RORATE SUNDAY at SACRED HEART, Oh, and "O!"

OK, so the Fourth Sunday of Advent doesn't quite have a name like "Gaudete" on the Third Sunday of Advent, or "Laetare" on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, but if the Fourth Sunday of Advent was to have a name, "Rorate" would be it, as, like the other two, it's the first word of the Introit of the day in Latin.

Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant justum.

Let the heavens drop down dew, and the clouds rain down the Just One.

For this Fourth Sunday, we will once again be singing O come, O come, Emmanuel, which is based on the "O" Antiphons.  There are seven "O" Antiphons, and while they're not specifically used at Holy Mass, they are used at Vespers (Evening Prayer) along with the Magnificat from December 17-23, with a different antiphon assigned for each date.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII

The Gloria is OMITTED.

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

Amen: adapted from the Sanctus melody from Mass VIII

ALLELUIA "Conditor Alme" (BMP) (PDF)

The rest:

Entrance hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")

Psalm 80: R./ Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face, and we shall be saved. (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Offertory hymn: Come, thou long-expected Jesus ("Stuttgart")

Music during Communion:

- Responsory: Psalm 19, R./ Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and his Name shall be called Emmanuel. (BMP) (PDF)

- - The text is that assigned for Communion by the Graduale Romanum.  The melody given is based on the hymntune "O Heiland, Reiss", the German translation of the Rorate caeli mentioned at the top of this post.

- or hymn: Alma Redemptoris Mater (sung to an altered form of the Samuel Webbe tune "Consolation").

- - Every season has a Marian antiphon assigned to it, even that "green season" known to many as "Ordinary Time".  "Alma Redemptoris Mater" is the Marian antiphon given for Advent and Christmas seasons, and up to February 2, the Presentation of the Lord (or traditionally known as the Purification of Mary).

Recessional hymn: O come, divine Messiah ("Venez, Divin Messie") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

GAUDETE SUNDAY at SACRED HEART

Gaudete in Domino semper; iterum dico, "Gaudete!"

That is how the introit appointed for the Third Sunday of Advent begins.  Its translation is "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, "Rejoice!"  St. Paul writes to the Philippians in this Sunday's Epistle reading those same words.  The Lesson from Zephaniah for the day says, "Be glad and exult (synonym for "rejoice") with all your heart."  And even the Psalm response (note that the Responsorial Psalm is not a Psalm but a passage from Isaiah (12:2-6): "Cry out with joy and gladness", and doubles up on the third versicle.

The offertory and recessional hymns, as well as the responsory I selected for Communion, all bid "Rejoice!" in some way, shape or form, while the entrance hymn mentions John the Baptist's announcement of the Lord's coming.  The Second and Third Sundays of Advent could easily be called "John the Baptist Sundays", eh?  Yea, I say!

That said...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII

The Gloria is OMITTED.

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

Amen: adapted from the Sanctus melody from Mass VIII

ALLELUIA "Conditor Alme" (BMP) (PDF)

The rest:

Entrance hymn: On Jordan's bank ("Winchester New")

- John's announcement of the coming of our Lord.

Responsorial Psalm (Isaiah 12:2-6): R./ Cry out with joy and gladness, for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Offertory hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")

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

Communion responsory: Magnificat anima mea Dominum (Tone 8g/Ciro Grassi)

- Translation: My soul rejoices in my God.  The first verse continues: "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Recessional hymn: Rejoice! the Lord is King ("Darwall's 148th"), verses 1 and 4

- The refrain concludes: Rejoice, again I say, "Rejoice!"  While this hymn is normally used for the Solemnity of Christ the King, the refrain and the fourth verse are especially fitting here.  Verse 4 sings, "Rejoice in glorious hope; Our Lord the Judge shall come and take his servants up to there eternal home.  Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; Rejoice, again I say, 'Rejoice'"

Gaudete in Domino semper!  Iterum dico, "Gaudete!"

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

II ADVENT at SACRED HEART and an "IMPORTANT CONVERSATION"

Got into an interesting conversation with a parishioner after the 10:00 Mass last Sunday in which she wished she had access to the Memorial Acclamation Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine.  She obviously had no problem with the Latin, it was just a matter of singing along.  Once I pointed out that the acclamation in question, as well as ALL other music for the congregation (hymns, Mass Ordinary and Proper, etc.) is in the Mass Guide that is printed each week and is attached to the bulletin at the church entrances (follow it for best results), she was very much elated.

Another question that was asked in this conversation is "Whatever happened to Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again?"  In the Mass, written in Latin first, then translated (friendly reminder), the acclamation Christ has died... never existed, even in the 1969 Missal, except (by some fluke and for whatever reason) in English.  The other three, Dying you destroyed our death..., When we eat this bread..., and Lord, by your cross..., albeit very loose translations of the Mass, are in the 1969 Missal.  When the Mass in English was retranslated in 2011, Christ has died... was dropped completely.  The Episcopalians still use it in the current Book of Common Prayer, but that is all.  So now we have We proclaim your death, O Lord... (the official English translation of Mortem tuam..., much more literal), When we eat this bread..., and Save us, Savior of the world... (Lord, by your cross... retranslated, and again, more literal).

If you read my last post at all, you remember that in 1974, Pope St. Paul VI gave to the Church throughout the world a set of chants in Latin that all parishes should know (which many have ignored, sadly).  That set is called Jubilate Deo, which includes the three memorial acclamations in Latin, including Mortem tuam..., the first of the three given.

At the end of the talk, incidentally, the parishioner was enlightened and said to me, "This was a very important conversation."  Very important, indeed, and very much satisfying.

And now, without further ado...

 

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII

The Gloria is OMITTED.

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

Amen: adapted from the Sanctus melody from Mass VIII

ALLELUIA "Conditor Alme" (BMP) (PDF)

The rest:

Entrance hymn: On Jordan's bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

- In this listen link, the hymn begins with a two-minute fanfare, the hymn itself beginning at about the 2:09 mark.

Psalm 126: R./ The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. (Alfred Calabrese) (PDF)

Offertory hymn: Comfort, comfort, ye my people ("Geneva 42") (Listen)

Communion hymn: Lo! how a rose e'er blooming ("Es Ist Ein' Ros Entsprungen") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: Immaculate Mary ("Lourdes Hymn")

- I hardly think we need a listen link for "Immaculate Mary".  One note, however: instead of the usual devotional text found in most books, I included verses that relate to the Immaculate Conception, which feast takes place the following day.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

I ADVENT at SACRED HEART and HOW GREGORIAN MASSES ARE ASSIGNED

As you well know, during certain seasons, we sing certain Mass settings in Latin, the language of which the Mass is written (and translated, of course, from Latin to many vernacular, or "spoken" tongues).  While three of those settings are metrical (Mass of the Shepherds for Christmas Season, Misa Cristo Risusciti for Paschaltide, and the Laus Tibi Christe Mass during June and November, those months that have a good number of solemnities), others are in Gregorian Chant.

The simplest chant Mass is Mass XVIII, which Father Bucci often chanted during weekday Masses and probably the most familiar in many parishes.  We've also used Mass VIII and Mass XVII.  Mass XVII is what we've often used for the Sundays of Advent and Lent, while Mass VIII has been done during certain solemnities during those two seasons, namely Immaculate Conception (December 8) and St. Jospeh (March 19, followed by the Saint's highly favored pastry, Zeppoles!).

There are 18 Gregorian Masses in all, some rather simple, and others much more complex.  These are compiled in a collection known as the Kyriale (Ky-ree-AH-leh).  And the universal liturgical books, those being the Liber Usualis, the Graduale Romanum, and the Gregorian Missal, have assigned days and seasons to some of these Masses.  Obviously we won't be using all 18 anytime soon.  But they are:

    Mass I: during the Season of Easter

    Mass IV: on feasts of the Apostles

    Mass V: no particular assignment

    Mass IX: on solemnities and feasts of Our Lady

    Mass X: on feasts and memorials of Our Lady

    Mass XI: on Sundays of the Year ("Ordinary Time")

    Mass XVI: in Ordinary Time during the week

    Mass XVII: on Sundays of Advent and Lent (which we have been doing)

    Mass XVIII: on weekdays of Advent and Lent (the most familiar here and abroad, and by far the

        most simple)

Masses II, II, VI, VII, VIII, XII, XIII, XIV and XV have no assignment in terms of the Ordinary Form of the Mass (that is, our current form, aka the "Novus Ordo").  Mass VIII is probably the second most popular of the Gregorian Masses.

For the Sundays of Advent, we will be using Mass XVII, which is the Mass we've been using in Advent and Lent for the past few years.

In 1974, Pope St. Paul VI distrubuted a collection of Mass chants to all parishes of the world that many should (or should have) acquainted themselves with.  This includes the Kyrie from Mass XVI, the Gloria from Mass VIII, Credo III (that's another collection to be discussed in another post)

And now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII

The Gloria is OMITTED.

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

Amen: adapted from the Sanctus melody from Mass VIII

ALLELUIA "Conditor Alme" (BMP) (PDF)

Hymns, etc.

Entrance hymn: Lo! he comes with clouds descending ("Helmsley") (Listen)

Psalm 25: To you, O Lord, I lift my soul (Robert Twynham/Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Offertory hymn: Rejoice, rejoice, believers ("Greenland") (Listen)

- NOTE: We'll be using a slightly lower key than in the link, but you get the idea.

Communion hymn: To you I lift my soul (Text by John Dunn/"Love Unknown") (Listen)

- NOTE: The hymn in the listen link given here is sung to the same tune as the hymn we will be using during Communion.

Recessional hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE REST OF NOVEMBER at SACRED HEART

All in one shot, Sunday XXXIII, Christ the King, and Thanksgiving Day.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS: Messa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)

ALLELUIA: from the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott")

The rest...

November 17 - Sunday XXXIII through the Year

Entrance hymn: Hail, Redeemer, King divine ("St. George's Windsor") (Listen)

- NOTE: This tune shows up again on Thanksgiving Day with the offertory hymn "Come, ye thankful people, come."

Psalm 16: R./ You are my inheritance, O Lord (BMP) (PDF)

Offertory hymn: Lo! he comes with clouds descending ("Helmsley") (Listen)

Communion hymn: Wake, awake, for night is flying ("Wachet Auf") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: The King shall come when morning dawns ("St. Stephen") (Listen)

November 24 - Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Entrance hymn: Rejoice, the Lord is King ("Darwall's 148") (Listen)

Psalm 93: R./ The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty (BMP) (PDF)

Offertory hymn: Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

- NOTE: The Alleluia we've been singing for the month of November comes from this hymn.

Communion responsory: Christus vincit (BMP) (PDF) (Brief notes I wrote on it)

Recessional hymn: To Jesus Christ, our sovereign King ("Ich Glaub an Gott") (Listen)

November 28 - Thanksgiving Day (9 AM in the Church)

Entrance hymn: We gather together ("Kremser") (Listen)

Psalm 145: R./ I will praise your name for ever, O Lord (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Offertory hymn: Come, ye thankful people, come ("St. George's Windsor") (Listen)

- NOTE 1: The hymn in the listen link begins at about the 1:36 mark.

- NOTE 2: Same tune as "Hail, Redeemer, King Divine", sung as the entrance hymn on Sunday XXXIII.

Communion responsory: Psalm 96, R./ Bring an offering and enter his courts; in his temple worship the Lord. (response: Clifford Howell; versicles: Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Recessional hymn: Now thank we all our God ("Nun Danket") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY XXXII at SACRED HEART

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS: Messa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)

ALLELUIA: from the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott")

The rest...

Entrance hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ("Lobe den Herren")

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

Offertory hymn: The King of love my shepherd is ("St. Columba") (Listen)

Communion responsory: Psalm 23, R./ My shepherd is the Lord; nothing indeed shall I want (Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Meditation hymn: I vow to thee, my country ("Thaxted") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: God of our fathers ("National Hymn") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

This Friday (November 1) is the Solemnity of All Saints, a Holy Day of Obligation.  We will have Mass on that day at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.  Both Masses will be in the Church.

Also, since this day is also a FIRST FRIDAY, our 9:00 AM Mass will also be the Sacred Heart Community Mass as we had celebrated before the Mass schedule shrunk back in August.

That said...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS: Messa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)

ALLELUIA: from the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott")

November 1 - All Saints (9 AM and 7 PM)

Entrance hymn: For all the saints ("Sine Nomine") (Listen)
- What's All Saints Day without it?
Psalm 24: R./ Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. (J. Robert Carroll/Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)
Offertory hymn: From all thy saints in warfare ("St. Theodulph") 
- Same tune as the Palm Sunday staple, "All glory, laud and honor" (Listen)
Communion responsory: Remember, Lord, thy servants (BMP) (PDF)
- Includes verses from the Beatitudes, which is the day's Gospel, and, in part, the Communion Antiphon of the day.
Recessional hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones ("Lasst uns Erfreuen") (Listen)

November 3 - Sunday XXXI through the Year

Entrance hymn: Christ is made the sure foundation ("Westminster Abbey") (Listen)
Psalm 18: R./ I love you, Lord, my strength (Sam Schmitt)
Offertory hymn: Sing praise to God who reigns above ("Mit Freuden Zart") (Listen)
- The listen link here is a rendition offered by world renowned organist Diane Bish, known for her work as hostess of the TV show, "The Joy of Music".
Communion responsory: Ubi Caritas (Chant, Mode VI) (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Immortal, invisible, God only wise ("St. Denio") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXX AT SACRED HEART

Before I begin my post, I must remind all who read this about our Christmas Snowflake Bazaar that is being held this Friday (October 26) from 12 noon to 7 pm and Saturday (October 27) from 10 am to 7 pm.  Great food, great gifts, and raffles!

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, when sung, and Memorial Acclamation)
Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott) (Sanctus, Amen, Agnus Dei)

ALLELUIA: Mode VI

HYMNS, PSALMS, etc.

Entrance:  Thou whose almighty word ("Italian Hymn") (Listen)
- Same tune as "Come, thou almighty King" and "Christ for the world, we sing."  The second verse especially relates well with the Gospel of the day, which is about the blind man healed by his faith.

Psalm 126: R./ The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. (Alfred Calabrese)

Offertory: Your hands, O Lord, in days of old ("Mozart") (Listen)

Communion: Adoro Te Devote (Chant, Mode V) (Listen)

- The listen link also includes a translation on-screen.  Many might remember the hymn "Jesus, Son of Mary", which is sung to the same tune.

Recessional: O praise ye the Lord ("Laudate Dominum") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY XXIX AT SACRED HEART

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, when sung, and Memorial Acclamation)
Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott) (Sanctus, Amen, Agnus Dei)

ALLELUIA: Mode VI

HYMNS, PSALMS, etc.

Entrance: Praise to the Holiest in the height ("Newman") (Listen)

- One of the things I didn't realize until a couple of weeks ago is that five years ago last Sunday Blessed John Henry Newman (the author of the hymn text) became SAINT John Henry Newman.  The composer, Richard Runciman Terry (English, as was St. John Henry Newman) named the tune after the Saint.

Psalm 33: R./ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. (Richard Proulx and Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Offertory: To Christ, the Prince of Peace ("Narenza") (Listen)

Communion: Daily, daily, sing to Mary ("Omni Die") (Listen)

- Verses from the Latin "Omni die dic Mariae", from which "Daily, daily" is translated, may be sung from the choir loft in alternations with the English verses given in the Mass Guide.

Recessional: Lift high the cross ("Crucifer") (Listen)

- This is one of those hymns we really don't need a listen link for, do we?  However, I couldn't resist posting one anyways, as the fantastic arrangement linked here is that of Richard Clark, esteemed organist and music director at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston, performed at said Cathedral at the 2024 archidiocesan Chrism Mass.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXVIII AT SACRED HEART

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, when sung, and Memorial Acclamation)
Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott) (Sanctus, Amen, Agnus Dei)

ALLELUIA: Mode VI

HYMNS, PSALMS, etc.

Entrance: Fight the good fight ("Mendon") (Listen)

- While this listen link IS the tune, the key will be a step lower at Sacred Heart for singability purposes.

Psalm 90: R./ Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy (BMP) (PDF)

Offertory: Blest are the pure in heart ("Franconia") (Listen)

Communion: O Sanctissima ("Sicilian Mariners") (Listen)

- A favorite amongst some of our weekday folk, I've been told.

Recessional: Immaculate Mary ("Lourdes Hymn")

- We really don't need a listen link for this one, do we? ;)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY XXVII at SACRED HEART

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, when sung, and Memorial Acclamation)
Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott) (Sanctus, Amen, Agnus Dei)

ALLELUIA: Mode VI

HYMNS, PSALMS, etc.

Entrance: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ("Lobe den Herren")

Psalm 128: R./ May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives (Gregory Evans) (PDF)

Offertory: Love divine, all loves excelling ("Hyfrydol") (Listen)

Communion: Ave Maria (5:00 setting by Jacques Arcadelt; 10:00 setting by Lorenzo Perosi)

Recessional: O Queen of the Holy Rosary ("Ellacombe") (Listen)

- NOTES: 1, The following day (October 7) is the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, and 2. This is sung to the same tune as "Go, make of all disciples."

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAYS XXV and XXVI at SACRED HEART

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, when sung, and Memorial Acclamation)
Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott) (Sanctus, Amen, Agnus Dei)

ALLELUIA: Mode VI (the classic which begins "do re mi do...")

HYMNS, PSALMS, etc.

Sunday XXV through the Year - September 22

Entrance: Praise to the Holiest in the height ("Newman")

Psalm 54: R./ The Lord upholds my life (Richard Rice) (PDF)

Offertory: O Jesus, I have promised ("Day of Rest")

Communion: He shall feed his flock (from Messiah, George Frederick Handel)

Recessional: Jesus, Name all names above ("St. Theoctistus")

Sunday XXVI through the Year - September 29

Entrance: To the Name of our salvation ("Oriel")

Psalm 19: R./ The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart (BMP) (PDF)

Offertory: How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds ("St. Peter")

Communion: Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck)

Recessional: At the Name of Jesus ("King's Weston")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAYS XXIII and XXIV at SACRED HEART

We'll be opening Mass the next couple of weeks revisiting a couple of old classics:  O God, our help in ages past this coming Sunday (XXIII) and Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the following Sunday (XXIV).

This weekend, with the First Reading and Gospel being all about healing, opening the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf and the mouth of the mute, Your hands, O Lord, in days of old was the perfect allusion to both of those readings.  It will be sung at the Offertory.

Next weekend, the Gospel is about "taking up the cross", so two of our go-to's in that case are the most obvious - Take up thy cross (at the Offertory) and Lift high the cross (at the Recessional).  During Communion, I added In the cross of Christ I glory, sung to an early American tune, "Charlestown".

All the music is in the Mass Guide.  You are most encouraged to grab one at any of the church entrances, along with the bulletin.  Also, feel free to check out the "Listen" links below to familiarize yourself with the tune of the hymn. ;)

That said...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, when sung, and Memorial Acclamation)
Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott) (Sanctus, Amen, Agnus Dei)

ALLELUIA: Mode VI (the classic which begins "do re mi do...")

HYMNS, PSALMS, etc.

Sunday XXIII through the Year - September 8

Entrance: O God, our help in ages past ("St. Anne") (Listen)
Psalm 146: R./ Praise the Lord, my soul (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
Offertory: Your hands, O Lord, in days of old ("Mozart") (Listen)
Communion: Psalm 76, R./ Make your vows unto the Lord and accomplish them (BMP) (PDF)
- or motet: Like as the hart (Vincent Novello)
Recessional: O praise ye the Lord (Listen)

Sunday XXIV through the Year - September 15

Entrance: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ("Lobe den Herren") (Listen)
Psalm 116: R./ I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living (Richard Clark) (PDF)
- Richard Clark is currently music director and organist at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston and is doing fantastic things there.
Offertory: Take up thy cross ("Breslau") (Listen)
Communion: In the cross of Christ I glory ("Charlestown") (Listen)
Recessional: Lift high the cross ("Crucifer") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXII at SACRED HEART

For the months of September and October we will be switching from Community Mass to Heritage Mass, another setting of the Ordinary we have done plenty of times.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, when sung, and Memorial Acclamation)
Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott) (Sanctus, Amen, Agnus Dei)

ALLELUIA: Mode VI (the classic which begins "do re mi do...")

HYMNS, PSALMS, etc.
Entrance: To the Name of our salvation ("Oriel") (Listen)
Psalm 15: R./ He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord (BMP) (PDF)
Offertory: Blest are the pure in heart ("Franconia") (Listen)
Communion:
- Responsory: Psalm 71, R./ O Lord, I will be mindful of your justice alone (BMP) (PDF)
- or Motet: Cantate Domino canticum novum (Vincent d'Indy)
Recessional: When morning gilds the skies ("Laudes Domini") (Listen)
- I like the organist's harmony in the intro and opening verse.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

REMAINDER OF AUGUST at SACRED HEART

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria on Sunday unless recited)

A Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus through Agnus)

ALLELUIA: Alleluia "O Clemens" (BMP)

August 15 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(9 AM and 7 PM)

Entrance hymn: Hail, holy Queen enthroned above ("Salve Regina Caelitum")

Psalm 45: R./ The queen stands at your right hand arrayed in gold (BMP) (PDF)

- Click here for a podcast episode I did back in 2011.  At about the 3:10 mark I featured this Psalm setting in my podcast.  It was played at no other than Sacred Heart and introduced for the first Assumption Mass I played here.

Offertory hymn: O Sanctissima ("Sicilian Mariners") (aka, "O Du Fröliche")

- I heard this was a fan favorite at the daily Mass.  It's a crying shame that today was the last daily Mass to take place.

Music during Communion:

- Responsory: Magnificat, R./ All generations shall call me blessed. (BMP) (PDF)

- or Motet: Ave Maria (Lorenzo Perosi)

Marian antiphon after Communion: Salve Regina (Mode V)

Recessional hymn: Tell out, my soul ("Woodlands")

August 18 - Sunday XX through the Year

(New schedule: Saturday 5 PM; Sunday 10 AM)

Entrance hymn: Alleluia! sing to Jesus ("Hyfrydol")

Psalm 34: R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (BMP) (PDF - first three versicles only)

Offertory hymn: Let all mortal flesh keep silence ("Picardy")

Hymn during Communion: Panis Angelicus (Louis Lambillotte, SJ)

Recessional hymn: O living Bread from heaven ("Aurelia") - repeated from last weekend

August 25 - Sunday XXI through the Year

Entrance hymn: At the Lamb's High Feast we sing ("Salzburg")

Psalm 34: R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (BMP)

- same response melody as above, but different versicles

Offertory hymn: O Jesus, I have promised ("Day of Rest")

Hymn during Communion: Adoro Te devote (Mode V)

Recessional hymn: Immortal, invisible, God only wise ("St. Denio")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XIX at SACRED HEART

The hymns on the most part today take on a Eucharistic theme.  "I am the living bread that come down from heaven," says the Lord.  That is our Gospel reading for this Sunday.

Last week during Communion, I sang the hymn O Esca Viatorum (O Food to pilgrims given), set to a tune written by Johann Michael Haydn.  This week at the Offertory, we will sing the hymn Glorious things of thee are spoken, set to the tune "Austria", written by J.M. Haydn's slightly more famous older brother, Franz Joseph Haydn.  The text is by John Newton.  It would surprise many that Newton also wrote the text of the hymn Amazing grace.  The third verse concludes this: Safe they feed upon the manna which He gives them as they pray.

The recessional hymn for the next two weeks is a new-to-you text, but set to a tune you should most likely recognize.  The hymn is O living Bread from heaven, and is sung to the tune "Aurelia", which is also sung with the more familiar hymn, The Church's one foundation.  Here is the first verse:

    O living Bread from heaven, how hast thou fed thy guest!
    The gifts thou now hast given hath filled my heart with rest.
    O wondrous food of blessing, O cup that heals our woes,
    My heart, this gift possessing, in thankful song o'erflows.

Incidentally, some may have recognized the Alleluia tune (before the Gospel) that I restored last weekend and will be our Alleluia for the month.  Known as "Alleluia O Clemens", it's based on the ending of the chant Salve Regina.  That ending many have sung before: O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.  I adapted the Alleluia to three-quarters of that ending. ;)

So, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria on Sunday unless recited; omitted on Friday)

A Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus through Agnus)

ALLELUIA: Alleluia "O Clemens" (BMP)

Entrance hymn: Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates ("Truro")
Psalm 34: R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (BMP) (PDF)
Offertory hymn: Glorious things of thee are spoken ("Austria") (Listen)
Communion hymn: Soul of my Savior ("Anima Christi")
Recessional hymn: O living Bread from heaven ("Aurelia") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

AN ACTION PACKED THREE-DAY WEEKEND

You read that right.  Action packed!

First, there's First Friday (August 2), the Sacred Heart Community Mass at 6 PM.

Then on Saturday, the Italian Heritage Mass (August 3) at 5 PM followed by the dinner dance at the Quonset O Club.  In addition to honoring our patrons of Fornelli (SS. Pietro Martire e Domenico Abate), we will also be honoring our late pastor and fearless leader, Father Richard A. Bucci!  There will be singing in English, Latin and (of course) Italian at this Mass!  And there couldn't be a more fitting priest to celebrate this annual Mass in place of Father Bucci than his best friend, Msgr. Carlo Montecalvo.

Finally on Sunday, our regularly scheduled Masses at 7:30, 9:00 and 11:15 AM.

Music for all the Masses will be in the Mass Guide (on Saturday and Sunday, these come with the bulletin; please grab one on the way in).

So, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

AUGUST 2 AND 4

Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria on Sunday unless recited; omitted on Friday)

A Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus through Agnus)

AUGUST 3

Messa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana) (Gloria, Sanctus, Amen (adapted) and Agnus)

Annunziamo la tua morte... (Memorial Acclamation in Italian)

ALLELUIA (All dates): Alleluia "O Clemens" (BMP)

The rest...

August 2 - Sacred Heart Community Mass (First Friday) (6:00 PM)

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love divine (Traditional)

Psalm 69: R./ Lord, in your great love, answer me (BMP)

Offertory hymn: Soul of my Savior ("Anima Christi")

Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck)

Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning ("Cor Amoris")

August 3 - Sunday XVIII anticipated/Italian Heritage Mass (5:00 PM)

Entrance hymn: For all the saints ("Sine Nomine")

Psalm 78: R./ The Lord gave them bread from heaven (Richard Rice)

Offertory hymn: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All / Hai dato un cibo... ("Sweet Sacrament")

- alternating English and Italian (two verses each).  Special thanks to Peter Fiore, music director at Immaculate Conception Church in Westerly (where Msgr. Montecalvo often says Mass), for sending me the Italian text.  GRAZIE!

Communion hymn: Lodate Maria (traditional Italian)

Recessional hymn: Holy God, we praise thy Name ("Grosser Gott")

August 4 - Sunday XVIII (7:30, 9:00 and 11:15 AM)

Entrance hymn: Alleluia! sing to Jesus ("Hyfrydol")

Psalm 78: R./ The Lord gave them bread from heaven (Richard Rice)

Offertory hymn: Father, we thank thee who hast planted ("Rendez à Dieu")

Communion anthem: O Esca Viatorum (Johann Michael Haydn)

- Johann Michael Haydn is the younger brother of Franz Joseph Haydn, who wrote the tune of next weekend's offertory hymn.

Recessional hymn: Tell out, my soul ("Woodlands")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY XVII AT SACRED HEART

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, if sung)
Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus)

ALLELUIA: Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB

The rest: 

Entrance hymn: Father, we thank thee who hast planted ("Rendez a Dieu") (Listen)

Psalm 145: The hand of the Lord feeds us... (Fr. Columba Kelly, OSB/Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Offertory hymn: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all ("Sweet Sacrament")

Communion responsory: Bless the Lord, O my soul... (Adam Bartlett)

Recessional hymn: Holy God, we praise thy Name ("Grosser Gott")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

LAST WEEKEND (Whoops!) and THIS WEEKEND

I got busy last week and forgot all about posting the music list.  Mea maxima culpa!

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, if sung)
Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus)

ALLELUIA: Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB

The rest: 

July 14 - Sunday XV of the Year

Entrance hymn: Christ is made the sure foundation ("Westminster Abbey")
Psalm 85: R./ Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation (BMP)
Offertory hymn: At the Name of Jesus ("King's Weston")
Hymn during Communion: To you I lift my soul ("Love Unknown"/text by John Dunn)
Recessional hymn: Go, make of all disciples ("Ellacombe")

July 21 - Sunday XVI of the Year

Entrance hymn: At the Name of Jesus ("King's Weston")
Psalm 23: R./ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Owen Alstott)
Offertory hymn: The King of love my shepherd is ("St. Columba")
Anthem during Communion: He shall feed his flock (George Frederick Handel, from Messiah)
Recessional hymn: O Jesus, I have promised ("Day of Rest")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE THREE DAY WEEKEND

Greetings, and a happy and blessed 248th anniversary of our Independence!

This Friday is our First Friday Sacred Heart Community Mass at 6 PM.  In consultation with Msgr. Montecalvo, who will be celebrating Mass Friday evening, given there are four options for the day (Friday of Week XIII of the Year, St. Anthony Zaccharia, St. Elizabeth of Portugal, and the Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart), Monsignor chose the Votive Mass for our patron, the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  I printed the readings and Psalm (that is, Epistle, Psalm and Gospel from last month's Solemnity), along with the hymns, in the Mass Guide found at the entrances of the church.

The weekend's hymns, Psalm and other Mass music is also printed in its Mass Guide, which will be attached to the bulletin.  All are encouraged to take one as you enter the Church.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, if sung, omitted on Friday)
Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus)

ALLELUIA: Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB

The rest: 

July 5 - Sacred Heart Community Mass (First Friday)

Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love divine

Responsorial Psalm (Isaiah 12): R./ You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation (Samuel A. Schmitt, b. 1970)

Offertory hymn: Cor Jesu Trinitatis ("Gott Soll Gepriesen", alt.)

- NOTE: Some (not many) may remember a hymn, "Accept, almighty Father", which was set to this tune.  In the case of "Cor Jesu Trinitatis", the alteration is a one-line extension at the end.  Click here to listen to "Accept, almighty Father".  Some of the First Friday regulars might recognize the tune.

Hymn during Communion: Panis Angelicus (Hungarian tune) (Listen)

- NOTE: Both this "Panis Angelicus" and the offertory "Cor Jesu Trinitatis" come from the Pius X Hymnal, published by McLaughlin and Reilly of Boston in 1953.

Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning ("Cor Amoris")

July 7 - Sunday XIV of the Year

Entrance hymn: Hail to the Lord's Anointed ("Ellacombe") (Listen)

- NOTE: Same tune as two other familiar hymns, "Go, make of all disciples" and "The day of Resurrection".

Psalm 123: R./ Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy (Theodore Marier, 1912-2001)

Offertory hymn: Jesus, the very thought of thee ("St. Agnes") (Listen)

- NOTE: Same tune as a familiar Eucharistic hymn, "Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless".  I picked this listen link as we've had a couple of Nigerian priests (Fr. Emmanuel and Fr. Joseph) celebrate some of our Masses over the last couple of months.  In this video, the hymn is being sung at an Anglican cathedral in Nigeria.

Communion responsory: Psalm 34, R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (BMP) (Listen)

- I love it when one of my own Psalm settings is done by another church and put up on YouTube.  In this case, Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston, Massachusetts. :)

- OR anthem: Adoramus te, Christe (Theodore Dubois, 1837-1924, from his Seven Last Words of Christ)

Meditation hymn: I vow to thee, my country ("Thaxted") (Listen)

- Though an English anthem, the text is very much effective here in America.  The second verse is very strong.

Recessional hymn: God of our fathers ("National hymn") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY XIII and WHAT'S IN A NAME?

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Have you ever been to a different church and hear a different terminology as to what each hymn is called at Mass?  I'm not talking titles, but instances - when the hymn is sung.  Here at Sacred Heart, we sing the Entrance hymn, the Offertory, sometimes a meditation hymn after Communion, and the Recessional.

But what terms do other parishes use to introduce their hymns or publish them in a Mass Guide/worship aid?

Many, especially those who thrive on those songs that Fr. Bucci would (rightfully) describe as "campfire songs written by some guy with a guitar and a marshmallow stick in his mouth" refer to the Entrance hymn as the "gathering hymn" or "gathering song".  Nothing says "me-focused" like a "gathering song."  There is NO SUCH THING.  If you are singing that first hymn while gathering, you're probably late for Mass.  I know, sounds snarky of me, but it's the only way I can put it.  Sorry, but not sorry. ;)

The proper term for that first hymn is the "Entrance chant," according to the current edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.  That is because, in all actuality, the first choice of what should be sung at the beginning is the appointed Introit (or Entrance Antiphon) of the day.  The word "Introit" comes from the Latin "intrare" meaning "to enter."  Some may remember from the Traditional Latin Mass the priest saying the words, "Introibo ad altare Dei," that is, "I will enter unto the altar of God."

Going back to focus, "gathering" seems to focus on the congregation getting into church and how happy we are to be there, and often tends to give in to very weak songs such as Gather us in and All are welcome.  "Entrance", however, shifts the focus to the priest entering the church "in persona Christi" ("in the person of Christ").  Our singing should focus on Christ, not "us".

The Offertory hymn is often referred to as the "Presentation" or "Preparation" hymn in modernist circuits.  Again, "Offertory" is what the General Instruction gives us.  The "Preparation of the Altar and Gifts" is the act taking place while the "Offertory" is sung.  No "me- or we- centering" in this error, but I feel the need to address it just the same.

Finally, the Recessional hymn.  Now, technically, the recessional hymn was never part of the Mass, not even in its current form, and the General Instruction makes no mention of one, though I think I can safely say over 90% of parishes in the United States (including ours) sing one by custom.  The modernists like to use the term "Sending Forth song", which sounds like utter nonsense, not to mention, another Happy Bunny moment (one of his favorite quotes is "Let's focus on me!").  Recessional at least focuses on the priest leaving the Church, again "in the person of Christ".  If there is an actual "sending forth song", it's very brief.  It's the dialogue in which the priest says/sings "Ite, Missa est/Go forth, the Mass is ended," to which we respond "Deo gratias/Thanks be to God."

And now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, if sung)
Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus)

ALLELUIA: Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB

The rest: (ALL hymns and Mass music will be found in the Mass guide which you will find with the bulletin at the entrances of the Church.)

Entrance hymn: Your hands, O Lord, in days of old ("Mozart")
Psalm 30: R./ I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me (Theodore Marier, 1912-2001, from his brainchild hymnal, Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Canticles)

Offertory hymn: O Jesus, joy of loving hearts ("Wareham")

- NOTE: This tune is also used with another hymn we sing, "O wondrous type, O vision fair", which is often used on the Second Sunday of Lent and at the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

Music during Communion: Ave Verum Corpus (see note...)

- NOTE: One of two settings will be used, depending on the availability of singers.  One is the plainchant (Mode VI) which will be included in the Mass Guide.  There may be a brief organ improvisation between each verse.  The other is the motet setting by Lorenzo Perosi, 1872-1956.  Father Bucci was a big fan of Msgr. Perosi's music.

Recessional hymn: Immortal, invisible, God only wise ("St. Denio")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY XII

At the 9:00 Mass - the Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Bishop of Providence will celebrate Mass and pray for the repose of the soul of the Reverend Richard A. Bucci, our pastor of nearly 23 years before his death on March 22, 2024.  Coffee An' will follow in the hall immediately after Mass.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS (All Masses)

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, if sung)
Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus)

ALLELUIA: Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB

The rest: (ALL hymns and Mass music will be found in the Mass guide which you will find with the bulletin at the entrances of the Church.)

Entrance hymn: O worship the King ("Hanover")

Psalm 107: R./ Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Offertory hymn: Eternal Father, strong to save ("Melita", aka "The Navy Hymn") (Listen)

Hymn during Commuinon: In heav'nly love abiding ("Nyland") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: Ye holy angels bright ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)

- Same tune as another parish staple, "Rejoice, the Lord is King"

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY XI and THE HARVEST

Two of our hymns this weekend have a "harvest" theme to it.

The entrance hymn is Come, ye thankful people, come.  The second verse gives us, "First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear," which alludes to the passage in the day's Gospel in which Jesus speaks to the crowds, "Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade,then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.  And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come."

The offertory hymn is Behold, a sower! from afar.  Here the title alone alludes to the Alleluia verse just before the Gospel - "The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower.  All who come to him will live for ever.  As you will see, the Alleluia verse identifies that sower.  While the tune is lesser known, it has been sung before here at Sacred Heart.  A listen link is provided within the list below to familiarize, or re-familiarize yourself with the tune.

During Communion, you will hear a lesser-sung tune of the hymn Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All, written by Mother Alexis Donnelly of the Sisters of Mercy.  It should be noted that there is a street in Cumberland, Rhode Island, next to the Sisters of Mercy convent, named after Mother Alexis (Alexis Donnelly Way, albeit it leads to the convent/health center and is not a public through street).  My wife Ann and I happened to stumble upon it one day while taking a scenic drive through the back roads of northern Cumberland (the area known as Grant's Mills) and part of nearby Wrentham, Massachusetts.

For the Ordinary of the Mass, we will revert to using sung English settings from here until the end of October.  For the next couple of months we will use A Community Mass by Richard Proulx for everything from the Sanctus through the Agnus Dei.  If we get to sing a Gloria, it will be that of my own Holy Angels Mass.  Here is a listen link, fresh from a St. Michael's Church in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Finally, the Mass Guide (attached to the bulletin as you enter the church) will include the text and melody for ALL the hymns.  There will be no need to search in any of the books (we have three different books in the pews, so this is my attempt to make life a little easier for all).  To the left above each hymn will be the title, to the right, the tune name.  Under each melody, the text.

And now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, if sung)
Community Mass (Richard Proulx) (Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus)

ALLELUIA: Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB

The rest:

Entrance hymn: Come, ye thankful people, come ("St. George's Windsor") (Listen)

Psalm 92: R./ Lord, it is good to give thanks to you (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Offertory hymn: Behold, a sower! from afar ("Weymouth") (Listen)

Hymn during Communion: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All (Mother Alexis Donnelly, RSM)

Recessional hymn: O worship the King ("Hanover") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND (Patronal Feast and Sunday X)

This Friday we have our patronal feast, that is, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Then the weekend Masses for the Tenth Sunday of the Year (or "Ordinary Time", or "Boring Time", according to someone Father Bucci once mentioned in a homily, or simply called "Sunday X" - the Roman numeral for "10", not like in "Gen X").

Much (not all) of the music for Friday will be repeated on Sunday.  The readings today, especially the first reading and the Gospel, both talk about driving out sin.  The Psalm for Sunday is Psalm 130 with the response "With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption."  This day can easily be linked to the Sacred Heart solemnity with that simple prayer, "Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us."  This also fulfills what Father Bucci would have done, and that's using the Sunday after the Solemnity as an "extended Solemnity" (readings and prayers differ, music remains mostly the same).

With that, I present to you...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Ordinary of the Mass:

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Messa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)

adapted from the same Mass setting (Memorial Acclamation and Amen)

ALLELUIA: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (1905-1992)

The rest (BTW, when I say "Sunday", that means the anticipated Mass on Saturday as well):

Entrance hymn:

- Friday: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine (in Mass Guide)

- Sunday: Praise, my soul, the King of heaven ("Lauda Anima"/Pew Missal, #230)

Responsorial Psalm:

- Friday: Isaiah 12, R./ You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation. (Sam Schmitt)

- Sunday: Psalm 130, R./ With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. (Sam Schmitt)

The rest is the same for all Masses, Friday and Sunday:
Offertory hymn: To Christ,the Prince of Peace ("Narenza"/Worship hymnal, #491)

Communion hymn: Cor Jesu Trinitatis ("Gott Soll Gepriesen"/refrain in Mass Guide)

Meditation hymn (Friday only): All you who seek a comfort sure ("Kingsfold"/Pew Missal, #81)

Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning ("Cor Amoris"/in Mass Guide)

Please consult the Mass Guide for where to find all hymns and Mass music.  They will be at the entrances of the Church on Friday and attached to the bulletin on the weekend.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (aka, "Corpus Christi")

This Solemnity, known in the modern Mass as "The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ" is a merging of two feasts.  The first, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, that is, the Body of Christ, until 1969 was celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.  The second, The Most Precious Blood, until 1969 was celebrated on the fixed date of July 1.  For a number of years, the newly-merged Solemnity was still known as Corpus Christi.  It has since been re-named "Body and Blood of Christ" and later "The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ," in accordance with the 1974 Graduale Romanum, which could legitimately be called the "official hymnal of the Roman Catholic Church."

Included in this weekend's Masses is the Sequence, which is chanted immediately following the second reading.  Unlike the Sequences of Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday, the Sequence for this weekend is optional and comes in a long and short form.  This weekend we will chant the short form.  The melody and text (in English) are provided in the Mass Guide that is attached to the bulletin.

Speaking of Mass Guides, please remember to refer to said Mass Guide for all music references for the day.  This keeps the liturgy flowing much more smoothly.  And feel free to sing out, even if you're tone-deaf.  The organ will guide you. ;)

At the 11:15 Mass, we have two CCD students receiving their First Holy Communion.  Congratulations and God bless!

Last, but not least, don't forget that this coming Friday (June 7) is our Patronal Feast, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Mass will be in the Church at 6:00 PM.  Bring friends, especially those who we have not seen since COVID.

And now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Messa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)

adapted from the same Mass setting (Memorial Acclamation and Amen)

ALLELUIA: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (1905-1992)

The rest:

Entrance hymn: Alleluia! sing to Jesus! ("Hyfrydol"/Pew Missal, #84)

Psalm 116: R./ I will take the cup of salvation and call on the Name of the Lord. (BMP) (PDF)

Sequence: Lo! the angels' food is given (Chant, Mode VII/in Mass Guide) (Listen)

- NOTE: In the listen link, the choir featured is chanting the sequence in Latin.  We will be chanting it in English, but using the melody in the listen link.)

Offertory hymn: Lord, who at thy first Eucharist ("Unde et Memores"/Pew Missal, #190)

- The tune name, "Unde et Memores" begins the second half of the Roman Canon, that is, the first Eucharistic Prayer, immediately following the Mystery of Faith (Memorial Acclamation).

Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck)
Meditation hymn: Tantum Ergo (Oreste Ravanello)

Recessional hymn: Holy God, we praise thy Name ("Grosser Gott"/Pew Missal, #155)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

I made a somewhat strategic "switch-a-roo" in the usual selection of hymns for this weekend.  Normally, O God, almighty Father was placed at the recessional and Father Bucci would give us all three verses, not processing out until the third verse.  This enabled all three Persons of the Trinity to get their rightful praise, especially on this feast, as each Person (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) got his own verse in which he is praised.  Not many priests will hang around for even one verse these days.  I think in my 43 years as an organist only two would give at least a three-verse recessional.  Father Bucci was one of those two.  This year, with no Father Bucci, I felt it proper to move O God, almighty Father to the Offertory, where all three verses have a much better chance of being sung.

I moved Holy, holy, holy, previously programmed for the Offertory, to the Entrance slot, so that even if we do get just one verse, at least the first verse ends with "God in three Persons, blessed Trinity," and it isn't "one verse per Person of the Trinity" like O God, almighty Father.

As for the Recessional hymn, I went with Go, make of all disciples, which meshes well with the day's Gospel in which Jesus sends forth his disciples thus, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations.  Baptize them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Messa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)

- The music for the Memorial Acclamation and Amen are adaptations thereof, just as they were to the Mass setting we did throughout Easter.  Why do I say that?  Because at the time these two settings were written (late 1930s-early 1940s), there was no Memorial Acclamation in the Mass, nor an Amen to end the Canon (Eucharistic Prayer) other than a single simple Amen with a slight slur in the "men" syllable.  Those didn't become part of the Mass until 1969.

ALLELUIA: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (1905-1992)

The rest:

Entrance hymn: Holy, holy, holy ("Nicaea"/Pew Missal, #155)

Psalm 33: R./ Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own (Columba Kelly, OSB and Joseph Gelineau, SJ) (Worship hymnal, #860)

Offertory hymn: O God, almighty Father ("Gott Vater, sei Gepriesen/Pew Missal, #205)

Music during Communion:

- responsory: Psalm 78, R./ Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, alleluia (BMP) (PDF)

- or motet: Psalm 150 (Charles Villiers Stanford)

Recessional hymn: Go, make of all disciples ("Ellacombe"/Pew Missal, #137)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

PENTECOST and HYMN ANNOUNCEMENTS REVISITED

As of the evening Mass of the Ascension, instead of announcing all of the hymns, I revisited the idea of only announcing the entrance hymn and to please consult the Mass Guide for all other hymns.  As many may know, this Mass Guide is usually tucked in the bulletin.  This time I tucked the bulletin inside the Mass Guide.  I now use letter-sized (8-1/2 x 11) paper for the Mass Guide instead of the ledger- (or tabloid-) sized (11 x 17) paper for the Mass Guide.  So by tucking the bulletin (which is 11 x 17) inside the smaller Mass Guide, both can easily be seen.

There are some (not many) parishes that make the practice of not announcing hymns at all, and with great success, whether they use a Mass Guide (or as some call it, a "worship aid") or a number board, or both.  Announcing the hymns (especially every single one) is an interruption of the liturgy pretty much the same as a eulogy being an interruption of a funeral Mass.  Another argument against announcing the hymns is one I heard in my first week of doing a Traditional Latin (Extraordinary Form) Mass.  We did sing an entrance and recessional hymn in English at the time.  After Mass, the pastor said to me, "They didn't do that in '62."  We had a number board, and they followed, and they sang.  In fact, they might not have even done it in '65 (shortly after the vernacular tongues were introduced in the Mass).  So why now, in '24?

So, for this weekend, the announcement will be, "Our entrance hymn is in the Red Worship hymnal, #482, Come, Holy Ghost.  For all other hymns and Mass music, please follow the Mass guide that came with today's bulletin."  Hopefully, soon enough, that announcement will go away, too.  The liturgy deserves a steady flow, just as it did "in '62."

And now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass

Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Christo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi, 1899-1970).

Memorial Acclamation and Amen: adaptations from the same Mass setting.

Alleluia O Filii (Mode II/BMP)

The rest...

Entrance hymn: Come, holy Ghost (Worship hymnal, #482/"Lambillotte")

- Tune named after the composer, Fr. Louis Lambillotte, SJ, a 19th century French Jesuit.

Psalm 104: R./ Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth (Owen Alstott)

Sequence: Come, thou Holy Spirit, come (Mode I)

Offertory hymn: Fire of God, undying flame (Worship hymnal, #474/"Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland")

- The Advent hymn "Savior of the nations, come" uses this same tune.

Communion hymn: Veni, Creator Spiritus (Pew Missal, #272/Chant, Mode VIII)

- Depending on singer's availability, the setting by Oreste Ravanello may be used in alternating verses.  Incidentally, "Veni, Creator Spiritus" is the hymn from which the entrance hymn, "Come, Holy Ghost" is translated.

Meditation hymn: Regina Caeli (English and Latin) (in Mass Guide/Chant, Mode VI)

- This is the last week for this hymn until next Easter.  "Regina Caeli" is the Marian antiphon appointed for the Easter Season.

Recessional hymn: Now thank we all our God (Pew Missal, #197/"Nun Danket")

- The tune "Nun Danket" is named after the original German "Nun danket alle Gott", from which "Now thank we all our God" is translated.

The entrance, offertory, meditation and recessional hymns today are those picked by Father Bucci over the years.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

ASCENSION and VII EASTER

This Thursday, the Ascension of the Lord, is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses are at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, both in the Church.

At the 11:15 AM Mass on Sunday, the CCD students will crown the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Entrance procession.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass

Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Christo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi, 1899-1970).

Memorial Acclamation and Amen: adaptations from the same Mass setting.

Alleluia O Filii (Mode II/BMP)

The rest...

May 9 - The Ascension of the Lord (9 AM and 7 PM)

Entrance hymn: Hail the day that sees him rise ("Llanfair"/Pew Missal, #149)

Psalm 47: R./ God mounts his throne to shouts of joy; a blare of trumpets for the Lord (Robert Twynham/Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Offertory hymn: Crown him with many crowns ("Diademata"/Pew Missal, #119)

Communion responsory: Christus Vincit (BMP) (PDF)

- This version, which I wrote in 1999 and used successfully at Mass in the Extraordinary Form at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Providence, contains verses from Psalm 93 (Psalm 92 in the Vulgate numbering).  Some influences of the late Alexander Peloquin lurk in this composition.

Meditation hymn: Regina Caeli (English/Latin) (Mode VI/in Mass Guide)

Recessional hymn: Go, make of all disciples ("Ellacombe"/Pew Missal, #137)

- Closely related to the day's Gospel (Go and make disciples of all the nations...Baptize them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit...)

May 12 - Sunday VII of Easter

Entrance hymn: Hail, holy Queen enthroned above ("Salve Regina Caelitum"/Worship hymnal, #702)

Psalm 103: R./ The Lord has set his throne in heaven (BMP, adapted from the tune "Lauda Anima" by John Goss) (PDF)

- Many will find this melody as the opening line of the hymn "Praise, my soul, the King of heaven", thus the Latin tune name, "Lauda Anima".

Offertory hymn: Lord, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray ("Unde et Memores"/Pew Missal, #190)

- Closely related to the day's Gospel

Communion music:

- responsory: Psalm 122, R./ Father, now I come to you, alleluia, alleluia (BMP) (PDF)

- or motet: Ave Maria (Lorenzo Perosi)

Meditation hymn: Regina Caeli (English/Latin) (Mode VI/in Mass Guide)

Recessional hymn: Hail the day that sees him rise ("Llanfair"/Pew Missal, #149)

- Keeping with the Ascension theme.  In the traditional calendar, Ascension had an Octave, and this Sunday was known simply as "The Sunday in the Octave of the Ascension."

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

THE THREE DAY WEEKEND (SS. Philip and James and VI Easter)

This Friday (May 3) is our First Friday Sacred Heart Community Mass.  It is also the Feast of the Apostles SS. Philip and James.  Two of the hymns are seasonal in nature, and hymns that Fr. Bucci certainly would have picked during Paschaltide.  The other, the offertory hymn, Come, my way, my truth, my life, reflects the Alleluia verse in which Jesus tells Philip, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; Philip, whoever sees me has seen the Father."  The tune used for this hymn, "The Call," is taken from Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass

Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Christo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi, 1899-1970).

Memorial Acclamation and Amen: adaptations from the same Mass setting.

The rest...

May 3 - Sacred Heart Community Mass (First Friday/6 PM)

Feast of SS. Philip and James

Entrance hymn: He is risen, he is risen ("Neander"/Maroon hymnal, #90)

Psalm 19: R./ Their message goes out through all the earth (BMP) (PDF)

Offertory hymn: Come, my way, my truth, my life ("The Call"/Pew Missal, #112)

Communion responsory: Psalm 33, R./ I am in the Father, and the Father in me, alleluia, alleluia (BMP) (PDF)

Recessional hymn: This joyful Eastertide ("Vreuchten"/Worship hymnal, #449)

May 5 - Sunday VI of Easter

Entrance hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones ("Lasst Uns Erfreuen"/Pew Missal, #287)

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

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

Communion hymn: Daily, daily, sing to Mary ("Omni Die Dic Mariae"/Pew Missal, #120)
- Verses from the Latin Omni die dic Mariae may be sung in alternation from the choir loft.  The tune has a couple of other different names:  the German title "Alle Tage Sing und Sage", and simply "Sunrise."  This is the tune used in many a hymnal here in the United States.  In the United Kingdom and other English speaking countries, the popular tune there is "Daily, Daily", which is often heard from the belltower.  Listen links: Omni Die (USA) | Daily, Daily (UK, et al)

Meditation hymn: Regina Caeli (in English and Latin/in Mass Guide)
Recessional hymn: Go, make of all disciples ("Ellacombe"/Pew Missal, #137)

- I chose this based on the passage that appears late in the Gospel, "Go and bear fruit that will last".  This will also be the recessional for the Ascension (May 9), in which the same hymn alludes to even more of that day's Gospel reading.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Hymnody for this Mass is selected from the archive of hymns picked by none other than Father Bucci. :)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass

Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Christo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi, 1899-1970).

Memorial Acclamation and Amen: adaptations from the same Mass setting.

The rest...

Entrance hymn: Christ the Lord is risen today ("Victimae Paschali"/Pew Missal, #107)

- NOTE: Two hymns are in the Pew Missal with the same title.  #106 is a text by Charles Wesley in which an alleluia follows each line and is sung to the tune "Llanfair", which is also used for the Ascension staple, "Hail the day that sees him rise."  The other, #107, which we are singing this weekend, also has a rather well-known tune "Victimae Paschali," named after the Sequence of Easter Day.  The text of this particular hymn is a poetic paraphrase of that same sequence.  Some hymnals give this tune the German title, "Heil, uns Heil, Alleluia."

Psalm 22: R./ I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people (Sam Schmitt) (PDF)

Alleluia O Filii et Filiae (Mode II, arr. and V./ by BMP) (PDF)

Offertory hymn: Christ is alive ("Truro"/Worship hymnal, #466)

- NOTE: Same tune as "Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates"

Music during Communion:

- Responsory: Psalm 80 w/R./ I am the true vine, you are the branches, alleluia (BMP) (PDF)

- or Motet: Regina Caeli (Antonio Lotti)

Marian antiphon after Communion: Regina Caeli (Mode VI/in Mass Guide) (English and Latin)

Recessional hymn: At the Lamb's high feast we sing ("Salzburg"/Pew Missal, #91)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP