The following is a listing of the parts of the Mass as they should be ranked for music whenever it is to be had for the Eucharist. This listing is based upon the official documents of the Church, contemporary commentary both musical and liturgical, and what seems to make good common sense. As an example, the Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus) should always be sung when music is to be had. It is a musical prayer by its very nature. Biblical analysis reveals that it has its origins in ancient worship. Liturgical studies show that it is inherently lyrical (musical). Theologically, we regard it as reserved to the whole community.
Parts to be always sung: Gospel Acclamation, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Great Amen and Lamb of God.
Parts that should be sung: Responsorial Psalm (easy settings) and Communion Thanksgiving Hymn.
Parts that can be added: Processional Hymn, Lord Have Mercy, Song of Preparation of the Gifts, Lord’s Prayer, recessional Hymn and General Intercessions.
Parts that can be substituted by the choir alone: Gloria, Meditation at Preparation of the Gifts, Meditation during Communion Processional or Post-Communion Thanksgiving Piece.
On occasion, the choir might sing a solo entrance or closing hymn, but this would be rare.
Msgr. William J. Awalt
Filed under: Awalt Papers |
Blogger Priest 
Thanks for writing this piece, Msgr. I’m glad to see priests taking an interest in church music according to the documents of the Church!
I hope you’ll go further at some point to talk about the musical propers defined for each Mass: that is, the antiphons (introit, offertory, communion) and the gradual responsory. To use hymn texts instead of these propers is a common substitution, but it moves us away from the full text of the Mass.
Thanks again to you and to the “Blogger Priest” for all your work on the blog and in sacred ministry.
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