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Now that we have gone over the "bones" of what Liturgical music is and the "meat" of the Church’s documents that speak to liturgical music and what is and is not allowed, what is encouraged, and what is needed, we come to the heart of choosing the music for Sunday, at least for me. Having been formed by the Church’s teachings and guidance about liturgical music, my primary consideration for picking music is this: Scriptural Quotation, Catechesis, and Mystagogy.
What this looks like in practical application is- I begin by looking over the readings for the Mass and reflecting on them, I begin to formulate some ideas for song selections, then look at the readings a second time (everything from the First Reading through the Gospel, including the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation). The second time I look over the readings, I am usually looking at one or multiple hymn suggestion tools like Oregon Catholic Press’s “Today’s Liturgy” or the GIA Quarterly.
Whether the primary focus is Scriptural Quotation, Catechesis, or Mystagogy depends on the placement in the Mass, but I pick the four primary hymns in this way:
Entrance Procession – Based first on the Entrance Antiphon in the Roman Missal. If not, then on the readings, then generally themed around gathering or praise, then based on other needs (to be elaborated on in part 4 of this series).
Preparation of the Gifts (formerly also called “Offertory) – Based first on the Gospel Reading. If not, then on the other readings, then generally themed around giving, sharing, social concern and justice, community, praise, or the physical elements of bread and wine, then based on other needs.
Communion Procession – Based first on the Communion Antiphon in the Roman Missal. If not, then on the readings, then generally themed around the Eucharist, Communion/Community, bread and wine transformed, praise, then based on other needs. Sometimes a second Communion Procession hymn is needed depending on the length of the procession, it is chosen from these same criteria, or is meditational in nature, leading us to reflect more deeply on what, and who we have just received.
Song of Sending Forth – While not technically a part of the Mass, this song helps people to leave “on a high note” if you’ll pardon the pun. This song for me is usually based first on any correlation it may have to the readings. If none, then generally themed around mission, ministry, sending, community, or praise, then based on other needs.
This can be summed up by saying that the hymns are chosen to both teach the mind and touch the heart. Many hymns are actually scripture passages or prayers set to music and because of this, they can reflect the readings very well. When there aren’t hymns that reflect the specific readings for the day’s Mass, then there are other considerations and fitting themes based on the placement of the hymn in the Mass, the liturgical season, and the needs of the community.
Next week, we will dive into Parish Repertoire and Social Needs (of the Community) and how these can influence hymn selection.
