Thursday, October 31, 2024

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

Thursday, October 24, 2024

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

Thursday, October 17, 2024

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

Friday, October 11, 2024

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

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

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

Saturday, September 21, 2024

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

Friday, September 6, 2024

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

Friday, August 30, 2024

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

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

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

Saturday, August 10, 2024

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

Friday, August 2, 2024

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

Thursday, July 25, 2024

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

Monday, July 15, 2024

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

Thursday, July 4, 2024

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

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

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

Friday, June 21, 2024

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

Thursday, June 13, 2024

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 MassHere 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

Thursday, June 6, 2024

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

Saturday, June 1, 2024

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

Thursday, May 23, 2024

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