Tuesday, December 29, 2015

FOUR DAY WEEKEND 2 of 2

This four-day weekend will consist of three Masses for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1, a holy day of obligation), and the Epiphany of the Lord (January 3).  The brass will be here for three of the four Epiphany Masses.

The schedule is as follows:
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD 
Thursday, December 31, 2015: 5 PM
Friday, January 1, 2016: 9 and 11:15 AM
- (11:15 is the monthly First Friday Sacred Heart Community Mass)
EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 
Saturday, January 2, 2016: 5 PM (with the brass)
Sunday, January 3, 2016: 7:30, 9, and 11:15 (with the brass at 9 and 11:15)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Mary, Mother of God

Entrance hymn: While shepherds watched their flocks by night, Maroon, #13, first tune
Gloria: Mass VIII
Psalm 67: May God bless us in his mercy, Owen Alstott (as written in missalette for January 1)
Alleluia: Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)
Offertory hymn: The first Nowell, Maroon, #30
Sanctus: Mass XVIII
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine, chant
Amen: Dresden, arr. Theodore Marier
Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII
Communion anthem: Ave Maria, melody by Charles Gounod, over Prelude and Fugue in C by Johann Sebastian Bach
Post-Communion hymn: In the bleak midwinter, Maroon, #44
Recessional hymn: Angels we have heard on high, Maroon, #42

Epiphany of the Lord

Entrance hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful (vv. 1, 2, 3, 6), Maroon, #12
Gloria: Mass of the Shepherds, Pietro Yon (except 7:30: Gloria VIII)
Psalm 72: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you, BMP
Alleluia: Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)
Offertory hymn: We three kings of Orient are, Maroon, #51
Sanctus: Mass of the Shepherds (except 7:30: Sanctus XVIII)
Elevation fanfares: Fanfare in B-flat, John Ferguson
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine, chant
Amen: Dresden, arr. Theodore Marier
Agnus Dei: Mass of the Shepherds (except 7:30: Agnus XVIII)
Communion anthem: Tollite hostias, Camille Saint-Saëns
Post-Communion hymn: As with gladness men of old, Maroon, #52
Recessional hymn: What star is this with beams so bright, Maroon, #47

Happy and blessed New Year!
BMP

Monday, December 21, 2015

FOUR DAY WEEKEND 1 of 2

Christmas: the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Our Christmas Masses are:

Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24): 5:00 and 10:30 PM
Christmas Day (Friday, December 25): 9:00 and 11:15 AM

Our brass trio will be on hand at all four Masses, along with our choir (quartet, actually).  There will be some singing in English, Latin, and Italian beginning roughly 20 minutes before each Mass.

MUSIC BEFORE HOLY MASS:

1. Tu Scendi dalle Stelle, traditional Italian
2. Coventry Carol, English carol, arr. Martin Shaw
3. Bel Bambino, traditional Italian, arr. C. Alexander Peloquin
4. Tollite Hostias, Camille Saint-Saëns
5. La Pastorale di Couperin, Antonio Allegra

MUSIC AT HOLY MASS:

Entrance hymn: Adeste Fideles (v. 1) and O Come, All Ye Faithful (vv. 1-4), arr. David Willcocks (Worship, #392)
Gloria: Mass of the Shepherds, Pietro Yon
Psalm 96: Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord, Richard Proulx (response) and Joseph Gelineau (versicles) (Worship, #779)
Alleluia: Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)
Offertory hymn: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, arr. David Willcocks (Worship, #387)
Sanctus: Mass of the Shepherds
Elevation fanfares: Fanfare in B-flat, John Ferguson
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine, chant
Amen: Dresden, arr. Theodore Marier
Agnus Dei: Mass of the Shepherds
Communion anthem: Hallelujah!, from "Messiah", G.F. Handel
Post-Communion hymn: Silent Night (Worship, #379)
Recessional hymn: Joy to the World (Worship, #399, vv. 1, 2, and 4)

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (December 27)

MUSIC AT HOLY MASS:

Entrance hymn: Once in Royal David's City (Worship, #402) (Listen)
Gloria: Mass of the Shepherds, Pietro Yon (except 7:30: Gloria VIII)
Psalm 84: Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord, music by BMP
Alleluia: Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)
Offertory hymn: While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night (Worship, #382)
Sanctus: Mass of the Shepherds (except 7:30: Sanctus XVIII)
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine, chant
Amen: Dresden, arr. Theodore Marier
Agnus Dei: Mass of the Shepherds (except 7:30: Agnus XVIII)
Communion anthem: Of the Father's Love Begotten, Mode V
Post-Communion hymn: What Child Is This (Worship, #411)
Recessional hymn: Angels We Have Heard on High (Worship, #376)

Merry and blessed Christmas!
BMP

Friday, December 18, 2015

IV ADVENT (Rorate Sunday)

Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant justum! 
Let the heavens bring forth the Just One, and the clouds rain him down!

That's the assigned Introit for this coming Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent.  I've actually heard it referred to as Rorate Sunday.  Why not?  We just had Gaudete Sunday, right?

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

All numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal

Entrance hymn: O come, divine Messiah, #367
- Taken from the traditional French Venez, Divin Messie.  In English, the refrain is at the end, while in the original French, it's at the beginning.
Psalm 80: Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face, and we shall be saved (Royce Nickel)
Alleluia: Alleluia "Conditor Alme Siderum" (Mode IV, adapted by BMP)
Offertory hymn: The King shall come when morning dawns, #373
Sanctus: XVIII
Memorial: Mortem Tuam Annuntiamus, Domine
Amen: adapted from Sanctus VIII
Agnus Dei: XVIII
Communion anthem: Alma Redemptoris Mater (sung to altered form of the tune Consolation by Samuel Webbe)
- NOTE: A more familiar form of the tune appears with the hymn Come, Ye Disconsolate, which is in the maroon hymnal.
Post-Communion hymn: Come, O long-expected Jesus, #364
Recessional hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel, #357

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

III ADVENT (Gaudete Sunday)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS


All numbers given are in the maroon hymnal, except where noted.

Entrance: Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding, #9  
Responsory: Isaiah 12 - R/. Cry out with joy and gladness, for among you is the Holy One of Israel (music by Owen Alstott, page 26 in missalette)
Alleluia: Alleluia "Conditor Alme Siderum" (Mode IV, adapted by BMP)
Offertory: On Jordan's Bank, #10
Sanctus: Mass XVIII (simple chant)
Memorial: Mortem Tuam Annuntiamus, Domine
Amen: adapted from Sanctus VIII
Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII (simple chant)
Communion: Magnificat (alternating versicles: odd: Tone 8, even: Ciro Grassi)
- Source: Pius X Hymnal, in which the late great Theodore Marier was a big contributor.
Meditation: Hark! the glad sound, the Savior comes, #7
- A more proper term for "Meditation hymn", as described in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, might be "Hymn of Praise".  See below (emphasis mine).
88. When the distribution of Communion is over, if appropriate, the Priest and faithful pray quietly for some time. If desired, a Psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn may also be sung by the whole congregation.
Recessional: O come, O come, Emmanuel, #2

Peace,
BMP

Monday, November 30, 2015

FIRST FRIDAY, II ADVENT, AND IMMACULATE CONCEPTION


MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
for this action-packed five-day weekend

The Sung Ordinary of the Mass will be the same for all three sets:
Gloria VIII (Immaculate Conception only - omitted otherwise), Sanctus XVIII, Mysterium Fidei: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine, Amen: tune of the first line of Sanctus VIII, Agnus Dei XVIII

The Alleluia will also be the same for all three sets, in terms of the response.
Alleluia "Conditor Alme Siderum" (which I adapted from the Mode IV Advent chant, Conditor Alme Siderum, from which the English hymn Creator of the Stars of Night is translated).

First Friday (Sacred Heart Community Mass)
Mass at 6 PM

Entrance: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine (on sheets provided)
Psalm 19: R./ Your words, Lord, are spirit and life (music by yours truly)
Offertory: Conditor Alme Siderum (Mode IV)
Communion: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel (Mode I)
Recessional: To Jesus' Heart, All-Burning (on sheets provided)

Second Sunday of Advent
Saturday Mass at 5 PM; Sunday Masses at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Entrance: Hark! a Thrilling Voice Is Sounding (Maroon, #9)
Psalm 126: R./ The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy (Alfred Calabrese)
- NOTE: The response begins in a manner similar to Conditor Alme Siderum as well.
Offertory: On Jordan's Bank (Maroon, #10)
Communion: Comfort, Comfort, O My People
- This hymn is serving as an anthem for the choir, but you are free to join in, Worship, #370.
Meditation: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns (Maroon, #11)
Recessional: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Maroon, #2)

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Monday anticipated at 6:30; Tuesday at 9 AM and 7 PM

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION!!!

Entrance: Immaculate Mary (Worship, #708)
Psalm 98: R./ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds (Carroll/Gelineau)
Offertory: The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (Worship, #695)
Communion: Ave Maria (Lorenzo Perosi at evening Masses; Bach/Gounod at morning Mass)
Meditation: Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming (Worship, #374)
Recessional: Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above (Worship, #702)

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

THANKSGIVING DAY and FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Mass for this Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) is in the Church at 9 AM.  After this, we put the Laus Tibi, Christe Mass away "for a time" (a few months) and bring out a simpler chant setting of the Mass (Mass XVIII, which we've done oftentimes before) for Advent.  The Gloria is also put away at that time (there is no Gloria on Thanksgiving Day either, but nonetheless...), with the exception of one solemnity (Immaculate Conception, December 8), and will return in full force on Christmas.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, XI-26, at 9 AM

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Laus Tibi Christe (Gloria is omitted)
Alleluia: from the hymn Christ is the King, Worship, #500

Entrance hymn: We gather together, Maroon, #315
Psalm 113: Blessed be the Name of the Lord for ever, sung completely to Psalm Tone 8G
Offertory hymn: Come, ye thankful people, come, Maroon, #137
Communion anthem: Sing to the Lord of harvest, music by Johann Steurlein
Recessional hymn: Now thank we all our God, Worship, #560

First Sunday of Advent
Saturday, XI-28, at 5 PM; Sunday, XI-29, at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Mass XVIII (chant setting) (Sanctus, Agnus)
- Mortem Tuam Annuntiamus, Domine (Memorial); first line of Sanctus VIII melody (Amen)
Alleluia: adapted by BMP from Conditor Alme Siderum (Mode IV)

All numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Lo! He comes with clouds descending, #5, second tune
Psalm 25: To you, O Lord, I lift my soul, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: Rejoice, rejoice, believers, #4
Communion anthem: To you I lift my soul, text by John Dunn, music by John Ireland
Meditation hymn: Hark! the glad sound, the Savior comes, #7
Recessional hymn: Thy kingdom come, on bended knee, #391
- Same tune as Lord, who throughout these forty days.

Happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
Peace,
BMP

Thursday, November 19, 2015

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

The final Sunday of Ordinary Time, and the final Sunday of the Liturgical Year.  Next Sunday, we go to Year C, the third year of the three-year Sunday rotation of readings.  (The Sunday Lectionary has a three-year rotation, Years A, B, and C, while the weekday Lectionary has a two-year rotation, Years I and II.)

We close our liturgical year with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (often known for short as "Christ the King").  We will have our brass with us this weekend for three of the Masses (I work alone at 7:30).

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last weekend.

Entrance hymn: Rejoice, the Lord is King, Worship, #493
Psalm 93: The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: Christ is the King, Worship, #500
Communion anthem: Christus Vincit, music by yours truly
Meditation hymn: We praise thee, King of Kings, music on sheets provided (Listen)
- This hymn comes from a little-known 1954 hymnal, titled (appropriately enough), the Christ the King Hymnal.  This was a hymnal with texts in English and Latin that were set to hymn tunes mainly of German origin.  I was able to download the pages of this hymnal when I first learned of it just about a month ago.
Recessional hymn: To Jesus Christ, Our Sov'reign King, Worship, #497

Peace,
BMP

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

SUNDAY XXXIII

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last weekend

All numbers given are in the Maroon Hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Hosanna to the living Lord, #774 ("Supplemental Tunes" section) (Listen)
- The listen link is the hymn tune (using a different text), but this is the tune we are using.
Psalm 16: You are my inheritance, O Lord, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: Lo! He comes with clouds descending, #5, second tune
Communion anthem: Wake, awake, for night is flying, music by Phillipp Nicolai, arr. by J.S. Bach
- Though a choral anthem, you may join in.  It's in the maroon hymnal, #3.
Meditation hymn: Blest are the pure in heart, #418
Recessional hymn: Jesus shall reign, #542

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, November 5, 2015

THREE-DAY WEEKEND 2 of 2

The second of two consecutive three-day weekends at Sacred Heart.  This time, it's the First Friday Sacred Heart Community Mass this Friday at 6 PM, followed by the weekend Masses for the 32nd Sunday of Ordered Time.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe" by Federico Caudana
Alleluia: from the hymn Christ is the King, Worship, #500

Sacred Heart Community Mass
Friday XI-6 at 6 PM

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love divine, on sheets provided
Psalm 98: The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving pow'r, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: Cor dulce, Cor amabile, from The New St. Basil Hymnal 
Communion hymn: Panis Angelicus, Hungarian tune
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, on sheets provided

Sunday XXXII of Ordered Time
Saturday XI-7 at 5 PM; Sunday XI-8 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM 

Entrance hymn: Holy Father, great Creator, Maroon, #267 (Listen)
- The tune, Regent Square, is that most often used with a lesser-known Christmas carol, Angels from the Realms of Glory.  Other hymns, such as Christ is made the sure foundation, have been used with this tune in other hymnals as well.
Psalm 146: Praise the Lord, my soul, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates, Maroon, #484
Communion anthem: The Lord himself, the mighty Lord, music by Joseph Stephenson
- The text is based on Psalm 23, which is the proper Communion antiphon for the day.
Meditation hymn: Jesus, Son of Mary, Maroon, #223
Recessional hymn: God of our fathers, Maroon, #143

SEE YOU AT THE BAZAAR!

Peace,
BMP

Sunday, October 25, 2015

THREE DAY WEEKEND 1 of 2

Coming up is the first of two consecutive three-day weekends at Sacred Heart.  All Saints (November 1) falls on a Sunday this year and takes place over the regularly-numbered Sunday of Ordered Time (in this case, XXXI).  Then, on Monday, November 2, All Souls (formal name, "Commemoration of All Faithful Departed", from the Latin as it appears in the Missale Romanum to this day, "in Commemoratione Omnium Fidelium Defunctorum").  Masses on All Souls are at 9 AM and 6:30 PM in the church.  The 6:30 Mass is where we have our remembrance for all those parishioners who died between All Souls 2014 and All Souls 2015.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

All Saints
Saturday X-31-15 at 5 PM; Sunday XI-1-15 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", music by Federico Caudana
Alleluia: from the hymn Christ is the King, Worship, #500 (the versicle, obviously, will be as appointed in the Lectionary for the day, not from the hymn)
These are the settings for All Saints Day, and the three Sundays to follow (Sundays XXXII, XXXIII, and Christ the King, as well as Thanksgiving Day).

Entrance hymn: For all the saints, Worship, #705
Psalm 24: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face, music by J. Robert Carroll (response) and Père Joseph Gelineau, SJ (versicles)
Offertory hymn: Holy, holy, holy, Worship, #485
Communion motet: Beati qui lugent, music by Lorenzo Perosi
- This motet (titled on Perosi's manuscript simply as "Mottetto") is really a prelude to the actual Proper Communion antiphon of the day.  The motet, from the Beatitudes (which is also the day's Gospel reading) is translated, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled.  The Communion Proper, continues, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God; blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God; blessed are those who suffer persecution for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Meditation hymn: Jerusalem, my happy home, Worship, #690
Recessional hymn: Christ is the King, Worship, #500

Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (All Souls)
Monday XI-2-15 at 9 AM and 6:30 PM

The music for this day will have many of the makings of a standard Requiem Mass.  After all, the Masses of All Souls and the Requiem (funeral) Mass are Masses for the Dead.

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Mass XVIII (with the "pro defunctis" alterations of the Agnus Dei, that is, Dona eis requiem (Grant them rest) in place of Miserere nobis, and Dona eis requiem sempiternam (Grant them eternal rest) in place of Dona nobis pacem.  (Memorial Acclamation is the chant "Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine", and the Amen is adapted from the beginning of the Sanctus from Mass VIII, all of which we've sung and sung often).  The Gloria is omitted.
Alleluia: music by Theodore Marier (which we used last Summer)

Entrance chant: Requiem aeternam, Chant, Mode VI
- Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.  Translation: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  (I love, by the way, how the Latin ejus, and its forms ei, eis, eum, etc. translates for the third person singular AND plural, masculine AND feminine!)  Unlike our funeral Masses in which we only chant the response as Father and servers process to the back of the church to bless a casket, at today's Mass we will also chant the versicle.
Psalm 23: My shepherd is the Lord, nothing indeed shall I want, music by Père Joseph Gelineau, SJ
Offertory hymn: Jesus, Son of Mary, Maroon, #223 (tune is that of Adoro Te Devote)
Communion proper: Lux aeterna, Chant, Mode VIII
- Translation: May eternal light shine on them, O Lord, with your saints for ever, for you are good.
Communion anthem: Pie Jesu, music by Gabriel Faure (6:30 PM only; 9 AM TBD)
Recessional hymn: In Paradisum, Worship #178, in Latin
- Translation: May the angels lead you into Paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, Jerusalem.  May choirs of angels welcome you, where Lazarus is no longer poor.  May you have eternal rest.

The second three-day weekend, which will be posted next week, includes First Friday (Sacred Heart Community Mass) on November 6.

Peace,
BMP

Monday, October 19, 2015

SUNDAY XXX

Know your Roman numerals - Sunday XXX as in Sunday 30, not "triple-X rated". ;)

Another style of Responsorial Psalm

In a post a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned the style of Psalm settings often used in some larger, more prominent churches, in which the first half of the Psalm versicle is sung in basic chant by a semichoir, followed by the second half sung to a more complex tone in harmony.

Today I will blog here on another style of Psalm setting, and we sang this style last weekend.  That is the "one-beat-per-bar" setting.  In the 1950's and 1960's, Père Joseph Gelineau (1920-2008, no relation to our former bishop that I know of), a Jesuit priest from France, wrote settings of the Psalms in his native French, incorporating musical settings that were meant to be sung "one-beat-per-bar".  These settings were later used for English translations of the Psalms from The Grail.  One of the most popular Gelineau Psalms is used mainly for funeral Masses, Psalm 23: My shepherd is the Lord, nothing indeed shall I want.  These Psalms are found, on the most part, in the red Worship hymnal that we use, in the back half of the hymnal, with the readings.  When I post such a setting, and it's in Worship, I post the number here.

This Sunday's Psalm setting (Psalm 126), though not one-beat-per-bar (it's more chant-like), is by Alfred Calabrese.  The versicles begin with a melody similar to last Sunday's Gelineau Psalm.  The response begins with a melody resembling the Advent chant, Conditor Alme Siderum (Creator of the Stars of Night).

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as previous few weeks (final week)
All numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Holy, holy, holy, #485
Psalm 126: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy, music by Alfred Calabrese
Offertory hymn: Your hands, O Lord, in days of old, #750
Communion anthem: O that I had a thousand voices, tune: Metzner.
- Though being sung as a choir anthem, you may join in.  It's in Worship, #546.
Meditation hymn: Mary, how lovely the light of your glory, #711
- The tune, Chance, is composed by Colin Mawby, who wrote this absolutely gorgeous setting of the Ave Verum.  This piece, for your listening pleasure, is performed by the choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah (they are to the west as St. Paul's in Cambridge, MA, is to the east, in terms of having a top notch choir school).
Recessional hymn: Sing praise to the Lord, #539

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

SUNDAY XXIX

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia same as previous two weeks.

Entrance hymn: Praise to the Holiest in the height, Maroon, #343, first tune
Psalm 33: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you, music by Richard Proulx (response) and Père Joseph Gelineau, SJ (versicles)
Offertory hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross, Maroon, #337
Communion anthem: Soul of my Savior, music by William J. Maher, arr. from the Pius X Hymnal
Meditation hymn: Thou art the way, Maroon, #361 (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Lift high the cross, Worship, #704

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

SUNDAY XXVIII

A little tidbit about the Responsorial Psalm settings we use at Sacred Heart:

As some may notice as of late (at Masses where there are singers other than myself), there are a good amount of Psalm settings in which the verses (properly known as "versicles") are split between myself and the singers.  These settings reflect that pattern used often by a good number of churches that have good, solid music programs (including larger choirs).  Amongst those, as I have witnessed, are prominent churches - St. Paul's in Cambridge, MA (home of the choir school founded by Theodore Marier, whose name I have mentioned in previous posts here), the Church of Our Savior in New York City (their music director, Paul Murray, is an alumnus of the aforementioned St. Paul's), the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC (I've heard such settings as written by their esteemed music director, Dr. Peter Latona), and, of course, at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

In this pattern, the first half of the verse is sung either solo or by a semi-choir, usually a men's schola, in unison (thus my voice).  This is usually one of the basic Gregorian Psalm Tones.  The second half of the verse is then sung by the choir, in harmony (thus our two female singers' voices).  This second half is usually written to more complex tones, often set by the composer of the response.

Such settings used here include those by Sam Schmitt (it is his Psalm 90 setting we will sing this weekend), Theodore Marier, and more recent settings of my own (including the Psalm 19 setting we sang two weeks ago).

Ad Majorem Dei Gloria (For the Greater Glory of God)!

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last week
Numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Sing praise to God who reigns above, #528
Psalm 90: Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: Come we that love the Lord, #552 (Listen)
- The listen link is to another hymn text, Rejoice, ye pure in heart, but the tune is correct.
Communion anthem: O sacrum convivium, music by Roberto Remondi
Meditation hymn, O Sanctissima, #712
Recessional hymn: Immaculate Mary, #708

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, October 1, 2015

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND (plus Devotions)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: same as previous weeks, that is, my own Holy Angels Mass.  How appropriate (little did I realize until today): this Friday is also the Memorial of the Guardian Angels.  What a coincidence!
Alleluia: music by Robert Twynham (setting for the month of October)

First Friday - Sacred Heart Community Mass
Memorial: Guardian Angels
Friday X-2 at 6 PM

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine, on sheets provided
Psalm 79: For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us, set to Psalm Tone 8G
Offertory hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones, Worship, #707
Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus, music by Cesar Franck
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, on sheets provided

Sunday XXVII of Ordered Time
Saturday X-3 at 5 PM; Sunday X-4 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Entrance hymn: Come, now, almighty King, Worship, #487
Psalm 128: May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives, music by Richard Rice
Offertory hymn: O God, our help in ages past, Worship, #579
Communion anthem: Jesu, joy of man's desiring, music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Meditation hymn: Ave Maria (chant, Mode I), Worship, #713
Recessional hymn: Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, Worship, #702

Devotions to Mary - Rosary and Benediction
Tuesdays in October (X-6, 13, 20, and 27) at 7 PM

Entrance hymn: Immaculate Mary, Worship, #708
- O Salutaris Hostia, music by Anthony Werner
Rosary and Litany are prayed.
- Tantum Ergo, music by Oreste Ravanello
As the Blessed Sacrament is returned to the Tabernacle: Adoremus in aeternum Sanctissimum Sacramentum, Chant, Mode V (We adore for ever the Most Holy Sacrament).
Recessional hymn: Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, Worship, #702

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

SUNDAY XXVI

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Music for the Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last three weeks

Entrance hymn: At the Name of Jesus, Maroon #356, first tune
Psalm 19: The precepts of the Lord give joy the heart, music original
Offertory hymn: All hail the pow'r of Jesus' Name, Maroon #355, first tune
Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus, music by Cesar Franck
Meditation hymn: Jesus, the very thought of thee, Maroon #462, first tune
Recessional hymn: Long live the Pope, on sheets provided

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

SUNDAY XXV

Please pray for my family and me as we make our move this week (house, not job - you're not getting rid of me that easily! lol)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last two weeks
All numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Fight the good fight, text at #560
- sung to the alternate tune Mendon, which we sang as our recessional hymn last Sunday.
Psalm 54: The Lord upholds my life, music by Owen Alstott
- music in missalette with the readings for September 20.
Offertory hymn: When Jesus left his Father's throne, #331
- tune same as I heard the voice of Jesus say and All you who seek a comfort sure
Communion anthem: He shall feed his flock, from Messiah, by George Frederick Handel
- Alto solo: Kate; soprano solo: Elaine
Meditation hymn: Jesus, meek and gentle, #358 (Listen)
Recessional hymn: O Jesus, I have promised, #570, second tune

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

SUNDAY XXIV

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Holy Angels Mass, music by yours truly
Alleluia: music by Lucien Deiss (yes, hard to believe this is the same Holy Ghost Father from France that also wrote Keep in mind and All the earth proclaim the Lord)

Entrance hymn: We sing the praise of him who died, Maroon #340
Psalm 116: I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: At the Name of Jesus, Maroon #356, first tune
Communion anthem: My song is love unknown, music by John Ireland
- Though this is being sung as an anthem, feel free to join in.  It's in the Worship hymnal, #439.
Meditation hymn: I need thee every hour, Maroon #438, first tune
Recessional hymn: Fight the good fight with all thy might, Maroon #560 (Listen)
- Tune is an alternate tune, Mendon, found with another hymn in the Maroon hymnal, Thee we adore, Eternal Lord.  

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

AN ACTION-PACKED FOUR-DAY WEEKEND

A Memorial Mass, A First Friday Mass, a Funeral Mass, and the Sunday Masses.  That's seven Masses in all! ;)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Memorial Mass
Thursday IX-3 at 6:30 PM

Guest singer: Marissa DiBiase

Ordinary of the Mass: Mass XVIII (the simple chants that we sing in Advent and Lent)
Alleluia: Ted Marier's setting that we did in June and July

Entrance hymn: Lift high the cross, Worship #704
Psalm 23: My shepherd is the Lord, nothing indeed shall I want, Worship #32 (antiphon I)
Offertory anthem: Ave Maria, Franz Schubert
Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus, Cesar Franck
Recessional hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones, Worship #707

First Friday - Sacred Heart Community Mass
Friday IX-4 at 6 PM

Ordinary of the Mass: Holy Angels Mass, by yours truly, and Dresden Amen
- We debuted this Mass last fall.
Alleluia: Lucien Deiss' setting (which we've done throughout August)

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine, on sheets provided
Psalm 100: Arise, come to your God; sing him your songs of rejoicing, Worship #53 (antiphon I)
Offertory anthem: O Sacred Heart, all-holy, tune "Innsbruck"
Communion anthem: Cor Jesu Trinitatis, tune "Gott Soll Gepriesen"
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, on sheets provided

Funeral Mass
Saturday IX-5 at 10 AM

Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as the Thursday evening Memorial Mass, above
- Exception: the Agnus Dei for funerals --- in place of "miserere nobis" (have mercy on us) is "dona eis requiem" (grant them rest); in place of "dona nobis pacem" (grant us peace) is "dona eis requiem sempiternam" (grant them eternal rest).

Procession to casket (Introit): Requiem aeternam, Mode VI
Procession to altar: Lift high the cross, Worship #704
Psalm 63: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord, my God, music by Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB
Offertory anthem: Ave Maria, Jacob Arcadelt
Communion proper: Lux aeterna, Mode VIII
Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus, Hungarian tune
Final Commendation: I believe that my Redeemer Lives, music by Henri St. Louis
Recessional hymn: In Paradisum, Worship #178 (in Latin)

Sunday XXIII of Ordered Time
Saturday IX-5 at 5 PM; Sunday IX-6 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as the First Friday Mass, above

Entrance hymn: Your hands, O Lord, in days of old, Worship #750
Psalm 146: Praise the Lord, my soul, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: O Christ, the healer, we have come, Worship #747
- Same tune as The glory of these forty days
Communion anthem: Like as the hart, by Vincent Novello (based on Psalm 42)
Meditation hymn: All you who seek a comfort sure, Worship #490
- Same tune as I heard the voice of Jesus say
Recessional hymn: Sing praise to the Lord, Worship #539
WHEW! ;)

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, August 27, 2015

SUNDAY XXII

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia same as previous few weekends
(Ordinary will change next week for September and October)

Numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: God, my King, thy might confessing, #280
- Tune is the same as in the familiar Advent hymn, Come, thou long-expected Jesus.
Psalm 15: He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: Hail to the Lord's Anointed, #545
- Tune is the same as in the hymns Go, make of all disciples and The day of Resurrection.
Communion anthem: Cantate Domino Canticum Novum, music by Vincent d'Indy
Meditation hymn: Blest are the pure in heart, #418
Recessional hymn: When morning gilds the skies, #367

Peace,
BMP

Friday, August 21, 2015

SUNDAY XXI

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last weekend
Numbers are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: At the Lamb's high feast we sing, #459
Psalm 34: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord, music by yours truly
- the third of three consecutive Sundays that this Psalm is assigned.
Offertory hymn: God with hidden majesty, #489, one Latin verse, the rest in English
- This is the Adoro Te Devote.  We've used the tune before with Jesus, Son of Mary, and the Adoro Te Devote itself as a Communion anthem.
Communion anthem: Adoro te, O Panis caelice, music from Louvain.
Meditation hymn: To Christ, the Prince of Peace, #491
Recessional hymn: To Jesus Christ, our sov'reign King, #497

Peace,
BMP

Friday, August 14, 2015

SUNDAY XX

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Ordinary of the Mass:
- Gloria (if sung): Mass VIII
- the rest: Community Mass, music by Richard Proulx
Alleluia: music by Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

All numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Alleluia! sing to Jesus, #737
Psalm 34: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord, music by yours truly
- This, incidentally, is the second of three consecutive Sundays that this Psalm response is used.  This is also the only time in the three-year liturgical cycle that this happens.
Offertory hymn: At that first Eucharist, #733
Communion anthem: Ave Verum, music by Lorenzo Perosi
Meditation hymn: Tantum Ergo, #758 (in Latin)
Recessional hymn: Lift high the cross, #704

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, August 6, 2015

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Gloria (if sung): Mass VIII (chant, in Latin)
Remainder of the sung Ordinary of the Mass: Community Mass (English), music by Richard Proulx
Alleluia: music by Fr. Lucien Deiss C.S.Sp.

First Friday - Sacred Heart Community Mass
VIII-7-15 at 6 PM

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine, on sheets provided
Psalm 77: I remember the deeds of the Lord, sung to Psalm Tone 8
Offertory hymn: O Sacred Heart, all-holy, tune: "Innsbruck" (aka, "First Friday")
- This is a staple from the early editions of the famous "People's Mass Book".  The tune is the same as the meditation hymn for the weekend (see "Sunday XIX of Ordered Time", below).
Communion hymn: Panis Angelicus, Hungarian tune from the "Pius X Hymnal"
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, on sheets provided

Sunday XIX of Ordered Time
VIII-8-15 at 5 PM; VIII-9-15 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM
All numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal

Entrance hymn: Lift up your heads, O mighty gates, #363
Psalm 34: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: The living God my shepherd is, #612 (Listen)
- The listen link uses a different text from the one we are using, but the tune is correct.
Communion anthem: Soul of my Savior, tune "Anima Christi" by Fr. William J. Maher, SJ
- I just learned today that the composer was a Jesuit.
Meditation hymn: O Food of exiles lowly, #729 (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Rejoice, the Lord is King, #493

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, July 30, 2015

SUNDAY XVIII and the GREAT ITALIAN FEAST

...of the Patrons of Fornelli, SS. Pietro Martire e Domenico Abate!

The brass trio will be on hand at the 5 PM Mass this Saturday.  Dinner up the street (West Valley Inn) follows.  I hope that stretch of Providence Street near our church is finally paved.  I went to the church this morning, then used Wakefield Street to go to town from there.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Although the Mass honoring SS. Pietro e Domenico is on Saturday, the music will be the same (on the most part) for all the weekend Masses.

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", music by Federico Caudana
- This weekend only.  Next weekend it's back to English (KISS = "Keep it Simple Summer")
- At the 5:00 Mass, the Memorial Acclamation will be in Italian!
Alleluia (for August and September): a rather pompous rendition of an alleluia set to music by Fr. Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.  (The brass even get a part in this on Saturday!)

Numbers given are in the red hymnal ("Worship").

Entrance hymn: For all the saints, #705
Psalm 78: The Lord gave them bread from heaven, music by Richard Rice
Offertory hymn: By all your saints still striving, #706
Communion anthem: I cieli immensi, music by Benedetto Marcello
- "The heavens declare the glory of God..." (Psalm 19) is the translation.
Meditation hymn: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, #488
Recessional hymn: Holy God, we praise thy Name, #524

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, July 23, 2015

SUNDAY XVII

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as previous few weeks.
- (Alleluia will change next week!)

All numbers given are in the maroon hymnal, except where noted.

Entrance hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, #279
Psalm 145: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs, music by Frs. Columba Kelly, OSB, and Joseph Gelineau, SJ, can be followed in Worship, #914
Offertory hymn: Father, we thank thee who hast planted, #195
Communion anthem: O Sacrum Convivium, music by Roberto Remondi
Meditation hymn: O God, unseen, yet ever near, #198, first tune
- Same tune as the familiar Lenten staple, Lord, who throughout these forty days.
Recessional hymn: Now thank we all our God, #276

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

SUNDAY XVI

VII-19-15

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as previous two Sundays

All numbers given are in the maroon hymnal ("The Hymnal").

Entrance hymn: To the Name of our salvation, #326
Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want, music by Owen Alstott
- setting as written in the missalette under "July 19"
Offertory hymn: The King of love my shepherd is, #345 (first tune)
Communion anthem: He shall feed his flock, from "Messiah", by George Frederick Handel
Meditation hymn: God himself is with us, #477 (verses 1 and 3)
Recessional hymn: O Jesus, I have promised, #570 (second tune)

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

SUNDAY XV

On my composer blog, Christus Vincit Music, I wrote a primer on Roman numerals that might interest some, as I have a tendency of using Roman numerals for dates and feasts.

So, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass:
- Gloria (if sung): Mass VIII (Latin)
- Sanctus through Agnus Dei: Community Mass, music by Richard Proulx (English)
Alleluia: music by Theodore Marier

Numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Christ is made the sure foundation, #617
Psalm 85: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: Go, make of all disciples, #628
Communion anthem: To you I lift my soul, text based on Psalm 25 by John Dunn (Theodore Marier's assistant, and later successor, at the St. Paul Choir School in Cambridge, MA; Dunn was later succeeded by the current music director and headmaster, John Robinson), music by John Ireland
Meditation hymn: How shall they hear the word of God, #629 (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Christ is the King, #500

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

Happy and blessed Independence Day to all reading this!  Enjoy the holiday, but remember to stop in for Mass (after all, it is our obligation as Catholics), bask in our beautiful air conditioning, and thank the Good Lord for his will for us to be free to live as Americans and, most of all, to live as Catholics, while partaking in the Holy Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

First Friday - Sacred Heart Community Mass
Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle
July 3 - 6 PM

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Community Mass, music by Richard Proulx
- This will be the Mass setting for July and August.  We've used it a few times now.  It is in English.
Alleluia: setting by Theodore Marier (the Alleluia we've been singing the past month)

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine, on sheet provided
Psalm 117: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News, music by yours truly, based on the chant melody most often sung with the Benediction response, Adoremus in aeternum Sanctissimum Sacramentum (We adore for ever the Most Blessed Sacrament).
Offertory hymn: Panis Angelicus, Hungarian tune
Communion hymn: Adoro Te Devote, Worship #489, in Latin
- The fourth verse is an allusion from the Gospel reading of the doubting Thomas: Plagas, sicut Thomas, non intueor: Deum tamen meum te confiteor.  Fac me tibi semper magis credere, In te spem habere, te diligere.  This verse, as translated by Gerard Manley Hopkins in his translation (Godhead here in hiding), goes thus: I am not like Thomas, wounds I cannot see, But I plainly call thee Lord and God as he.  This faith each day deeper be my holding of; Daily make me harder hope and dearer love.  Oh, and I should mention that this hymn text, as well as the text of the offertory hymn, are written by another St. Thomas - St. Thomas Aquinas, in the 13th century.
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, on sheet provided

Sunday XIV (of Ordered Time)
July 4 - 5 PM / July 5 - 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as above (Gloria, if sung, is from Mass VIII).
Hymn numbers are in the red Worship hymnal.  (Yes, we have some patriotic hymns, too!)

Entrance hymn: God of our fathers, #764
Psalm 123: Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy, music by Theodore Marier
Offertory hymn: America the Beautiful, #763
Communion anthem: Jesu, the very thought of thee, tune: St. Botolph 
- This is the first anthem I got to sing as an 11-year-old (tenor) chorister at the former Holy Trinity Church in Central Falls.  This choir of boys and men sang the 10:45 Mass every Sunday under the direction of longtime colleague and mentor, Reuel Gifford, assisted by another longtime colleague and mentor, Br. Enoch John Valentine.
Meditation hymn: To Christ, the Prince of Peace, #491
Recessional hymn: Battle Hymn of the Republic, #686

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

SUNDAY XIII

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: Same as previous few weeks
- NOTE: For July and August we will go to summer mode (English Mass setting).

Numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Your hands, O Lord, in days of old, #750
Psalm 30: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: All hail the pow'r of Jesus' Name, #494
Communion anthem: Ave Verum, music by Lorenzo Perosi
Meditation hymn: O God of love, O King of Peace, #652 (Listen)
- The text sung in the listen link is different, but the tune is correct.
Recessional hymn: For all the saints, #705

Peace,
BMP

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

SUNDAY XII

This weekend is (as Warren Harding's presidential campaign platform said) a "return to normalcy".  And this normalcy will happen (as Father Bucci will sometimes say) "for a time".  We are now in the numbered Sundays of Ordered Time, often referred to as the "green season", where the priest "goes green" (liturgically, and not necessarily ecologically or economically).

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia is the same as the previous three weeks.
Numbers given are in the Maroon Hymnal ("The Hymnal").  Please note that the entrance hymn this weekend is new.  I'll be teaching it before Mass this weekend.

Entrance hymn: Give praise and glory unto God, #287 (Listen)
- Our tempo will be a more moderate tempo than what you'll hear in the listen link.
Psalm 107: Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting, music by Richard Rice
Offertory hymn: O worship the King, #288
Communion anthem: In heav'nly love abiding, #431
- The singers will be singing this as an anthem.  However, the number is given if you wish to join in.
Meditation hymn: I sought the Lord, #405
Recessional hymn: Ye holy angels bright, #600
- Same tune as Rejoice! the Lord is King.

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, June 11, 2015

THREE-DAY WEEKEND 2 of 2

The second of two action-packed three-day weekends here at Sacred Heart.
This Friday (June 12) is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Patron of our parish.  Mass is at 6 PM, and the brass trio will be on hand.  Mass will conclude with Benediction.
The weekend is a return to numbered Sundays of Ordinary Time (or to be more precise, "Ordered Time"), with this Sunday being the Eleventh Sunday, or for short, "Sunday XI".  Much of the music for the weekend Masses, albeit without brass, is the same as the music for Friday.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia are the same as last weekend.

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Friday, June 12, 6 PM

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love divine, on sheet provided
Responsory (Isaiah 12): You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation, musical setting by yours truly
Offertory anthem: Cor Jesu Trinitatis, sung to an altered form of the tune Gott Soll Gepriesen 
Communion anthem: I cieli immensi, music by Benedetto Marcello
- The text, sung in Italian, is from the beginning of Psalm 19 (The heavens declare the glory of God).
Benediction music:
- Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, Worship, #488
- Tantum Ergo, Worship, #758, in Latin
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, All-Burning, on sheet provided

Sunday XI
Saturday, June 13, 5 PM; Sunday, June 14, 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love divine, on sheet provided
Psalm 92: Lord, it is good to give thanks to you, music by Richard Rice
Offertory anthem: To Christ, the Prince of Peace, Worship #491
Communion anthem: Cor Jesu Trinitatis, sung to an altered form of the tune Gott Soll Gepriesen 
Meditation hymn: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, Worship, #488
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, All-Burning, on sheet provided

Before I close, let me take the time to congratulate all those who graduated from high school or college.  I'm happy to announce that my youngest daughter, Brittany, is graduating just two hours from the time I write this.

Peace,
BMP

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

THREE-DAY WEEKEND 1 of 2

This coming weekend is the first of two consecutive action-packed three-day weekends at Sacred Heart Church.  The first weekend (June 5-7) is the First Friday Sacred Heart Community Mass and the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  The second weekend (June 12-14) is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Patron of our parish) and the Eleventh Sunday of the Year.  The brass trio will be on hand for the two solemnities.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

The sung Ordinary of the Mass for ALL Masses this weekend: Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", music by Federico Caudana
The Alleluia for ALL Masses this weekend: setting by Theodore Marier

Sacred Heart Community Mass (First Friday)
Friday, June 5, at 6 PM

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine, on sheets provided
Psalm 146: Praise the Lord, my soul, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: Cor Jesu Trinitatis, tune: Gott soll Gepriesen 
Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus, music by Cesar Franck
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, on sheets provided

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
(Corpus Christi)
Saturday, June 6, at 5 PM; Sunday, June 7, at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

The brass will be on hand for all Masses except 7:30.
Benediction will conclude all Masses except 7:30.
All hymn numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.
Entrance hymn: Lift up your heads, O mighty gates, #363
Psalm 116: I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord, music: Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: Alleluia! sing to Jesus, #737
Communion anthem: Ecce Panis Angelorum, music by G.B. Polleri
Meditation hymn: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, #488
- Meditation hymn at 7:30; Beginning of Benediction at all other Masses
Benediction hymn (all Masses except 7:30): Tantum Ergo, #758, in Latin
Recessional hymn: Holy God, we praise thy Name, #524

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, May 28, 2015

MOST HOLY TRINITY

Today begins the string of solemnities that come up within these first weeks of the post-Pentecost portion of "Ordinary Time".  Following are the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (aka "Corpus Christi", June 7), the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (our Patronal Feast, this year it's June 12), and two other solemnities that supersede the Sunday should that fall there (not this year, though): the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24) and SS. Peter and Paul (patrons of our Cathedral in Providence).

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

The sung Ordinary of the Mass for this weekend and throughout June will be from Missa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe" by Federico Caudana (which we last did in November).
The Alleluia for this weekend and throughout June and July is that of Theodore Marier (which we've also sung before).

All hymn numbers are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Come now, almighty King, #487
Psalm 33: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own, music by Fr. Columba Kelly, OSB (response) and Père Joseph Gelineau, SJ (versicles)
Offertory hymn: Holy, holy, holy, #485
Communion anthem: Psalm 150 (O praise God in his holiness), music by Charles Villiers Stanford
- Side note: For anyone familiar with Gregorian Psalm Tones, the music for this anthem is based on Psalm Tone 8G, which is by far the most widely used Psalm Tone in Catholic churches in the United States today.
Meditation hymn: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, #488
Recessional hymn: O God, almighty Father, #484
- The introit of this day's Mass, as found in the Graduale Romanum, translates thus: Blessed be the Holy Trinity and its undivided Unity; we shall ever give him thanks, for he has dealt with us according to his mercy.  (O most Holy Trinity, undivided Unity, holy God, mighty God, God immortal be adored!)

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

PENTECOST

For the first time in a few years (since before the flood of 2010, at least), we will have our brass trio for three of the four weekend Masses for the Solemnity of Pentecost, the birth of the Church.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Although on the most part a blueprint of last year's Pentecost Mass, I figured it would be good to post it anyways.  We're doing something different for a Communion anthem.  For the last few years, we've done a beautiful hymn in English called Spirit seeking light and beauty, from the "Pius X Hymnal", and set to a nice Gaelic tune: Dohmnach Trionoide.  This year we're doing something cool with the hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus.  We are alternating the usual chant melody with a metrical setting by Oreste Ravanello, who also gave us the music for the Tantum Ergo that we have been using for Benediction at Marian Devotions.

All numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia are the same as the previous few weeks.  This is the last Sunday this year that these settings will be in use.  We'll be switching to the Laus Tibi, Christe Mass setting starting the following Sunday (Most Holy Trinity).

Entrance hymn: Come, Holy Ghost, #482
Psalm 104: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth, music by Owen Alstott (as written in the Missalette, under "May 24 - Pentecost Sunday").  As per usual, by the way, we will use the Sunday readings at ALL weekend Masses, including the vigil (Saturday).
Sequence: Veni, Sancte Spiritus, in Latin (Mode I), also as written in the Missalette.
Offertory hymn: Fire of God, undying Flame, #474
- Same tune as a more familiar Advent hymn, Savior of the nations, come.
Communion anthem: Veni, Creator Spiritus, alternating settings: Odd verses (1, 3, 5, and 7) sung to the tune by Oreste Ravanello, even verses (2, 4, and 6) sung to the Mode VIII chant, which can be found in Worship, #479.
Meditation hymn: Regina Caeli, #443 (in English and Latin)
- As you may notice, I generally don't announce this hymn, for the simple reason that it is short and sweet, and many seem to sing it well by memory.
Recessional hymn: Now thank we all our God, #560

Peace,
BMP

Friday, May 15, 2015

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

On the most part, a repeat of Ascension (a couple of changes).  After all, we are (traditionally) in Ascension Octave.  Until 1969, this Sunday was marked "Sunday after Ascension" or "Sunday in the Octave of Ascension".

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as previous few weeks
All numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Hail the day that sees him rise, #471
Psalm 103: The Lord has set his throne in heaven, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: Crown him with many crowns, #496
Communion anthem: Christus Vincit, music by yours truly
Meditation hymn: Regina Caeli, #443
Recessional hymn: Come, Holy Ghost, #482

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

ASCENSION, CONFIRMATION, and FIRST COMMUNION

This Thursday (May 14) is the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a holy day of obligation.  Masses are at 9 AM and 7 PM.  There is no vigil Mass on Wednesday (May 13).

Further, at the 7 PM Mass, we will have two youngsters (both boys) receiving Holy Communion for the first time, AND the Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered to 16 candidates by the Most Reverend Robert C. Evans, Auxiliary Bishop of Providence.  Our brass trio will also be on hand.

On the most part, the music is the same for both Masses.  However, there will be some additions in the evening Mass.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

All numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.  Unless noted, selection is for both Masses.

Entrance hymn(s):
- At both Masses, Hail the day that sees him rise, #471.
- However, at the evening Mass, the above hymn will be preceded by Maximillian Stadler's setting of the Ecce Sacerdos (taken from the St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book), which is traditionally sung to welcome the Bishop.  This will be the first time that I've been able to use an Ecce Sacerdos, and was more than happy that Father Bucci suggested it.
- The Latin: Ecce sacerdos magnus, qui in diébus suis plácuit Deo: Ideo jure jurando fecit illum Dóminus crescere in plebem suam. Benedictiónem ómnium géntium dedit illi, et testaméntum suum confirmávit super caput ejus. Ideo jure jurando fecit illum Dóminus crescere in plebem suam. Gloria patri et filio et spiritui sancto...
- Translation: Behold a great priest who in his days pleased God: Therefore by an oath the Lord made him to increase among his people. To him He gave the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him to increase among his people. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Kyrie (sung at the evening Mass): Laus Tibi Christe, music by Federico Caudana
Gloria: Cristo Riscuciti, music by Luigi Picchi (the one we've been using all season)
Psalm 47: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy; a blare of trumpets for the Lord, music by Robert Kreutz (response) and Pére Joseph Gelineau, SJ (versicles)
Alleluia: O filii et filiae, chant, Mode II, adapted by yours truly
During the anointing of the Confirmation candidates: Veni, Creator Spiritus, #479
Offertory hymn: Crown him with many crowns, #496
Sanctus through Agnus Dei: same as we've been using all season (Picchi's Cristo Riscuciti Mass)

Communion anthem(s):
- Christus Vincit, music by yours truly (at both Masses)
- At the evening Mass, the above anthem will be preceded by Camille Saint-Saëns' setting of the Ave Verum, to accompany the Sacrament of Holy Communion being received by our two young boys for the first time.

Meditation hymn: Regina Caeli, #443 (English and Latin)
Recessional hymn: Go, make of all disciples, #628 (same tune as The Day of Resurrection)

Congratulations to our First Communion and Confirmation candidates of Sacred Heart Parish!

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers of the parish.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last few weeks
Numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal ("The Hymnal").

Entrance hymn: Jesus lives! thy terrors now, #88
Psalm 98: The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power, music by Richard Rice
Offertory hymn: At the Lamb's high feast we sing, #89
Communion anthem: Ave Maria
- 7:30 musical setting to be determined (probably either Arcadelt or Bach/Gounod)
- All other Masses: setting by Lorenzo Perosi
Meditation hymn: Thou art the way, #361 (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones, #599

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

This Friday, May 1, is the First Friday, and our Sacred Heart Community Mass is at 6 PM.  It is also the Optional Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker.  So, some hymns to Saint Joseph will be used at Mass this Friday, along with the seasonal Mass Ordinary (as we've been using since the Easter Vigil) and a seasonal Communion hymn.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS 

The sung Ordinary of the Mass and the Alleluia are the same as what we have sung since the Easter Vigil.  All hymn numbers will be in the red Worship hymnal for the weekend (except where noted).

May 1 - First Friday / Sacred Heart Community Mass
Saint Joseph the Worker (Optional Memorial)
6 PM 

Entrance hymn: Joseph, be our guide and pattern, #693
- Same tune as To the Name of our salvation
Psalm 90: Lord, give success to the work of our hands, sung to Psalm Tone 2
Offertory hymn: Come now, and praise the humble saint, #694
- Same tune as Jerusalem, my happy home
Communion responsory: O filii et filiae (The Latin from which O sons and daughters is translated), Chant, Mode II
Recessional hymn: Holy Patron, thee saluting, hymn section of missalette, #112
- Same tune as Sing of Mary, pure and lowly 

May 3 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
Saturday (V-2) 5 PM; Sunday (V-3) 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Entrance hymn: This joyful Eastertide, #449
Psalm 22: I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: Christ is alive, #466 (same tune as Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates)
Communion anthem: Regina Caeli, music by Antonio Lotti
Meditation hymn: Be joyful, Mary, heav'nly Queen, #450 (Listen)
- English paraphrase of Regina Caeli, in the form of a metrical hymn
Recessional hymn: The strife is o'er, #451
UPDATE 8 PM V-1-15:  Tune as written in the hymnal.  Tune is based on a Gloria Patri that was written by the great motet composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.  Three centuries later, William Henry Monk (famous for the tune used with At That First Eucharist) wrote a hymn tune around pieces of Palestrina's Gloria Patri, then added the triple alleluia antiphon.  It is that tune that we will be using this weekend.
Listen to the Palestrina Gloria Patri here.
Listen to The Strife Is O'er here.

ALSO, the postlude, which I used for a funeral on Friday morning and for the First Friday Mass, an improvisation of the hymn tune Victory (that is, The Strife Is O'er as described above) will also be performed as the postlude for the weekend Masses.  I dubbed it Homage de Palestrina.

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, April 23, 2015

SUNDAY IV of EASTER

This Sunday is also known as "Good Shepherd Sunday", as the Gospel for the day (in all three years) depict Christ as the Good Shepherd.  Much of the music for this day reflects that theme, while keeping with the Paschal Season.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia same as past three weekends.
Numbers given this weekend are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: At the Lamb's high feast we sing, #89
- Tune is the same as the Epiphany hymn Songs of thankfulness and praise
Psalm 118: The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone, music by yours truly, adapted from the Alleluia from O Filii et Filiae (which is our Alleluia for the Easter Season)
Offertory hymn: The King of love my shepherd is, #345, first tune
Communion anthem: He shall feed his flock, from "Messiah" by George Frederick Handel
Meditation hymn: Savior, like a shepherd lead us, #247
- Tune is based on the familiar Marian hymn O Sanctissima, with the first lines repeated, and a more moderate tempo (unlike O Sanctissima, which is taken rather slowly).
Recessional hymn: Crown him with many crowns, #352

Peace,
BMP