)
The Day of Resurrection (O/S)
Three Days THAXTED (S)
Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Peter preached about Jesus’ baptism,
the anointing with the Holy Spirit, works of kindness and healing,
and his crucifixion and resurrection from the dead. All who believe in
him are forgiven.
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad. OR Alleluia
Col 3:1-4 Think about what is above. When Christ appears,
then you shall appear with him in glory. OR 1 Cor 5:6-8 A little yeast does its work all through the dough.
Throw out the old yeast to make fresh dough.
Easter Sequence: (mandatory today)
Christ Is Arisen RISEN KING
Christians, Praise the Paschal Victim
Christians, to the Paschal Victim CHANT
Easter Sequence
Let Christians All Their Voices Raise
Secuencia de la Pascua (Montgomery)
Gospel verse: Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed;
let us then feast with joy in the Lord.
John 20:1-9 Mary Magdalene and the disciples went to the
tomb and found it empty. They did not yet understand that Jesus
would rise from the dead.
Rite of Sprinkling:
Gather at the Water (Hart)
Living Streams (Mass of Christ the Savior) (Schutte)
Springs of Water, Bless the Lord BLESSED ASSURANCE
Water of Life (Dean)
Water of Life/Agua de Vida (Misa del Pueblo
Immigrante) (Cortez)
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
All Creatures of Our God and King LASST UNS ERFREUEN (C)
Baptized in Water BUNESSAN
Because He Live (Amen) (C)
Cristo Jesús Resucitó
Down to the River to Pray (Crandal)
El Señor Resucitó EASTER HYMN (tradicional S)
¡Resucitó!
The Thorn Tree (Crandal)
Worthy Is the Lamb (Manalo
Ye Sons and Daughters O FILII ET FILIAE
Communion Song/Antiphon: Christ our Passover has been
sacrificed, alleluia; therefore, let us keep the feast with the
unleavened bread of purity and truth, alleluia, alleluia.
Bread of Angels (Stephan)
Christ Is Risen (Maher)
Come to Me and Drink (Hurd)
Es Mi Cuerpo (A los Hombres Amó Dios) (S)
From Glory to Glory (We Adore You) (François)
Gift of Finest Wheat BICENTENNIAL
Resucitó/He Is Risen (Argüello)
Supper of the Lamb (Schutte)
Yo Soy el Pan de Vida
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise HOLY ANTHEM
Amor Es Vida
Él Vive, Él Reina
Hail Thee, Festival Day SALVE FESTA DIES
Hallelujah Is Our Song (Hart)
In Christ Alone (Getty)
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (Alonso)
Join in the Dance (Schutte)
The Day of Resurrection ELLACOMBE
Calendar
April
4 Passover ends
Julian Calendar Palm Sunday
5 Monday within the Octave of Easter
6 Tuesday within the Octave of Easter
7 Wednesday within the Octave of Easter
8 Thursday within the Octave of Easter
Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
9 Friday within the Octave of Easter
Julian Calendar Good Friday
10 Saturday within the Octave of Easter
Question of the Week: Today is only the beginning of our Easter joy. How will you and your family keep this feast throughout the season of Easter? About Liturgy A Persistent Easter: Well before Easter arrives, we should ensure that the joy of Easter Day remains throughout the whole octave. As the season continues, consider using the optional rite, with care not to conflate the sprinkling with the singing of the Gloria. Lest the Easter liturgies become too “musically top-heavy” – entrance hymns, sprinkling rite, and Gloria within moment of one another – consider utilizing the brief entrance antiphons for the season, paired with a favorite Alleluia of the assembly, or the appropriate O filii et filiae verse. Are additional flowers ordered for later in the season? If your budget allows, make sure to do so. The vibrant lilies of Easter Day will not last long no matter how well cared for, and the Fifth and Sixth Sundays of Easter (and beyond) should appear just as exuberant as the earliest days of the season. - Living Liturgy 2021
April 11 - Second Sunday of Easter
Divine Mercy Sunday
In today’s Gospel, the risen Jesus greets the disciples with
“Peace be with you” and shows them his hands and his side.
The wounds remain a distinguishable characteristic of the
resurrected Lord. It is a fact that Jesus was taken prisoner,
abused, beaten, tortured, and ultimately left to die at the hands
of the mob. As Christians living in this third millennium, we
must ask ourselves how we are to respond to questions of
human rights around the world. Our young adults are perhaps
more aware as a generation of the call to justice that is
demanded by the Gospel.
Today is also Divine Mercy Sunday. Who better to
give us an eloquent insight into the qualities of mercy and
justice in this glorious Easter season than the bard himself,
William Shakespeare? In The Merchant of Venice (Act IV,
scene 1) he wrote:
The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice.
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy 2021
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: Like newborn infants,
you must long for the pure, spiritual milk, that in him you may
grow to salvation, alleluia.
OR Receive the joy of your glory, giving thanks to God,
who has called you into the heavenly kingdom, alleluia.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise HOLY ANTHEM
Baptized in Water BUNESSAN
Come to the River (Mass of Glory) (Hurd)
Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain GAUDEAMUS PARITER
Down to the River to Pray (Crandal)
God of Mystery, God of Mercy MOUNT ST. MARY’S
O Bless the Lord, My Soul ST. THOMAS (WILLIAMS)
Sing a New Song (Schutte)
Three Days THAXTED
Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Acts 4:32-35 The community of believers shared “one heart
and mind.” No one claimed ownership over anything, everything was
held in common, nobody went needy among them, and all “bore
witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.”
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
his love is everlasting. OR Alleluia.
1 John 5:1-6 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has
been begotten by God. “The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the
Spirit is truth.”
Gospel verse: You believe in me, Thomas, because you have
seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe!
John 20:19-31 Jesus appeared to the disciples and said, “Peace
be with you” and breathed the Holy Spirit on them. Thomas doubted
and then believed saying, “My Lord and my God!”
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Alleluia No. 1 ALLELUIA NO. I
God of Mercy (Manalo)
Hold on to Love (Manibusan) (C)
Peace I Leave with You (Bridge)
This Is the Day (Joncas)
Though Not Seeing You (Hurd) (C)
To Live with Him Forever (Hart/Feduccia)
Ye/O Sons and Daughters O FILII ET FILIAE (C)
Communion Song/Antiphon: Bring your hand and feel the
place of the nails, and do not be unbelieving but believing,
alleluia.
Bread of Life (Fisher)
Eye Has Not Seen (Haugen)
From Glory to Glory (We Adore You) (François)
In the Breaking of the Bread (Hurd)
O Word of Christ (Hart)
Unless a Grain of Wheat (Farrell)
With the Lord There Is Mercy (Modlin)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
All Shall Be Well (Foley)
Behold the Glory of God (O’Connor)
I Am the Resurrection (Repp)
I Know That My Redeemer Lives DUKE STREET
Join in the Dance (Schutte)
Sing with All the Saints in Glory HYMN TO JOY
Sweet Redeemer (Angrisano)
The Day of Resurrection ELLACOMBE
The Strife Is O’er VICTORY
Up from the Earth (Cooney)
Calendar
April
12 Ramadan begins at sundown
13 Opt. Mem. of St. Martin I, pope & martyr
Question of the Week: In today’s gospel Jesus tells his disciples, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Where are you being sent to share Jesus’ peace?
About Music Music of Faith and Glory: Many of us are likely familiar with music whose lyrics at least in part come directly from today’s gospel: Haugen’s “We Walk by Faith” (GIA), and “O/Ye Song and Daughters.” Those wishing to highlight Divine Mercy today will find Booth’s “The Jesus Song” (OCP) a perfect contemporary fit. For music that speaks to kinship and glory, you might reintroduce “Priestly People” (WLP) by Lucien Deiss to your community. “Out of Darkness” (OCP) by Christopher Walker can also festively speak to these concepts, if your performing forces are adequate and well prepared.
April 18- Third Sunday of Easter
Just as there are Christmas songs specific to the Christmas
season, there are song suggestions that are specific to the
Easter season, such as “Two Were Bound for Emmaus,”
“Regina Caeli,” etc. Use them generously until Pentecost, the
conclusion of the Easter season. Add some new ones as well.
Look to the Easter section of the missals and hymnals
for some attractive additions to your Easter repertoire that
you can also use for Ordinary Time and feasts as well.
“Alleluia! Love Is Alive” is by three contemporary
style composers: Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, and Jesse
Manibusan. First published in Spirit and Song it’s earned a
place in Breaking Bread and Glory and Praise 3 because of its
popularity with all age groups. The funky motive in the
keyboard accompaniment will stick with you!
Tucked into the Christian Initiation section of BB/MI
(646) is a new baptismal folksong, “Down to the River to
Pray.” It is in Breaking Bread by popular demand. The
original title was “The Good Old Way” and is from Slave
Songs of the United States (1867), a historical hymnal
documenting the music of the plantation slaves of the South.
The song was made popular by the Blind Boys of Alabama in
“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Great for baptisms, Easter
season and anytime.
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney
NB – Be attentive and on the watch for special parish and
diocesan novenas (nine days of prayer) leading up to the
Feast of St. Joseph, May 1st.
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: Cry out with joy to
God, all the earth; O sing to the glory of his name. O render
him glorious praise, alleluia.
Alleluia! Love Is Alive (Angrisano) (S)
Christ before Us SUO GÂN
Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today LLANFAIR
Hallelujah Is Our Song (Hart)
Holy, Holy, Holy Cry (Modlin)
Lift Up Your Hearts (O’Connor)
This Joyful Eastertide VREUCHTEN
Three Days THAXTED
Ye/O Sons and Daughters O FILII ET FILIAE
Acts 3:13-15,17-19 Peter said to the people, “The author of
life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead.” God
brought to fulfillment what the prophets announced long ago: that the
Messiah would suffer.
Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
Lord, let your face shine upon us. OR Alleluia.
1 John 2:1-5 John told believers that Christ Jesus is a just
intercessor who offers sacrifice for the sin of the whole world and
that a person cannot know Jesus without keeping his commands.
Gospel verse: Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us;
make our hearts burn while you speak to us.
Luke 24:35-48 The risen Christ appeared to the disciples and
said, “Peace be with you.” The Lord ate cooked fish in their presence
and discussed the law, prophets and psalms with them, opening their
minds to understand the Scriptures.
Preparation of the Altar and Gifts:
Christ Be beside Me ST. ROSE
Down to the River to Pray (Crandal)
Jesus, Savior, Friend and Brother (Keil)
The Lord Is My Hope (Ridge)
This Day Was Made by the Lord (Walker)
Two Were Bound for Emmaus KENMARE
Upon the Cross RESOLUTION
Communion Song/Antiphon: The disciples recognized the
Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread, alleluia.
OR The Christ had to suffer and on the third day rise
from the dead ; in his name repentance and remission of sins
must be preached to all the nations, alleluia.
Amén. El Cuerpo de Cristo (Schiavone)
Christ Is Arisen RISEN KING
Come to the Lord (Angrisano)
Gift of Finest Wheat BICENTENNIAL
I Am the Bread of Life (Come and Follow Me)
(Angrisano/Booth)
In the Breaking of the Bread (Hurd)
Litany of Peace (Bridge)
Miracle of Grace (Stephan)
The Supper of the Lord (Rosania)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
At the Lamb’s High Feast SALZBURG
Bearers of Peace SOMERSTOWN
Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today VICTIMAE PASCHALI
Glory in the Cross (Schutte)
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today EASTER HYMN
Join in the Dance (Schutte)
We Are Sent into the World (Manalo)
We Belong to You (Thomson)
Calendar
April
21 Opt. Mem. of St. Anselm, bishop & doctor
Administrative Professionals Day
22 Earth Day
23 Opt. Mem. of St. George, martyr
(Patronal feast of Pope Francis)
Opt. Mem. of St. Adalbert, bishop & martyr
24 Opt. Mem. of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen,
priest & martyr
Question of the Week: Jesus tells the disciples that they are “witnesses” of the good news to be spread to the nations of his life, death, and resurrection. Who are the witnesses in your life who have brought you to deeper faith in Christ?
About Music Loving Service: A gentle melody that perfectly matches its text is “Partners in the Mission” (WLP) by Peter Hessed. It serves today’s Scriptures will by inviting those who sing it to loving service, acknowledging the fear we might have, calmed by Christ’s easy and light yoke. The Psallite refrain “Shout to the Ends of the Earth” (Liturgical Press) in a way prefigures the Ascension commission, with bouncy Alleluias that send us forth, people redeemed by the Lord, to proclaim the kingdom of God.
April 25 - Fourth Sunday of Easter Today is Good Shepherd Sunday.
Bob Hurd’s “A Listening Heart” (OCP) is based on
Psalm 23. This short, six-verse Psalm is one of the most
beloved in the psalter. A charming contemporary translation
of the Bible, The Message translates verse 6 in a most
interesting fashion: “Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.” I have used this Bible for years at
workshops, in young adult ministry and as a personal Bible
alternative (not for liturgies, of course). Many will be happy to
know there is now a Catholic Ecumenical Edition (Chicago:
ACTA Publications, 2013) based on the Latin vulgate.
I was recently asked, “What is the proper way to
announce a hymn to the assembly?” Let’s start with what not
to do. Never say, “Please join with us in singing our opening
hymn.” Join with whom? It is their song! They are not joining
with the cantor or the musicians or anybody. They are primary
celebrators! The task of the musicians is to animate the song
of the assembly.
Where the song occurs also affects the introductory
comments. At the beginning of Mass, “Let us sing together,
number 180, ‘Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,’ number 183,”
would work. But at Communion time, “Number 320, ‘Gift of
Finest Wheat,” number 320” would suffice. They hear the
number twice. As a rule of thumb, be hospitable but say no
more than necessary. Refrain from using your “Attention,
shoppers!” tone of voice. Speak closely into the microphone
and speak confidently. You are giving them information they
need in order to worship as a community.
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy 2021
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: The merciful love of
the Lord fills the earth; by the word of the Lord the heavens
were made, alleluia.
Baptized in Water BUNESSAN
Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Again CHRIST IST ERST ANDEN
Festival Canticle: Worthy Is Christ (Hillert)
Jesus Is Risen LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY
Now the Green Blade Rises NOËL NOUVELET
Rain Down (Cortez)
Resucitó/He Is Risen (Argüello)
The King of Love My Shepherd Is ST. COLUMBA
This Is the Day (Fisher)
Acts 4:8-12 Peter explained to the people that every good
deed and all restoration to health are accomplished in the name of
Christ Jesus the Nazorean, through whom all are saved.
Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
The stone rejected by the builders
has become the cornerstone. OR Alleluia.
1 John 3:1-2 Believers are the dearly beloved children of God
who do not yet know what shall come to light. When it does come to
light, believers will be like God.
Gospel verse: I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
John 10:11-18 Jesus is the good shepherd who knows the sheep.
The Good Shepherd not only loves and protects the sheep but is
willing to lay down his life for the sheep.
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Because the Lord Is My Shepherd (Walker)
Christ the Good Shepherd (Hurd)
Come to Me (Norbet)
In God Alone (Farrell)
Jesus, Savior, Friend and Brother (Keil)
Pastures of the Lord (Stephan)
Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd (Reza)
Your Only Son (Paris)
Communion Song/Antiphon: The Good Shepherd has risen,
who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his
flock, alleluia.
Draw Near (Janco)
Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring WERDE MUNTER
Like a Shepherd (Dufford)
Shepherd Me, O God (Haugen)
Shepherd of Souls ST. AGNES
The Lord Is My Shepherd/I Shall Live in the House
of the Lord (Crandal)
This Is the Day (Joncas)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
At the Name of Jesus KING’S WESTON
Drawn by His Word VAN SLOUN
Go Out, Go Out (Stephan)
How Can I Keep from Singing? ENDLESS SONG
Let Heaven Rejoice (Dufford)
Lord, You Give the Great Commission ABBOT’S LEIGH
Psalm 23 (Conry)
Shall We Gather at the River HANSON PLACE
Take Christ to the World (Inwood)
Pope’s Intention for May: Universal intention: The world of finance Let us pray that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate the financial sphere and protect citizens from its dangers.
Calendar
April
TODAY – Blessings of Fields & Flocks
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
28 Opt. Mem. of St. Peter Chanel, priest &
martyr
Opt. Mem. of St. Louis Grignion de
Montfort, priest
29 Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin
& doctor
30 Opt. Mem. of St. Pius V, pope
Arbor Day
May
1 Opt. Mem. of St. Joseph the Worker
“Blessing of Tools or Other Equipment for Work”
Question of the Week: In the gospel parable Jesus says, “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Who are the sheep that you are called to shepherd and how do you give of your life for them?
About Music Singing Easter Psalms: While settings of Psalm 23 abound, don’t forget about Psalm 100, “[W}e are his
people the flock he shepherds” (v.3; NABRE), “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” is a paraphrase of the beginning of that psalm and is found in many hymnals. Francis Patrick O’Brien’s “Shepherd of My Heart” (GIA) might be a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered, or rediscovered! Note, too, that the first reading and psalm bring back the imagery of the rejected cornerstone, so don’t be afraid to revisit a favorite Psalm 118 setting from the Easter Vigil or Easter Day celebrations. Tony Alonso has a nice one, “Easter Alleluia” (WLP) which places a paraphrased text into the familiar EASTER HYMN melody. - Living Liturgy 2021
May 2 - Fifth Sunday of Easter Today’s reading from 1 John provides content for timely
preaching and teaching: “Children, let us love not in word or
speech but in deeds and truth.” Later we hear: “We should
believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one
another just as he commanded us.” It’s very simple yet very
challenging.
Whether with family, colleagues, or in church
communities, we are called to love one another. That requires
us to be open and willing to reach out to reconcile. Our
communities of faith are signs of unity with Christ as a branch
is to a vine. The vine gives life to the branches. As leaders in
our faith communities, the onus is on us to be willing to reach
out first!
Depending on your situation, when you have visiting
worshippers, be sure to let them know how to find the music
they will need to celebrate. (I am so hoping that that will
actually be something we can actually do soon!!! – MD) This
gesture of hospitality serves to make musical liturgy the norm.
yes, the hymns change and people need the numbers. Of equal
importance is letting them know where they can find the sung
Mass parts. Hymn singing is secondary to singing eucharistic
acclamations. (Do you recall the principle of progressive
solemnity?”
Another issue is the categories of songs. OCP uses
the official words, taken from the ritual books when naming
categories for the music suggestions. The names have changed
over the years. Sing to the Lord calls the opening song “The
Entrance chant or song” (139). The General Instruction of the
Roman Missal (GIRM) calls this part of the Introductory
Rites the “Entrance Chant” (47). Therefore, that is the titles
that is used for planning sheets.
– Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy 2021
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: O sing a new song to
the Lord, for he has worked wonders; in the sight of the
nations he has shown his deliverance, alleluia.
At the Lamb’s High Feast SALZBURG
Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Again CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN
I Am the Vine (Hurd)
I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Soper)
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven LAUDA ANIMA
Remain in Me, I Am the Vine (Stephan)
Sing, O Sing (Schutte)
Sing with All the Saints in Glory HYMN TO JOY
The Day of Resurrection ELLACOMBE
Three Days THAXTED
Acts 9:26-31 Saul went back to Jerusalem, but the disciples
were afraid of him. Barnabas told them how the Lord had conversed
with Saul and how he had suffered in the name of Jesus. Then they
welcomed and protected Saul.
Psalm 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
I will praise you, Lord
in the assembly of your people. OR Alleluia.
1 John 3:18-24 “Let us love not in word or speech but indeed
and truth.” If our hearts do not condemn us, we can have confidence
that God will grant our requests.
Gospel verse:
Remain in me as I remain in you, says the Lord.
Whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
John 15:1-8 Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” Everyone
else “will be thrown out like a branch and wither.”
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam (Schutte)
Christians, Let Us Love One Another PICARDY
In Every Age (Whitaker)
Make Your Home in Me (Walther)
Many and Great (Manalo)
Peace I Leave with You (Bridge)
Vine and Branches (Thomson)
We Walk by Faith SHANTI
Communion Song/Antiphon: I am the true vine and you are
the branches, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me, and I in
him, bears fruit in plenty, alleluia.
By Our Love (Kendzia)
How Great Thou Art (Hine)
Jesus Died Upon the Cross (Brown)
One Lord (Soper)
One Love Released (Frenzel)
Taste and See (Moore)
Unless a Grain of Wheat (Hurd)
We Are Many Parts (Haugen)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
All the Ends of the Earth (Dufford)
Alleluia! Love Is Alive (Angrisano)
Be Joyful, Mary, Heavenly Queen REGINA CAELI
Now Is the Time (Kendzia)
Sing with All the Saints in Glory HYMN TO JOY
Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo/We Are the Body of
Christ (Cortez)
Tell the Good News GELOBT SEI GOTT
The Spirit Sends Us Forth AZMON
They’ll Know We Are Christians ST. BRENDAN’S
Calendar
May
2 Orthodox Easter
3 Feast of Sts. Philip & James, apostles
Question of the Week: What “fruits” are evident in yourself, your family, your community that give glory to God?
About Music Music of the Vine: Trevor Thompson has of late given the church much music with some influences from Native Americans. His “Vine and Branches” (OCP) is one of these that not only speaks to today’s gospel and epistle, but in its fullness will hearken back to the Triduum, especially Holy Thursday.
May 9 - Sixth Sunday of Easter (B) Today is the Sixth Sunday of Easter, and Mother’s Day on the
secular calendar. The Diocese of Crookston celebrates the
Feast of the Ascension next Sunday, May 16th. This opens up
some flexibility in today’s Scripture reading selections. The
Second Reading and the Gospel from the Seventh Sunday of
Easter may be used today (the Sixth Sunday). Since the
Ascension is transferred to Sunday, Thursday, May 13th, is
observed as an Easter Weekday, and the following readings
are used that day: Acts 18:1-8, John 16:16-20 (294).
The theme of love is prominent in today’s (6th Sunday
of Easter) Second Reading from the First Letter of John as
well as the Gospel from John 15. Deo gratias to all the
composers who have set this Gospel text to music! This is why
so many of the Catholic faithful know these verses by heart.
This is certainly true for musicians!
For music to honor Mary, our heavenly mother, see
the section titled “Blessed Virgin Mary” in your missals and
hymnals. Psalm 98, “Sing a New Song,” may also have been
used on the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Additionally, OCP is proud to include the works of
women composers. Be sure to include some of their
compositions today.
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy 2021
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: Proclaim a joyful
sound and let it be heard; proclaim to the ends of the earth:
The Lord has freed his people, alleluia.
Baptized in Water BUNESSAN
By Our Love (Kendzia)
Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today LLANFAIR
Come, Christians, Join to Sing MADRID
Glory in the Cross (Schutte)
In Christ There Is No East or West MCKEE
Love Divine All Loves Excelling HYFRYDOL
Sing a New Song (REVISED) (Schutte)
Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48 Peter entered the house of
Cornelius and proclaimed the good news to his household.
They listened and believed, so Peter had them baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
OR Alleluia.
1 John 4:7-10 John wrote, “Let us love one another, because
love is of God.” The person without love knows nothing of
God because God is love.
OR 1 John 4:11-16 John wrote, “If we love one another, God
remains in us.” For God is love, and those who abide in
love abide in God, and God abides in them.
Gospel verse:
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
John 15:9-17 Jesus told his disciples, “This is my
commandment: love one another as I love you.” There is
no greater love than this: “to lay down one’s life for one’s
friends.”
OR John 17:11b-19 Jesus prayed to the Father to guard and protect
the believers from the evil one: “I consecrate myself for
them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Christians, Let Us Love One Another PICARDY
Come to the Water (Foley)
Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring WERDE MUNTER
Love One Another (Dufford)
Mary’s Song (Rieth)
No Hay Amor Más Grande/No Greater Love (Hurd)
Regina Caeli/O Queen of Heaven REGINA CAELI LAETARE
Where Charity and Love Prevail CHRISTIAN LOVE
Where My Father Lives (Ridge)
Communion Song/Antiphon: If you love me, keep my
commandments, says the Lord, and I will ask the Father and
he will send you another Paraclete, to abide with you for ever,
alleluia.
By Our Love (Kendzia)
Hold On to Love (Manibusan)
Litany of Peace (Bridge)
Spirit and Grace (Manalo)
That There May Be Bread (Norbet)
Ubi Caritas (Hurd, Rosania)
We Are Many Parts (Haugen)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
Alleluia! Love Is Alive (Angrisano)
At the Lamb’s High Feast SALZBURG
Blessed by Your Sacrifice ST. ELIZABETH
In Christ Alone (Getty)
Laudate, Laudate Dominum (Walker)
Love Has Come (Maher)
Now Is the Time (Kendzia)
See, I Make All Things New (Canedo)
Take Christ to the World (Inwood)
Calendar
May
10-12 “Blessing of Seeds at Planting Time”
10 Opt. Mem. of St. Damien de Veuster, priest
12 Opt. Mem. of SS. Nereus & Achilleus, martyrs
Opt. Mem. of St. Pancras, martyr
13 Opt. Mem. of Our Lady of Fatima
14 Feast of St. Matthias, apostle
Novena for Pentecost begins
15 Opt. Mem. of St. Isidore
Armed Forces Day
Question of the Week: In the gospel, Jesus expresses his desire that “my joy may be in you / and your joy might be complete.” Where do you find your greatest joy at this moment in your life? About Music Scripture Elsewhere at Mass: Some will note that the Liturgy of the Word is only one place we find Scripture at liturgy: the prayers of the liturgy often have scriptural underpinnings (“[E]nter under my roof…” [Matt 8:8; NABRE]) and the various antiphons are almost entirely scriptural as well. While those picking hymnody week to week give much if not sole attention to the Scriptures proclaimed, don’t forget to also study and pray with the prescribed prayers and antiphons of each celebration. Doing so may provide unexpected insights and point you toward unanticipated musical treasures!
May 16 – The Ascension of the Lord (Sunday)
NB – in the Diocese of Crookston, Thursday, May 13th, is
celebrated as Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter.
Have you noticed the absence of Gospel readings
from ark thus far in the Easter season? Today we return to
Mark’s Gospel. If you’re wondering why, go back to the
Easter Vigil (Mark 16:1-7). Verse 7 says: “He is going before
you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” Mark’s
Gospel originally contained only one more sentence: “Then
they went out and fled from the tomb, seized with trembling
and bewilderment. They said nothing to anyone, for they were
afraid.” The ending is abrupt and scholars think it was
intentional. Two other endings have been added to Mark’s
Gospel that resemble stories from Matthew (commissioning),
Luke (Emmaus), and John (Mary Magdalene). Today, we will
hear part of the longer ending added possibly by some early
Christians. (Why does that remind me of a liturgy committee
meeting decision?) Today’s reading (Mark 16:15-20) includes
the Commissioning of the Eleven and the Ascension of Jesus.
In Preaching the New Lectionary, Year B
(Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1999, p. 205), Sister of Saint
Agnes Diane Bergant refers to this time in the life of the
apostles as a liminal time, a time between, a time of change
and transition. “[The apostles]…are trying to cling to what
they have known while realizing that things are no longer
what they were before.” Does this sound familiar? There’s a
certain comfort in knowing that we are having similar feelings
in our Church at this time.
Our priests have had to work hard to prepare their
texts for Sunday liturgy, since they have the bulk of the text
changes [even after a decade!]. Be sure to thank them for a
job well done [it’s nice to know one’s work is appreciated and
noticed!] - Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy
2021
NB – Also note the difference in antiphons for the Vigil
(Masses of Anticipation) and for the Day. This is also the
case for the Feast of Pentecost, next weekend.
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: (Vigil) You kingdoms
of the earth, sing to God; praise the Lord, who ascends above
the highest heavens; his majesty and might are in the skies,
alleluia.
(Day) Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens?
This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as
you saw him go, alleluia.
Alleluia, Sing to Jesus HYFRYDOL
Come, Christians, Join to Sing MADRID
Drawn by His Word VAN SLOUN (S)
Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise LLANFAIR
Hail Thee, Festival Day SALVE FESTA DIES
Holy, Holy, Holy Cry (Modlin)
In Christ Alone (Getty)
Lift Up Your Hearts (O’Connor)
Praise to the Lord LOBE DEN HERREN
Three Days THAXTED
Acts 1:1-11 The apostles witness Jesus’ ascension into
heaven.
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy;
a blare of trumpets for the Lord. OR Alleluia.
Ephesians 1:17-23 God has put all things under the feet of
Christ, exalted as head of the church.
Gospel verse: Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world.
Mark 16:15-20 “Go into the whole world and proclaim the
gospel.”
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
God Mounts His Throne (Stephan)
Lord, Send Out Your Spirit (Canedo)
Make Your Home in Me (Walther)
One Sacrifice of Christ (Modlin)
Song of the Cross (HooKong-Taylor)
The Eyes and Hands of Christ (Kendzia)
We Walk by Faith SHANTI
Where My Father Lives (Ridge)
Communion Song/Antiphon: (Vigil) Christ, offering a single
sacrifice for sins, is seated for ever at God’s right hand,
alleluia.
(Day) Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age, alleluia.
Ang Katawan ni Kristo/Behold, the Body of Christ
(Manalo)
Bread of Angels (Stephan)
Bread of Life (Farrell)
By Our Love (Kendzia)
I, the Lord (Kendzia)
In God Alone (Farrell)
Now Is the Time (Kendzia)
See, I Make All Things New (Canedo)
This Bread That We Share (MacAller)
With All the Saints (Hurd)
Worthy Is the Lamb (Manalo)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
All That We Have Seen (Hart)
Alleluia! Raise the Gospel (Farrell)
Crown Him with Many Crowns DIADEMATA
Forth in the Peace of Christ We Go (Rosen)
Go Out, Go Out (Stephan)
God Has Chosen Me (Farrell)
Hail Thee, Festival Day SALVE FESTA DIES
Tell the Good News GELOBT SEI GOTT
The Wondrous News (Schutte)
Calendar
May
18 Opt. Mem. of St. John I, pope & martyr
20 Opt. Mem. of St. Bernardine of Siena, priest
21 Opt. Mem. of St. Christopher Magallanes,
priest & Companions, martyrs
22 Opt. Mem. of St. Rita of Cascia, religious
National Maritime Day
Question of the Week: In the gospel we hear that Jesus, seated at the right hand of God, continues to “work with” the disciples as they preach and do good works. How do you experience Jesus’ presence working with you in ministry?
About Music Let Music Arise: “Hail the Day That Sees Him (Christ)
Rise” is a familiar traditional hymn found in many hymnals; WLP has a rewritten text by Melvin Farrell, “Let the Earth Rejoice and Sing” to the same tune, LLANFAIR. Consider “Rise Up, O Lord” from the Psallite (Liturgical Press) collection as well.
May 23 - Pentecost Sunday The Pentecost feast celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit
upon the apostles. In some churches, todays’ feast has been
known as Whitsunday. That word dates back to the first
century and was probably a reference to the white garments
worn by the newly baptized. did you know that the Jews had
[have] their own Pentecost celebration held 50 days after
Passover similar to a harvest celebration? Perhaps therein
lies the inspiration for the Christian idea of the fruits of the
Spirit.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus said to the apostles, “Peace
be with you.” Usually that meant that everything was forgiven
and things were in right order. Next he adds, “As the Father
has sent me, so I send you.” So what are we sent to do if we
follow him?
The wind of the Holy Spirit was a very popular
analogy for how the Spirit was moving among us after the
Second Vatican Council. Perhaps it might be good for us to
reconsider the image of fire in our music ministry. How do we
tend the fire? How do we keep the fire burning? Do we need to
stir the embers into a flame? Start with the musicians
themselves. First, pay attention to the texts, the phrasing the
prayer or Scripture being sung, and explore the meaning
behind the text. Next, are the musicians “on fire” with their
music; is the music alive? My most recent workshops have
been on what I like to call “full, active, and conscious
participation of the musician!” Let us stir the embers within
the hearts of our people in order to renew the face of the
earth.
NB – By this fall, let us pray that with the continued
bestowal of the vaccine, our choirs and ensembles will once
again be renewed!
- Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, Today’s Liturgy 2021
Gathering Song/Entrance Antiphon: (Vigil) The love of God
has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God
dwelling within us, alleluia.
(Day) The Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world and
that which contains all things understands what is said,
alleluia.
Alleluia! Love Is Alive (Angrisano)
Come, Holy Ghost LAMBILLOTTE
Come, O Holy Spirit HYMN TO JOY (Seq)
Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Holy Spirit, Come Now (Manibusan)
Now Is the Time (Kendzia)
O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God ST. COLUMBA (O)
(Vigil) Genesis 11:1-9 At that time, the entire world spoke
only one language. In order to make a name for themselves, the
people decided to build a city with a tower reaching to the sky. The
Lord confused their language and scattered them all over the earth.
(Or: Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b; Ez 37:1-14; Joel 3:1-5) (Day) Acts 2:1-11 On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was sent
to the disciples in the form of fiery tongues. They began to speak in
different tongues “as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Lord, send out your spirit,
and renew the face of the earth. OR Alleluia.
(Vigil) Romans 8:22-27 We groan inwardly while awaiting the
redemption of our bodies. The Spirit is there to help us and to
intercede according to God’s will.
(Day) 1 Cor 12:3-7,12-13 The apostle Paul wrote that there are
many gifts but the same Spirit, different ministries but the same Lord.
OR
Galatians 5:16-25 Paul calls us to reject the ways of the
flesh and be guided by the Spirit. We who are in Christ Jesus are
called to “live in the Spirit” and “follow the Spirit.”
Pentecost Sequence: (mandatory for the Day)
Come, O Holy Spirit, Come (Chant)
Pentecost Sequence (Willcock)
Gospel verse:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
(Vigil) John 7:37-39 Jesus exclaimed, “Let anyone who
thirsts come to me and drink.” He was referring to the Spirit who
would come to those who believe. (Day) John 20:19-23 Jesus appeared and told the disciples,
“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send
you…Receive the Holy Spirit.” OR
John 15:26-27; 16:12-15 The Holy Spirit, our
Advocate, is the “Spirit of truth” who will guide us to all truth.
Presentation & Preparation of the Gifts:
Envía Tu Espíritu (Hurd)
Holy Spirit (Canedo) (G/E)
Send Out Your Spirit (Farrell)
Send Us Your Spirit (Schutte)
Tâm Tình Hiê′ n Dâng/A Gift of Love (Sông Lam)
There Is Nothing Told (Willcock)
Veni, Creator Spiritus/Creator Spirit, Lord of Grace VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS
Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Walker) (C)
Communion Song/Antiphon:
(Vigil) On the last day of the festival, Jesus stood and cried
out: If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink,
alleluia.
(Day) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke of
the marvels of God, alleluia.
By the Waking of Our Hearts (Manalo)
God’s Holy Gifts (Schutte)
Litany of Peace (Bridge)
Many and One (Angrisano)
One Bread, One Body (Foley)
One Love Released (Frenzel)
Spirit and Grace (Manalo)
With All the Saints (Hurd)
Song of Praise or Sending Forth:
By Our Love (Kendzia)
Church of God, Elect and Glorious HYFRYDOL
Go Make a Difference (Angrisano)
Go Make of All Disciples ELLACOMBE
Go Out! Go Out! (Stephan)
I Send You Out (Angotti)
One Spirit, One Church (Keil)
Sing a New Church NETTLETON
Tell the Good News GELOBT SEI GOTT
The Spirit Sends Us Forth AZMON
Calendar
May
24 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of the Church
25 Opt. Mem. of St. Bede the Venerable, priest
& doctor
Opt. Mem. of St. Gregory VII, pope
Opt. Mem. of St. Mary Magdalene de’Pazzi,
virgin
26 Memorial of St. Philip Neri, priest
27 Opt. Mem. of St. Augustine of Canterbury,
bishop
29 Opt. Mem. of St. Paul VI, pope
Opt. Mem. of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Question of the Week: Commissioning the disciples to carry on his ministry, Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” How do these words reverberate with your own faith journey?
About Music Singing the Sequence: There are several accessible and effective settings of the Pentecost sequence; some are especially appropriate to bring the Easter season to a fitting conclusion. One setting use the ODE/HYMN TO JOY tune and appears in several hymnals; “Come, Holy Spirit, on Us Shine (WLP) uses the O FILII ET FILIAE tune; Rob Glover has a setting (GIA) that naturally folds into the Celtic Alleluia at its finish as a Gospel Acclamation.
Welcome to Ordinary Time!
Make this Summertime
Extraordinary Time!