Choirs and Musicians

Music and the Liturgy

Music and song is an integral part of how we give praise to God in our liturgical celebrations.  Such liturgical celebrations could be Sunday Eucharist, funerals, weddings or other celebrations of faith.  Music is not an added extra, it has an important function in the liturgy.

Music is also delivered by various music ministers:

  • The Assembly is made up of the whole worshipping community which includes:
    • The congregation – making up the main part of the assembly.
    • The Presider/Priest – sings  the parts pertaining to him/her
    • The choir leads the congregation in song and embellishes the music by singing harmonies.
    • The cantor leads the congregation in song.
    • The organist/pianist supports and congregation and choir.
    • Instrumentalists deliver by playing an instrument at a given time of the liturgy or by accompanying the choir etc.

Please see below an outline when planning music for a Eucharistic Celebration:

  • The Entrance Hymn as the ministers approach the altar
  • The Penitential Rite: Kyrie/Lord have Mercy
  • Gloria – It may not be possible to sing the Gloria every Sunday, however it might be sung for Sundays throughout the Christmas and Easter seasons, or, for various Feast-days like St Patrick’s Day?
  • Responsorial Psalm – Between the First and Second Readings
  • Gospel Acclamation – To greet the Gospel
  • Preparation of the Gifts/Offertory – a suitable hymn or instrumental music could be delivered at this time.
  • Eucharistic Acclamations
    • Holy Holy
    • Memorial Acclamation
    • Great Amen
  • Lamb of God
  • Communion Hymn – As people process to receive communion
  • Post-Communion music/hymn – as people pray and reflect after receiving communion
  • Recessional Hymn – as the ministers leave the church.
  • Instrumental Music  – Instrumental music is very helpful, not only at various points of the liturgy but also before Mass begins, for the Preparation of the Gifts (Offertory).

 

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