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Music in the Liturgy
Ancient Proverb - He who sings prays twice.
In the words of one contemporary writer, Mary C. Grey in In search of the Sacred "our task as a worshipping community is, simply, to Sing the Lord's song." (see Psalm 137) Of prime importance is the music which is used during the Mass. It is preferable to sing rather than not to sing! But this does not mean anything can be sung at random. Vatican II set out guidelines which are unfortunately not in the most widely publicised of their documents as is evidenced by the prevalence of the 'four hymns' or 'hymn sandwich' syndrome. If anything is sung at all there are strict rules. (Quotations from Vatican documents are shown in red)
The following is recommended, with a listing taken from the original leaflet
prepared by the Music Committee of the Bishops' Conference of England and
Wales (shown in green). This leaflet has
now been updated and is slightly larger. It can now be found at Music
for the Eucharist and can be downloaded and reproduced freely for non-commercial
purposes such as study days. To quote from the original document:
"If you ask people what the main sung parts of
the Mass are, many will say 'the hymns'. Hymns are all many people experience,
so that is a reasonable answer. It can be a surprise to hear that to sing
hymns at Mass is quite a recent development and that you could have a perfectly
good sung Mass with no hymns."
As far as possible our parish has always adopted a policy of encouraging everyone to join in and to sing. Whatever the instruments used - depending on what is available - they are there to provide an accompaniment and the choir is there principally to lead, not to entertain.
28. The distinction between solemn, sung and read Mass,
sanctioned by the instruction of 1958 (n.3) is retained, according to the
traditional liturgical laws at preent in force. However, for the sung Mass
(Missa Cantata) different degrees of participation are put forward
here for reasons of pastoral usefulness, so that it may become easier to make
the celebration of Mass more beautiful by singing, according to the capabilities
of each congregation.
These degrees are
so arranged that the first may be used even by itself, but the second or third,
wholly or partially, may never be used without the first. In this way the
faithful will be continually led towards an even greater participation in
the singing.
Certain parts of the Mass must be sung if any is sung at all : (the second or third...may never be used without the first!)
29. The following belong to the first degree : (a Mass with no hymns)
the acclamations at the Gospel,
"Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen!"
The Music Committe explain that these sung parts " allow us to acclaim the presence of Christ in his Gospel and on the altar, at the two most solemn moments of the Mass".
An 'acclamation' is a shout of approval. All the people present should join in this joyful shout, something short, catchy and easy to sing. We have heard the Gospel, the good news, and in answer to a statement such as 'This is the word of the Lord'
We bow our heads at the 'Holy holy holy Lord, God of power and might', the repeat of the word 'holy' drawing attention to the Trinity, the three persons in one God. 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' - we acknowledge that our saviour who promised to be with us for all time is especially here now in the Mass and greet his coming with 'Heaven and earth are full of your glory,' adding pointedly, 'Hosanna in the highest!' the greeting shouted to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem.
We acknowledge the presence of Jesus in our midst after the Consecration with one of four joyful acclamations. 'Eucharist' means 'giving thanks' and these all express gratitude to Jesus for all that he has done for us. This is essentially a response and never a song.
We proclaim again, 'So be it. Yes we believe' at the Amen. Amen is an emphatic word, 'Yes, yes, I agree! That's right! That's how it is.' As Jesus so often said, "Amen, amen, I say unto you.." 'Yes, that's right, that's true, I can't put it any other way.'
30. The following belong to the second degree : (listed as given but in translation)
* the Opening Song during the entrance procession (intended to unite us and open our hearts to hear God's voice)
* the Gloria - allowing us to express our praise as a community
* the Psalm (sung by a cantor) and the reponse by the people (words which sum up the day's scripture)
* the Breaking of Bread and Communion songs (expressing our unity in the Christ we receive)31. The following belong to the third degree : (listed as given)
* the Penitential rite (especially in Lent or Advent when there is no Gloria)
*the song at the Preparation of the Gifts
* the Lamb of God
*a song at the final procession (not essential!)The following belong to the fourth degree : (useful, but less essential, as listed in the Music Committee leaflet)
* Eucharist Prayer (sung by the priest, but only 'if possible')
* Bidding prayer responseThe fifth degree is for the angels!
It can be seen that the 'hymn sandwich' belongs to the third category (as it is cumulative it includes the second of course) and should only be used when all the other parts and responses are present. Absence of the other sung parts carries the risk of making the Mass just another prayer service rather than according it its pre-eminent place in our worship. There are of course some exceptions allowed, such as special Masses for children at which few adults are present, but the overall intention is to lead everyone, including the children, to a deeper understanding of the Mass as the central and irreplaceable act of Christian worship, our response to Jesus' words, "Do this in mempory of me." (Luke 22. v.19)
