BACK TO "GREEN SEASON" - SUNDAY II

Most people hear the word "green" these days in an ecological sense.  "Going green" as in "saving the planet" and related causes.

"Going green" takes a different meaning when it comes to gaming. My wife Ann for a long time played an online computer game called "Toontown" (yes, adults play this game too), though after her longtime "Toontown" partner died, she hasn't played as much.  But anyhoo, "Going green" in "Toontown" has a negative spin to it.  It means that your character ran out of energy and died.

To help demonstrate my age, "Sesame Street" was in its premiere season when I was in kindergarten (or as we called it then, "junior first"), and occasionally the teacher would wheel the TV into the classroom.  Kermit the Frog used to sing this song during that season called It Ain't Easy Being Green.

It really ain't easy being green (and contrary to popular opinion and proper grammar, "ain't" is a word in my dictionary).  Unless you've been experienced with the liturgical calendar (most likely as a priest, catechist or even a musician in a Catholic church), you may not know what to expect as to the "theme" of a given day's Mass, that is, what Scripture gives us for the day during what is often known as the "green season", that is, Ordinary Time, or, in fidelity to what the Roman Missal calls it in Latin, "Time through the Year" (literal translation).

What gives Ordinary Time the "green season" nickname is not "going green" in an ecological sense or even in a gaming sense.  It's not being that famous "Sesame Street" frog who went on to host "The Muppet Show".  In the liturgical sense, green is the vestment color worn by the priest celebrating Mass during Ordinary Time.  And considering Advent only has four Sundays, Lent five Sundays, Easter eight Sundays (including Easter Sunday itself and Pentecost), and Ordinary Time has 32 Sundays (numbered 2-33, Week 1 begins on the day after the Baptism of the Lord, which is a Monday or Tuesday, and Sunday 34 is Christ the King, in which the priest wears white), The priest wears a green vestment for Mass for more than half the Sundays throughout the liturgical year.

Two "seasonal hymns" in "green season"???

In last week's Gospel reading (Baptism of the Lord), we heard Matthew's account of John the Baptist's announcment that Jesus is coming to be baptized.  In this week's Gospel reading (Sunday II through the Year), we hear John's account of the same.  We begin today's Mass with the hymn On Jordan's bank, which begins "On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh."  Though On Jordan's bank is often considered an Advent hymn (the second verse definitely has Advent themes), it is really fitting for the Baptism of the Lord and even this Sunday.

Another hymn that may appear to be off-season also fits well, Songs of thankfulness and praise (normally fitting for Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord), with its second verse which begins, "Manifest at Jordan's stream, Prophet, Priest and King supreme."  

That said...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria and Memorial Acclamation: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria may be recited or sung, according to the celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Amen: Dresden Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 87

Psalm 40: R./ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. (Richard Proulx/Joseph Gelienau, SJ)

Alleluia I for Ordinary Time (BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #213 Shepherd of Souls ("St. Agnes") (Listen)

Music during Communion:

- Responsory: Psalm 20, R./ We shall rejoice in your salvation (BMP)

- or Anthem: In thee is gladness (Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi)

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #246 Songs of thankfulness and praise ("Salzburg") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE EPIPHANY AND BAPTISM OF THE LORD

OOPS!  I dropped the ball as to blogging last weekend's music selections for the Epiphany of the Lord (a solemnity).  So I am including them here along with this weekend's music selections for the Baptism of the Lord a feast).

So, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS (both weekends):

Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass of the Shepherds (Pietro Yon)

- NOTE: For most Masses, the key will be adapted to be congregation-friendly.

Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine... (Jubilate Deo chant)

Amen: Dresden

January 4 - The Epiphany of the Lord

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 82 in the Pew Missal.
Psalm 72: R./ Lord, every nation on earth will adore you (BMP)
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #259 The first Nowell (Trad. English)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #278 We three kings of Orient are ("Kings of Orient")
Responsory during Communion: Psalm 72, R./ We have seen his star in the east... (Adam Bartlett)

Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #52 As with gladness men of old ("Dix") (Listen)

- The tune name, "Dix" is named after the author of "As with gladness...", William Chatteron Dix.  Another well-known hymn, "For the beauty of the earth", is often sung to this tune.

January 11 - The Baptism of the Lord

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 85 in the Pew Missal.
Psalm 29: R./ The Lord will bless his people with peace (Gregory Evans)
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #181 Let all mortal flesh keep silence ("Picardy") (Listen)

- This gorgeous arrangement in the listen link given comes from Gustav Holst, who also gave us "The Planets", from which his "Jupiter" movement includes the tune used for such hymns as "O God, beyond all praising" and "I vow to thee, my country".

Hymn during Communion: Worship hymnal, #6 Blest be the God of Israel ("Forest Green") (Listen)
- The words in the listen link is a different translation from what's in the hymnal (both the link's translation and the hymnal's translation are from the "Benedictus", aka the Canticle of Zechariah), but the tune is the same.
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #246 Songs of thankfulness and praise ("Salzburg") (Listen)

This Monday begins the First Week of the Year (aka "Ordinary Time" or "Green Season", or to some, "Boring Time" lol).

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (10 AM)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass of the Shepherds (Pietro Yon)
- NOTE: For most Masses, the key will be adapted to be congregation-friendly.
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine... (Jubilate Deo chant)
Amen: Dresden

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 80 in the Pew Missal.
Psalm 67: R./ May God bless us in his mercy (Owen Alstott)
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #153 Hark! the herald angels sing ("Mendelssohn")

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #280 What child is this ("Greensleeves")

Communion hymn: Maroon hymnal, #21 O little town of Bethlehem ("Forest Green" and "St. Louis")

- Both tunes are in the Maroon hymnal.  We will alternate between the two tunes.

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #242 Sing of Mary, pure and lowly ("Pleading Savior") (Listen)

Happy and blessed New Year to all!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH and THE EVOLUTION OF THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR

The liturgical calendar up until 1969 is far different from what it is today, especially in terms of Christmastide.  Of course, Christmas has always been December 25 for as long as many of us, even those twice my age (I'm 61, lol) can remember.  However, let's look at how the rest of the season evolved...

The Sunday in the Octave of Christmas now is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  Until 1969, it was simply the "Sunday in the Octave of Christmas."

New Year's Day: January 1, the Octave Day of Christmas is the same on the most part in terms of Scripture.  However, the feast title evolved from Christ-focused (The Circumcision of the Lord) to Mary-focused (Mary, Mother of God).

The Sunday after January 1 is the Epiphany of the Lord.  However, until 1969, the Epiphany was celebrated on the fixed date of January 6.  For those not exactly familiar with the story behind The Twelve Days of Christmas (always one of my favorite Christmas songs outside of Mass), those days are December 25 to January 6.  Also, in the traditional calendar, if the Sunday after January 1 fell from January 2-5, it was simply the Second Sunday after Christmas.

The Sunday after January 6 in the traditional calendar was the Feast of the Holy Family (unless the Sunday after January 6 is January 13), moved to this Sunday since 1969.  In the current calendar, it is the Epiphany if it falls on January 7-8, otherwise, the Baptism of the Lord (if on January 9-13).  In the traditional calendar, the Baptism of the Lord fell on the fixed date of January 13.

It should be known also that for those parishes who celebrate the Mass in the Extraordinary Form (that is, the Traditional Latin Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962), the traditional (pre-1969) calendar is still followed.  For the rest of us (Mass in the Ordinary Form), the modern calendar is followed.

Having served four years (1999-2003) at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Providence, Rhode Island, where Mass is still to this day held in both forms, I let my experience do the talking. ;)

That said, here is the music for Holy Family:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass of the Shepherds (Pietro Yon)
- NOTE: For most Masses, the key will be adapted to be congregation-friendly.
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine... (Jubilate Deo chant)
Amen: Dresden

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 78 in the Pew Missal.
Psalm 128: R./ O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways (Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)
- This Psalm setting is most often my go-to when playing at nuptial Masses.
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #236 Once in royal David's city ("Irby") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #45 Joseph dearest, Joseph mine ("Resonet in Laudibus" in a metrical form by Ralph Vaughan Williams) (Listen)
- While the hymnal has only two verses, one in the voice of Mary and the other in the voice of Joseph, there is a third verse intended to be sung by both Mary and Joseph:
    "Peace to all who have good will!  God whom heaven and earth doth fill
    Comes to turn us away from ill, as all may see, in Jesus, Son of Mary."
- - The refrain after each verse is sung by all.
Hymn during Communion: Pew Missal, #219 Of the Father's love begotten ("Divinum Mysterium")(Listen)

- The first lines of the melody is from which the Alleluia response is adapted.

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #88 Angels we have heard on high ("Gloria")
- Do we really need a listen link for this hymn?

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

CHRISTMAS AT SACRED HEART

Masses will be held on Christmas Eve at 5 PM and Christmas Day at 10 AM

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass of the Shepherds (Pietro Yon)
- NOTE: For most Masses, the key will be adapted to be congregation-friendly.
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine... (Jubilate Deo chant)
Amen: Dresden

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Psalm 96 (Eve): R./ Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord (Richard Proulx)
Psalm 98 (Day): R./ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving pow'r of God (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:
Prelude:
(Eve) 1. Tu scendi dalle stelle (traditional Italian)
        2. Gaudete Christus est Natus (from Piae Cantiones, 1582)
        3. O little town of Bethlehem (Maroon hymnal, #21, first tune - "Forest Green")
(Day) Christmas carols and improvisations TBD

Mass:
On Christmas Eve, Father Unsworth will chant the Christmas Proclamation from the back of the church.
Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #200 O come, all ye faithful ("Adeste Fideles"/v. 1 in Latin, vv. 2-4 in English)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #153 Hark! the herald angels sing ("Mendelssohn")
Music during Communion:
- (Eve) Ninna Nanna di Natale (traditional Italian)
- (Day) Psalm 96, R./ The Word of God became Man; we have seen his glory (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
On Christmas Eve, the Blessing of the Christmas Crib will take place after Communion.
Meditation hymn: Pew Missal, #240 Silent night ("Stille Nacht")
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #176 Joy to the world ("Antioch"/vv. 1, 2, 4)

Merry and Blessed Christmas to all!  God bless!
Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

IV ADVENT and an "O" REFRESHER

A Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall name him Emmanuel - "God with us." (Matthew 1:23).

The Year A version of the IV Advent Gospel reading echoes the last few verses of the Gospel of the Vigil of Christmas.  The difference is the first 17 verses of the Christmas Vigil Gospel give the detailed geneology of Christ, beginning with Abraham.

Some of the hymnody for this weekend contains kind of a "pre-Christmas" theme without being Christmas (which is just four days later).

Also, one more round of O come, O come, Emmanuel, as it is based on the "O" Antiphons.  There are seven such antiphons - each one assigned to a particular day from December 17-23.  The antiphon for December 21 (this Sunday) is thus:

    O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:

        come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

This leads us to verse 6 of O come, O come...

    O come, thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by thy drawing nigh.

    Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadow put to flight.

    Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)

Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)

Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 66.
Psalm 24: R./ Let the Lord enter; he is King of glory. (Richard Proulx)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #203 O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #187 Lo! how a rose e'er blooming ("Es ist ein ros'") (Listen)

Music during Communion:

- Responsory: Psalm 19, R./ Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and his Name shall be callèd Emmanuel. (BMP)
- or Hymn: Alma Redemptoris Mater (Samuel Webbe)

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #201 O come, divine Messiah ("Venez, Divin Messie") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

GAUDETE IN DOMINO SEMPER (III ADVENT)

Gaudete in Domino semper.  Iterum dico: Gaudete!

That is...

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!

The above is the beginning of the Introit appointed by both the Roman Missal and the Roman Gradual for this coming Sunday, that is, the Third Sunday of Advent, aka "Gaudete Sunday".  You'll see rose colored vestments worn by the priest celebrating Mass this weekend, and on the Advent wreath, the third candle lit is the rose candle.

The Introit according to the Roman Missal is rather brief:

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!  Indeed the Lord is near.

The Roman Gradual has a longer version:

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!  Let your kindness be known to all men.

The Lord is near.

Be not anxious over anything, but in all ways of prayer make your petitions known to God.

Year C's Epistle reading (from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians - that is, last year's Epistle) also includes the longer Introit.

In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus himself refers to John the Baptist (remember him, that herald's voice in the desert?) as "the messenger sent before me who will prepare the way for you."

Today's entrance hymn reflects the Gospel of the day while the offertory and recessional hymns and even the Communion responsory give us that taste of "Rejoice!".  The recessional hymn especially: Rejoice, again I say: Rejoice!

Therefore...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)

Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)

Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 64.
Psalm 146: R./ Lord, come and save us (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's Bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #2 O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")

Communion responsory: Magnificat (Tone 8G/Ciro Grassi)
- Magnificat anima mea Dominum, that is, My soul magnifies the Lord.
Recessional hymn: Worship hymnal, #493 Rejoice! the Lord is King, verses 1 and 4 ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

This Monday, December 8, is a Holyday of Obligation, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the United States of America.  Mass is held at 10 AM this Monday in the Church.

Sundays II and III of Advent (December 7 and 14) are the Sundays where John the Baptist comes into the picture.  He is that "herald's voice" calling out to "prepare the way of the Lord".  This weekend's hymns reflect that call.

That said, here it is...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

December 7 - Sunday II of Advent

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)
Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 55.
Psalm 72: R./ Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever (Richard Rice)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:
Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #9 Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding ("Merton") (Listen)
- Look at that!  The title shows up right in the title! :)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #117 Comfort, comfort, ye my people ("Geneva 42") (Listen)
Communion hymn: Pew Missal, #229 People, look East ("Besancon Carol") (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

December 8 - The Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass VIII (The only day in Advent where the Gloria is sung/said)
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)
Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 58.
Psalm 98: R./ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds (J. Robert Carroll)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:
Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #242 Sing of Mary, pure and lowly ("Pleading Savior") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #256 The angel Gabriel from heaven came ("Gabriel's Message") (Listen)
Motet during Communion: Ave Maria (setting TBD)
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #187 Lo! how a rose e'er blooming ("Es ist ein ros'") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

I ADVENT

I am thrilled to have our organ back and have been able to play it!  Sounds great, and I have to say, my heart was racing with excitement playing it this past weekend!

"Stay awake!  You'll never know on which day the Lord will come!"
This is the theme of this First Sunday of Advent each year, with each of the first three Evangelists (in biblical order) writing their own take on it.  This year we begin Year A in the regular three-year rotation, so we hear Matthew's take.

For myself and many organists/music directors/singers I've talked to, whether online or in person, Advent is my favorite season in terms of hymnody and other liturgical music.  So many gorgeous hymns.  The First Sunday of Advent alone is chocked full of hymns that speak of that preparedness we need for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but there is only room for so many!!!  Here's what we'll be singing this weekend...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)
Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 53.
- As customary, the new 2026 Pew Missal begins with Advent, the beginning of the Liturgical Year, not the calendar year.
Psalm 122: R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (BMP)
- The same response as last week, but using all five verses instead of just three.  The number of verses we sing of the Responsorial Psalm, by the way, is not my choice, but appointed by the Lectionary for Mass.  Last weekend (Christ the King, Year C) called for the first three verses.  This weekend (I Advent, Year A) calls for all five.
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:
Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #203, O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #186, Lo! he comes with clouds descending ("Helmsley") (Listen)
- This, I believe, was one of Fr. Bucci's favorite Advent hymns.  It's certainly become one of mine.
Hymn during Communion: To you I lift my soul ("Love Unknown")
- The hymn was written by a couple of Johns.  The text was written by the late John Dunn, who became the second headmastor and music director of St. Paul's Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts and it's Choir School, the only Catholic all-boys choir school in America.  At the time Dunn wrote this, he was assistant to the founding director of the Choir School, the late Theodore Marier.  The tune, written initially for the hymn "My song is love unknown" was written by the late John Ireland.
Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #4, Rejoice, rejoice, believers ("Greenland") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!

Let me begin this post by proclaiming...

ANNUNTIO VOBIS GAUDIUM MAGNUM!

HABEMUS ORGANUM!

Just in time to end the liturgical year with a bang, our organ has been repaired and is up and running as just before noon today!  David Ogeltree of Rogers Organs of New England replaced two sound boards (read: these are to a digital organ as a motherboard is to a computer).  Upon their arrival to his facility, he came to the church last Tuesday to collect our old boards, program the voices of those boards to the new boards, test them (of course) and today (Friday, November 21) the new boards are installed.  David then took the organ for a test drive and all sounds good.

Thank you to David Ogeltree for getting it done, and thank you to our sexton Paul Boisclair for letting him in on my day off.  :)

Thus endeth the preamble.  Now the post as titled...

Our last Sunday of the Year is affectionately known as Christ the King (sometimes branded as "Christus Rex" or "X-Rex").  The formal title is "Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe", faithful to the Latin title that appears in the Graduale Romanum, "Dominus Noster Jesus Christus Universorum Regis".  Traditionally this Solemnity was celebrated on the last Sunday in October.  In 1969, with the advent of the Novus Ordo, we changed from a one-year liturgical cycle to a three-year liturgical cycle, and a good amount of feasts changed dates.  "X-Rex" is one of those.

One hymn I can never in good conscience do without on Christ the King is To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King.  Sure, there are a number of hymns dedicated to Christ the King, including the ones we're singing this weekend.  But To Jesus Christ... particularly stands out for me.

One of the antiphons still heard in many high churches, whether it be the chant setting, the Roman/Vatican setting or even a more modern setting (including my own) is Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!  Literally translated, that is, Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands!  In writing the text of To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King, Msgr. Martin B. Hellreigel included a paraphrase of that antiphon: Christ Jesus victor, Christ Jesus ruler, Christ Jesus Lord and Commander.  Of course in just about every hymnal, the ending is now Christ Jesus Lord and Redeemer, however, Msgr. Hellreigel originally wrote "Commander", which literally corresponds with "Christus imperat".  When it got changed to "Redeemer", I don't know, and I couldn't find anything on it in my grasp, but nonetheless, Christ is our victor, ruler, commander and Redeemer!  This will be our recessional hymn this weekend.

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
(CUM ORGANUM)

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)
Memorial Acclamation (When we eat...) and Amen: adapted from Laus Tibi Christe

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 269 in the Pew Missal
Psalm 122: R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (BMP)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: Worship hymnal, #493 Rejoice! the Lord is King ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Worship hymnal, #500 Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott")
- The listen link is above with the Alleluia, as the Alleluia also serves as the refrain of the hymn.
Communion responsory: Christus Vincit (BMP) (PDF)
- A 1999 setting by yours truly using somewhat modern harmonies inspired by C. Alexander Peloquin, who served the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul and our diocese as music director for forty years (1950-1990).  Dr. Peloquin was a renowned composer of Catholic liturgical music as well and was excellent at his craft.
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #268 To Jesus Christ, our sov'reign King ("Ich Glaub an Gott") (Listen)
- The listen link is played on a five-manual behemoth of a pipe organ in Chicago. :)

CHRISTUS VINCIT!  CHRISTUS REGNAT!  CHRISTUS IMPERAT!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

OK, A NUMBERED SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (but for only this one time)

Yes, we are almost done Year C, the third of the three years in the liturgical rotation, aka "The Luke Year" (Year A, which begins November 30, the First Sunday of Advent is "The Matthew Year"; Year B, the following year, is "The Mark Year"; John's Gospel pops in and out during all three of the years).  While we're not in the last week of the Year (how the name "Ordinary Time" ever came about in the late 1970s is beyond me), the following Sunday is Christ the King (formally, Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe).  However, the six weekdays that follow Christ the King is considered the Thirty-Fourth Week of the Year.  This Sunday is the Thirty-Third (or in shorthand, Sunday XXXIII).

As we approach Christ the King, we also remember the significance of certain months: May for Mary, June for the Sacred Heart, July for the Precious Blood, October for Mary (under the title Our Lady of the Rosary), and November for All Souls.  Our offertory hymn this weekend reflects All Souls, while our entrance and recessional hymns reflect on the coming our Christ, our King.

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)
Memorial Acclamation (When we eat...) and Amen: adapted from Laus Tibi Christe

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 267 in the Pew Missal
Psalm 98: R./ The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #5 Lo! he comes with clouds descending (second tune) ("Helmsley") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #223 Jesus, Son of Mary ("Adoro Te Devote") (Listen)
Communion responsory: Psalm 61, R./ Whatever you ask in your prayers, believe that you shall receive it, and it shall be granted unto you (BMP) (PDF)
- or hymn: Maroon hymnal, #3 Wake, awake, for night is flying ("Wachet Auf") (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #11 The King shall come when morning dawns ("St. Stephen") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

NO, THIS IS NOT SUNDAY XXXII OF THE YEAR!

Indeed, it isn't.  This Sunday, another major feast occurs - The Dedication of the Basilica (formally "Archbasilica") of St. John Lateran in Rome.  This feast always falls on November 9, even when it falls on a Sunday (thus superseding the 32nd Sunday of the Year).  This is the first time November 9 has fallen on a Sunday since 2014.  You'd think it would have had fallen once or twice more in the meantime, but leap years prevented that (we've had three leap years since - 2016, 2020 and 2024).

The significance of this feast is that St. John Lateran is the Pope's Cathedral.  While Papal Masses are held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the seat of the Pope in his capacity as Bishop of Rome.

In today's second reading, Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians, "Like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it," and "No one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely Jesus Christ."  This explains two of today's hymns: Christ is made the sure foundation (entrance) and The Church's one foundation (is Jesus Christ, her Lord) (recessional).

For the offertory I chose Lord, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray (that all thy Church might be for ever one), citing the Communion proper of the day from the Graduale Romanum, "Jerusalem is built as a city, bonded as one together."

For the remainder of "Ordinary Time", we will be using the Latin Ordinary Laus Tibi Christe Mass by Federico Caudana, a Mass written in unison and very congregation-friendly.

Thus...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)
Memorial Acclamation (When we eat...) and Amen: adapted from Laus Tibi Christe

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 265 in the Pew Missal
Psalm 46: R./ The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High (BMP) (PDF)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #104 Christ is made the sure foundation ("Westminster Abbey") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #190 Lord, who at thy first Eucharist ("Unde et Memores") (Listen)
Communion music:
- Responsory: Psalm 122, R./ Jerusalem is built as a city, bonded as one together (BMP) (PDF)
- or Motet: Jesu, joy of man's desiring (Johann Schop, arr. by J.S. Bach)
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #257 The Church's one foundation ("Aurelia") (Listen)

See you at the bazaar! :)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

ORGAN UPDATE and ALL SOULS DAY

The required sound boards have not shipped yet, but they have been ordered, but in order to have them shipped and installed properly, they must be programmed and tested by the manufacturer.  One is ready, the other still in the programming process.  Once completed, the two boards will be shipped to our technician, who will then install them.  So unfortunately, we're stuck with the keyboard for one more week.

This weekend we commemorate (I almost said "celebrate" here, mea culpa; such is not the case) All the Faithful Departed.  In addition, the 10 AM Mass Sunday will be offered for all the deceased of Sacred Heart Parish from last All Souls Day to this All Souls Day.  After Communion, we will call on a member or representative for each family of the deceased to take a candle and it will be lit, and a prayer will be said.

The entrance, Communion and recessional are chants proper to Masses for the Dead (whether it be All Souls Day, funeral Masses and other such commemorations).  We start with the Requiem Aeternam, which is the proper from the Roman Missal and the Roman Gradual.  The Latin text and English translation thereof can be found in this Sunday's bulletin in the "Music for Holy Mass" column.  The Communion chant at the 5:00 PM Mass is Lux Aeterna (May light eternal shine upon them with thy saints for ever, for thou art kind).  This will be chanted in Latin from the Simple Gradual, with verses from Psalm 130 (129).  At the 10:00 AM Mass, the Pie Jesu from the Requiem written by Gabriel Faure will be rendered.  Finally, the recessional appointed for this day is In Paradisum (Worship hymnal, #178).  The translation is also provided on that page.  The Mass for the Dead is the only Mass in the entire Roman Missal that contains an appointed recessional chant.  In other Masses, the Missal does not specify a recessional, thus a hymn is normally sung in its place in most churches.

The Gloria is omitted completely on All Souls Day.

On another note, I have to say that on one All Souls Day, I felt quite crept out.  Usually right after Halloween is finished, certain mainstream media begin the 24/7 playing of little ditties that they pass as Christmas music, right on until Christmas Day (how quickly they forget, Christmas STARTS at Christmas Eve and continues up through the Baptism of the Lord in January, not ends on Christmas Day).  Well on this one particular All Souls Day, I took my daughter to work on the way to my 9:00 AM Mass (she wasn't licensed to drive at the time).  As I proceeded back toward I-295 to go to Mass, I suddenly hear The Most Wonderful Time of the Year playing on the radio.  I couldn't change the station fast enough for two reasons - 1) I never liked the song to begin with, and 2) What's so "wonderful" about All Souls Day?  There's nothing to celebrate.  We commemorate all those gone from us and pray for their souls to be fit for heaven.

That said...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria is omitted.
Sanctus and Agnus Dei from Mass XVIII
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world
Amen: single Amen (do do-re, or, if you're in a modal mood, so so-la, or fa fa-so)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings: page 262 in the Pew Missal
Psalm 23: R./ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Owen Alstott)
Alleluia: Theodore Marier

HYMNS, CHANTS, etc.
Introit (in lieu of Entrance Hymn): Requiem aeternam (text and translation in bulletin) (Chant, Mode VI) (Listen)
- A verse from Psalm 65 (64) may be chanted and the antiphon repeated.
Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #223 Jesus, Son of Mary ("Adoro Te Devote")
Music during Communion:
- (5:00) Lux Aeterna (Mode VIII, from the Simple Gradual)
- (10:00) Pie Jesu (Gabriel Faure, from his "Requiem")
Recessional chant: Worship hymnal, #178 In Paradisum (Chant, Modes VII and VIII)
- A little explanation for the two modes: The "In Paradisum" is often rendered in two portions, "In Paradisum", which is Mode VII, and "Chorus Angelorum", which is Mode VIII.  Either way, in modern notation it comes out to be the same key and the same tonic note (B-flat key signature, tonic note F, known as the "mixolydian" mode).

Prelude and postlude will be improvisations based on the Requiem aeternam and In Paradisum, respectively.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.  Amen.  May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXX and PROGRESS ON THE ORGAN

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Fr. Stowe (via the diocese) approved the needed repair work to be done on the organ.  As of Tuesday, the parts have been ordered (two sound cards), but before installation they need to be programmed.  Other repairs include repairing a sticky pedalboard, replacing any missing lights on stop tabs (these are toggle tabs that turn voices on and off) and/or pistons (these are combinations of said voices that the organist can preset), and repairing a wobbly organ bench (a safety issue!).  We could have the organ back in time for All Souls Day (November 2), but please DON'T mark my word on it!  Once it is fixed, I will be overjoyed!

Earlier in the week, Paul and some help (including Father Emmanuel) brought up an electric keyboard that we've had downstairs over the years that was in use when we used to do outdoor Benedictions with Father Bucci.  It actually fills the church with sound much better than my own keyboard was doing.  Regardless of which of these two keyboards are in use, let's pray for a speedy but proper fix to the Rodgers organ.  It is 24 years old as I write this, and with these fixes, we should get at least another 24 years out of it.  

This will be the last numbered Sunday of the Year for the next three weeks.  The following Sunday (November 2) is the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (or for short, All Souls Day).  The Saturday Mass, although on November 1 (which is normally All Saints Day) is the anticipated Mass for All Souls, as it is a late afternoon/evening Mass.  Because All Saints falls on a Saturday this year, 1 - there is no obligation, and 2 - All Saints would only apply to any morning Masses celebrated on that day.  The Sunday after that (November 9) is the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.  While St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is the Pontifical Basilica, St. John Lateran is the Cathedral of Rome, and the official seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome.

Numbering of Sundays of the Year will resume on November 16 (Sunday XXXIII), but not for long as the Sunday after that (November 23) is the Solemnity of Christ the King (formal title: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe).

Going back to November 2: the 10 AM Mass that Sunday will be offered for all the deceased of Sacred Heart Parish over the past year (that is, since last All Souls Day).

Without further ado, for THIS Sunday...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 257

Psalm 34: R./ The Lord hears the cry of the poor (BMP) (PDF)

Alleluia: Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #192 Love divine, all loves excelling ("Hyfrydol") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #261 The King of love my shepherd is ("St. Columba") (Listen)

Responsory during Communion: Magnificat (Tone VIII/Ciro Grassi)

Meditation hymn: Pew Missal, #215 O Sanctissima ("Sicilian Mariners") (vv. 1 and 4)

Recessional hymn: Worship hymnal, #493 Rejoice, the Lord is King ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)

The listen links for this Sunday's entrance and recessional hymns feature some really cool arrangements from Buffalo, NY.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXIX

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 255

Psalm 121: R./ Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Alleluia: Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #326 To the Name of our salvation ("Oriel") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #213 Shepherd of souls ("St. Agnes") (Listen)

Music during Communion:
- Responsory: Psalm 8, R./ How great is your Name, O Lord, our God, through all the earth (Pèré Joseph Gelineau, SJ/Worship hymnal, #27)

- or Motet: Ave Maria (Lorenzo Perosi)
Meditation hymn: Pew Missal, #215 O Sanctissima ("Sicilian Mariners") (vv. 1 and 3)
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #92 At the Name of Jesus ("King's Weston") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXVIII and ANNUNTIO VOBIS GAUDIUM MAGNUM!

The repairs needed to fix the organ have been approved by the diocese and Father Stowe gave me the green light to contact Rodgers Organs of New England to do the work.  Parts will need to be ordered.  I'm suspecting a 3-4 week turnaround time, but hope to have a more accurate time frame sometime next week.

In the meantime...

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 253

Psalm 98: R./ The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB) (PDF)

Alleluia: Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #232, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ("Lobe den Herren")

Offertory hymn: Worship hymnal, #491, To Christ, the Prince of Peace ("Narenza") (Listen)

Hymn during Communion: Maroon hymnal, #430, Lead, kindly light ("Sandon") (Listen)

- Like "Praise to the Holiest in the height", which we sang last month, the text comes from Saint John Henry Newman.

Meditation hymn: Pew Missal, #215, O Sanctissima ("Sicilian Mariners") (vv. 1-2)

- For the remainder of October, we will sing "O Sanctissima" after Communion.  This weekend, verses 1 and 2, the following weekends (October 19 and 26), verses 1 and 3, and 1 and 4, respectively.

Recessional hymn: Worship hymnal, #750, Your hands, O Lord, in days of old ("Mozart")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXVII

 MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 251

Psalm 95: R./ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (Owen Alstott)

Alleluia: Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #207 O God, our help in ages past ("St. Anne") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #570 (second tune) O Jesus, I have promised ("Day of Rest") (Listen)

Music during Communion: Ave Verum 

- (5:00) Chant, Mode I with brief intervening organ improvisations

- (10:00) Lorenzo Perosi

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #163 I sing the mighty pow'r of God ("Ellacombe") (Listen)

- Same tune as such hymns as "Go, make of all disciples" and "The day of Resurrection", which we've sung many times before.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXVI and LAST WEEK'S 10:00 MISADVENTURES

For the next few weeks I will be putting my personal electric keyboard on loan to Sacred Heart Church.

Those who came to the 10:00 Mass last Sunday was treated (for lack of a better term) to a capella singing.  About ten minutes before Mass, I customarily began my prelude when the organ (a Rodgers Trillium 807 installed brand new in 2001) started making some weird noises, a combination of whistle-like sounds and sounds as if the organ was losing air pressure (something belonging to a pipe organ, however, this organ is not pipe, it's digital, although the pipe case of the old Kilgen organ is still standing prominently in the choir loft).  I quickly ended the prelude in the most diplomatic way I could and shut the organ off.  After about ten seconds, I turned the organ back on, and the organ completely froze.  The welcome screen was lit, but blank, the lights for the great expression shoe were all lit, and the lights for the swell expression shoe were all off (I'll explain expression shoes in another post), although both shoes were open only about a third of the way.  I could not open any stops or press any pistons (the buttons that turn on pre-set combinations).  I couldn't even shut the organ back off.  The only way it shut off was when Ashley tripped the breaker for it.

This morning Paul and I (mostly Paul as I had to print and fold bulletins yet) got a visit from David Ogeltree from Rodgers Organs of New England in Needham, Massachusetts.  They are THE authorized Rodgers sales and service reps for this region.  The organ needs a considerable amount of work - two digital voice module boards (isn't technology wonderful? ha ha!) to be replaced, the pedalboard (the keyboard for the feet) needs to be rebuilt, possibly two "daughter cards" for the voice module.

Safe to say, my digital keyboard will be in use for a few weeks until the Rodgers organ can get repaired.

I have to say, David Ogeltree is a highly skilled organist, as is his business partner, Doug Marshall (Doug was, for a time, Alex Peloquin's accompanist at the Cathedral in Providence).  The two, in addition to selling and servicing Rodgers organs, are also builders of digital organs in their own right.  All of their organs (branded as Marshall & Ogeltree) thus far are large scale (three- and four-manual) instruments, intended for larger churches.

Before I go into this weekend's music list, I invite you to click here to listen to Doug Marshall and David Ogeltree at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall in Methuen, Massachusetts.  David is on the four-manual Aeolian Skinner pipe organ, the Music Hall organ, while Doug is on the three-manual Rodgers digital organ.  The two play (and the audience sings) the hymn, Praise, my soul, the King of heaven (a hymn we've sung at times here at Sacred Heart).  Enjoy!

And now...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 248

Psalm 146: R./ Praise the Lord, my soul (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Alleluia: Chant, Mode VI

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #326 To the Name of our salvation ("Oriel") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #265 There's a wideness in God's mercy ("In Babilone") (Listen)

Music during Communion:

- responsory: Psalm 119, R./ Remember your word to your servant, O Lord (Adam Bartlett)
- or motet: O sacrum Convivium (Roberto Remondi)

Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #600 Ye holy angels bright ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY XXV

And today we're back to "normalcy" (quoting Warren Harding), but only "for a time" (quoting Father Bucci) as we return to numbered Sundays of the Year.  Come November there will be two consecutive Sundays that go unnumbered (and I'm not even counting Christ the King).  November 2 and 9 are All Souls Day (formal name: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed) and the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.  I'll post more on those before the time comes.

That said, let's jump to...

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 246

Psalm 113: R./ Praise the Lord, who lifts up the poor (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Alleluia: Chant, Mode VI

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #343 Praise to the holiest in the height (first tune/"Newman") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #431 In heav'nly love abiding ("Nyland") (Listen)

Hymn during Communion: Red Worship hymnal, #632 Those who love and those who labor ("Dohmnach Trionoide") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #288 O worship the King ("Hanover") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

It's been a long time since September 14 fell on a Sunday - 11 years, for that matter.  The reason I say that:  September 14 is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which is considered a Feast in the liturgical calendar.  Now, while most Feasts do not trump the regularly numbered Sunday of the year like Solemnities do, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is one that does.  So, as the networks say when a special is about to air on TV, "The Twenty-Fourth Sunday of the Year will not be seen this Sunday so we can bring you the Exaltation of the Holy Cross."

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 244

Psalm 78: R./ Do not forget the works of the Lord (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: Chant, Mode VI

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #253 Take up thy cross ("Breslau") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Red Worship, #433 When I survey the wondrous cross ("Rockingham") (Listen)

Motet during Communion: Adoramus te, Christe (Theodore Dubois)

- The translation is something we proclaim at the beginning of every Station of the Cross, "We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee, because by thy Holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world."

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #183 Lift high the Cross ("Crucifer") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP