SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

Some Christian denominations (and even some Catholics) like to call this coming Sunday "Transfiguration Sunday", as the Gospel for Second Sunday of Lent gives an account (this year, that of St. Mark) of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ (the feast of the Transfiguration, incidentally, is August 6).  This weekend's offertory hymn is very closely related with the Gospel of this day, while still keeping with the Lenten Season.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Gospel Acclamation same as last Sunday.

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

Entrance hymn: We sing the praise of him who died, #340 (Listen)

Psalm 116: I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living, music by Sam Schmitt

Offertory hymn: The glory of these forty days, #61 (Listen)

Communion anthem: Soul of my Savior, music by William Maher

- arrangement from the Pius X Hymnal, 1953

Meditation hymn: Let thy blood in mercy poured, #190

Recessional hymn: There is a green hill far away, #65, first tune (Listen)

Peace,

BMP

SUNDAY I of LENT and STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Well, due to the snowstorm, the putting away of the "A-word" with a bang didn't happen.  Let's pray we have no snow.  In fact, I for one would hope this region will give up snow for Lent.

First Sunday of Lent
Saturday II-21 at 5 PM; Sunday II-22 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Sung Ordinary of the Mass (much of this is quite familiar at this point):
- Kyrie: Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", music by Federico Caudana
- Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII (the simple chants we normally use in Advent and Lent)

- Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world, for by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.  Music is a chant melody adapted from that of the Latin counterpart, Salvator mundi, salva nos as a set of chants compiled by the International Committee on English in the Liturgy (which we musicians often refer to simply as "The ICEL Chants") upon creating the translation of Holy Mass that we use today.  We introduced this for Lent last year, but here is a reminder of how to sing it.

- Amen: based on the beginning of the Sanctus of Mass VIII

Gospel Acclamation: Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, based on the Mode I Vexilla Regis, adapted by yours truly

- By the way, notice that I don't list the Gospel Acclamation (or the "A-word" outside of Lent and Passiontide) as part of the Ordinary of the Mass.  Many composers, since around the mid 1970's, when writing a Mass Ordinary setting, tend to add an Alleluia/Gospel Acclamation to the Ordinary, and oftentimes with a universal versicle or a few "seasonal versicles" (often which don't even line up with the Scripture of the day).  I, too, as recent as 2000, got lured into that habit (though I didn't write versicles, just a Psalm tone to sing the appointed versicle to).  In all actuality, the Alleluia/Gospel Acclamation has an assigned versicle for each Sunday and feast, thus making it a Mass Proper and not part of the Mass Ordinary (the Ordinary has a fixed text for every Mass, while the Proper varies from day to day).

All numbers (unless noted) are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Praise to the Holiest in the height, #343, first tune

Psalm 25: Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant, music by J. Robert Carroll (response) and Joseph Gelineau, SJ (versicles), Worship #788

Offertory hymn: Lord, who throughout these forty days, #59

Communion anthem: My song is love unknown, music by John Ireland

- Though being sung as a choir anthem, you may join in - Worship #439

Meditation hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross, #337

Recessional hymn: Jesus, Name all names above, #342

Stations of the Cross

Tuesdays in Lent and Passiontide at 6:30 PM

February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31

Click here for format and music.  Also, note the time change.  The link is to last year's format, which is the same except for the time.  The time this year is 6:30 PM.

Peace,

BMP

SUNDAY VI and ASH WEDNESDAY

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sunday VI of Ordered Time
I-14 at 5 PM; I-15 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Being the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (when Lent begins), we sing our last Alleluias before putting it away "for a time", during that time we enter the penitential season of Lent (in Latin, Quadragesima, that is, literally, "40th", or liturgically, "40 days").  So, it is customary to get all the alleluias out that we can, not just before the Gospel, but in our hymnody.  This Sunday, three of our hymns, plus the Communion anthem, are chocked full of alleluias.

Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as the previous five Sundays

Hymn numbers are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Alleluia! song of gladness, #413 (Listen)

- Probably the most practical of Alleluia hymns for this day, as it also prepares us for Lent.

Psalm 32: I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation, music by yours truly

Offertory hymn: Christ is the King, #500

Communion anthem: Festive Alleluia, by Gordon Young

Meditation hymn: To Christ, the Prince of Peace, #491

Recessional hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones, #707

Ash Wednesday

I-18 at 9 AM, 12 Noon, and 6:30 PM

Ordinary of the Mass:

- Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII (the simplest of chant Masses)

- Memorial Acclamation C: Save us Savior of the world, chant setting from ICEL

- Amen: melody based on the Sanctus of Mass VIII

Gospel Acclamation: Gospel Acclamation "Vexilla Regis", music by yours truly, based on the Passion chant Vexilla Regis Prodeunt (Mode I) (The royal banners forward go)

Entrance hymn: Lord, who throughout these forty days, Maroon #59

Psalm 51: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned, music by Providence's own C. Alexander Peloquin, Worship #1091

Offertory hymn: Our Father, we have wandered, Worship #755

- Tune is the same as O Sacred Head, surrounded.

Communion hymn: Attende, Domine, Worship #414

Music during the Imposition of Ashes: Parce, Domine, music by Carlo Rossini

Peace,

BMP

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

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

First Friday - Sacred Heart Community Mass
II-6-15 at 6 PM

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine, on sheets provided
Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation, music by Richard Proulx and Joseph Gelineau, SJ
- See Worship, #871 (Sunday III, Year A).  It's the same Psalm.
Offertory anthem: Cor Jesu Trinitatis, tune: altered form of Gott Soll Gepriesen.
Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus, sung to a tune of Hungarian origin
- I discovered this gem in the 1953 Pius X Hymnal.
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, on sheets provided

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

Entrance hymn: Sing praise to God who reigns above, #528
Psalm 147: Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: The King of Love my shepherd is, #609
Communion anthem: Adoro Te, O Panis Caelice, music originated in Louvain, Belgium

- Translation:  (V/.) I adore you, O heavenly bread, O Lord, O God most great. (R/.) Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy for ever. To you always be glory Sacred be the sacrifice. (V/.) We are your servants, O God, look upon us, and always renew your grace. (R/.)

Meditation hymn: How good the name of Jesus sounds, #610
Recessional hymn: Jesus shall reign wheree'er the sun, #492

Peace,
BMP

SUNDAY IV

Weekend of the last day of January and the first day of February, 2015

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

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

Entrance hymn: All people that on earth do dwell, #669
- Parts of the hymn are arrangements by Ralph Vaughan Williams, as described here and here.
Psalm 95: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts, music by Owen Alstott
- as written in Missalette under February 1.
Offertory hymn: Your hands, O Lord, in days of old, #750
Communion anthem: Cantate Domino canticum novum, music by Vincent d'Indy

- Based on Psalm 96 (Psalm 95 in the old Vulgate), Cantate Domino canticum novum, cantate Domino, omnis terra, which is translated, Sing to the Lord a new song, sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Meditation hymn: How good the Name of Jesus sounds, #610

Recessional hymn: Rejoice, the Lord is King, #493

Peace,

BMP

SUNDAY III

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

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

Numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Come now, almighty King, #487
Psalm 25: Teach me your ways, O Lord, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: Take up your cross, #634

Communion anthem: In thee is gladness, the tune "In der ist Freude" (German title), written by Giovanni Giacomo Gastaldi (Italian composer, from Caravaggio).  This hymn got its glory in the previous edition of Worship (11 years older than the Worship edition that is in our pews).

Meditation hymn: All you who seek a comfort sure, #490

- Same tune as the more familiar I heard the voice of Jesus say.

Recessional hymn: Go, make of all disciples, #628

- Same tune as the Easter hymn The day of Resurrection.

Peace,

BMP

SUNDAY II (of Ordered Time)

Back to that little-over-a-month of relief (from the busy seasons) known as Ordinary Time before Ash Wednesday hits and Lent soon begins.  Because last Monday began the "First Week" of Ordinary Time (or "Ordered Time", or "of the Year", faithful to the Latin "per Annum"), the numbering of the Sundays of the Year begin with the Second Sunday (or for short, "Sunday II").

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass (for the next five Sundays): Holy Angels Mass, music by yours truly

- This is the Mass setting we used last fall (roughly September and October).  The music cards for this Mass is already in the pew racks.

Alleluia: Mode VI chant setting (probably the most familiar of all Alleluias sung around the world!)

All numbers given are in the maroon hymnal, except where noted.  You'll notice that most of the hymns are those of last week's list.  That is because the Gospel reading of this Sunday continues more on the story of John the Baptist and his announcing of the coming of the Lord.  The entrance and offertory hymns this day especially reflect that.

Entrance hymn: On Jordan's bank, #10

Psalm 40: Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will, music by Richard Proulx (response) and Pére Joseph Gelineau, SJ (versicles).  Music can be found in Worship, #869.

Offertory hymn: Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding, #9

Communion anthem: Asperges Me, music by Joseph Gruber

- It won't be the first time that a piece of Mass Ordinary is used as a choral piece outside of the actual place of the Ordinary.  I've heard settings of the Agnus Dei performed as a Communion anthem.  Same with the Sanctus, believe it or not!

- The Asperges Me is normally used at the beginning of Mass if the celebrant opts to use the Rite of Sprinkling instead of the Penitential Act (I confess... and Kyrie).  In fact, at the 9:00 Mass last week, Father Feeney exercised the Sprinkling Rite, and we chanted from the loft the chant version of the Asperges Me.

- In the Traditional Latin Mass (that is, the Extraordinary Form), the Asperges Me is required on Sundays when High Mass is chanted.

- In this Sunday's Gospel, John the Baptist proclaims "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world."  The Asperges Me prays that we may be cleansed of our sins and that the Lord "have mercy on us" and "according to his great compassion, blot out our offenses".

Meditation hymn: I sought the Lord, #405

Recessional hymn: Songs of thankfulness and praise, #53

Peace,

BMP

BAPTISM OF THE LORD

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

This marks the liturgical close of the Season of Christmas, unlike the retail industry, which ended its Christmas on December 26, the feast day of the Church's first martyr, Saint Stephen, and the sixth day of "Valentide" (that started, at least at the Stop and Shop near my home, around December 21).

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last week.
- After this weekend, we will put these away until next year.

All numbers given are in the maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: On Jordan's bank, #10
Responsory: You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation, music by Richard Rice
- From Isaiah 12, One of a very small handful of responsorial psalms NOT from the book of Psalms.
Offertory hymn: Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding, #9
Communion anthem: I bind unto myself this day, #268 (for those who wish to join in)
- Taken from the Lorica, or Breastplate, of Saint Patrick.
Meditation hymn: Let all mortal flesh keep silence, #197
Recessional hymn: Songs of thankfulness and praise, #53

Peace,
BMP

FIVE Days, THREE Feasts, EIGHT Masses!

Much of the music is a repeat of what we did at this time last year, but not all of it.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Wednesday (New Year's Eve, December 31, 2014) at 6 PM

Thursday (New Year's Day, January 1, 2015) at 9 and 11:15 AM 

Ordinary of the Mass:

Gloria VIII, Sanctus and Agnus Dei XVIII, Mortem Tuam, and Dresden Amen

- NOTE: "Gloria VIII" is a short way of saying "Gloria from Mass VIII", one of 18 Gregorian Chant settings of the Mass in Latin from the Kyriale.  "Sanctus and Agnus Dei XVIII": same shorthand.

Alleluia (before the Gospel): adapted by BMP from the Mode V chant Divinum Mysterium 

All numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: While shepherds watched their flocks by night, #13

Psalm 67: May God bless us in his mercy, music by Owen Alstott
- melody in missalette for January 1

Offertory hymn: The first Nowell, #30

Communion anthem: Ave Maria, music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Charles Gounod.

- Probably the SECOND most popular Ave Maria amongst non-musicians (second only to that of Franz Schubert).  The melody by Charles Gounod was written to be sung over Prelude #1 in C by Johann Sebastian Bach (catalogued as BWV 846), from his book, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 (there were two such books).

Meditation hymn: In the bleak midwinter, #44

Recessional hymn: Angels we have heard on high, #42

First Friday (Sacred Heart Community Mass)

Mass Friday (January 2) at 6 PM

Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as Mary, Mother of God (above), but Gloria is omitted.

All numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: O come, all ye faithful, #392

Psalm 98: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God, music by yours truly

Offertory hymn: What child is this, #411

Communion anthem: Corde natus ex parentis, Chant, Mode V

- The Latin text here is from which the hymn Of the Father's love begotten is translated.  The tune used here, Divinum Mysterium, is commonly used in both the Latin and English texts.

Recessional hymn: Hark! the herald angels sing, #387

Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Mass Saturday (January 3) at 5 PM 

Mass Sunday (January 4) at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Brass at all Masses except 7:30 

Ordinary of the Mass: 

(at 7:30 Mass): Gloria VIII, Sanctus and Agnus Dei XVIII

(at all other Masses): Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei from Mass of the Shepherds by Pietro Yon

(at ALL Masses): Mortem tuam and Dresden Amen

Alleluia: same as Mary, Mother of God, and First Friday (above)

All numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: O come, all ye faithful, #12 (verses 1, 2, 5, and 6)

Psalm 72: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you, music by yours truly

Offertory hymn: We three kings of Orient are, #51

Communion anthem: Tollite hostias, music by Camille Saint-Saëns

Meditation hymn: As with gladness men of old, #52

Recessional hymn: What star is this with beams so bright, #47

Best wishes to all for a happy and blessed New Year (and the rest of the Christmas Season)!

Peace,

BMP

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH

NOTE: The 12:30 Extraordinary Form Mass has been suspended for now, due to lack of attendance (over the last couple of months, that Mass has averaged a measly 20 people).

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass:

- 7:30 Mass only: Mass XVIII (chant Mass setting)

- All other Masses: Mass of the Shepherds (Pietro Yon)

- ALL Masses: Memorial Acclamation is Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine; Amen: Dresden

Alleluia: Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by yours truly)

All numbers are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Angels we have heard on high, #42

Psalm 105: The Lord remembers his covenant for ever, music by yours truly

Offertory hymn: It came upon the midnight clear, #19, second tune

Communion anthem: Coventry Carol, English, arranged by Martin Shaw

- This Sunday (December 28) is the feast of the Holy Innocents when it falls on a weekday.  The verses of the Communion anthem revisit the events.  Note this second verse: Herod the King, in his raging, / charg-ed he hath this day / his men of might, in his own sight, / all young children to slay.
Meditation hymn: What child is this, #36
Recessional hymn: Hark! the herald angels sing, #27

Peace,
BMP

CHRISTMAS at SACRED HEART

Masses at 5 and 10:30 PM on Christmas Eve, 9 and 11:15 AM on Christmas Day.
Choral prelude will begin roughly 20 minutes before each Mass.
All Masses Ordinary Form.

Quartet:
Elaine Previte, soprano; Kate Warrener, alto; Christopher Cate (newcomer), tenor; yours truly, bass
Brass trio:
Gerry Heroux, French horn; Doug Wood, Ed Lapierre, and Al Testa, trumpets
- (Ed on Christmas Eve, Al on Christmas Day)

MUSIC FOR PRELUDE:
(4:40 and 10:10 PM on Christmas Eve, 8:40 and 10:55 AM on Christmas Day)

1. Tu scendi dalle stelle (traditional Italian)
2. Tollite hostias (Camille Saint-Saëns)
3. Bel Bambino (Italian, arr. by Providence's own C. Alexander Peloquin)
4. Coventry Carol (arr. Martin Shaw)
5. La Pastorale di Couperin (Antonio Allegra)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS:

Ordinary of the Mass: Mass of the Shepherds (Pietro Yon)
- plus the memorial acclamation Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine and the Dresden Amen.
Alleluia: based on the chant tune Divinum Mysterium.
All numbers given are in the Red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: O come, all ye faithful, #392 (verse 1 in Latin, followed by verses 1-4 in English)
- arrangement by David Willcocks

Psalm 96: Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord, music by Richard Proulx (response) and Pére Joseph Gelineau (versicles)

Offertory hymn: Hark! the herald angels sing, #387, arrangement by David Willcocks

Communion anthem: Hallelujah!, from "Messiah" by Georg Frederick Handel

Meditation hymn: Silent night, #379

Recessional hymn: Joy to the world, #399, verses 1, 2, and 4

On behalf of our music department, my own family, and myself, best wishes to all who read this for a very happy and blessed Christmas season!

Peace,

BMP

IV ADVENT (Rorate Sunday)

XII-21-14

"Rorate Sunday" is one you usually don't hear about.  However, the Introit antiphon did strike a chord with me.

- Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant jusum; (Aperiatur terra et germinet salvatorem).

- Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just One; (Let the earth be opened and send forth a Saviour).

The Latin antiphon above not only is used as the antiphon for the Introit (Entrance Chant) of the day (the parenthesized text is added in the Introit), but as the antiphon for another Advent responsory containing four lengthier verses.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Ordinary Form (Sat. 5 PM; Sun. 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM - all Masses sung)

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia are the same as the previous three Sundays.  After this Sunday, those will be put away "for a time".

Entrance hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel, Worship #357
Psalm 89: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine, Maroon #45
Communion anthem: Alma Redemptoris Mater
- The text is that of the Marian Antiphon that is appointed for use from the First Sunday of Advent up to (and including) the Presentation of the Lord (traditionally known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as "Candlemas"), which falls on February 2.  The tune is an altered form of the tune "Consolation", written by Samuel Webbe.  This tune appears with the hymn Come, ye disconsolate, which can be found in the Maroon hymnal at #483.
Meditation hymn: Ave Maria (chant setting), Worship #713
Recessional hymn: O come, divine Messiah, Worship #367

Extraordinary Form (Sun. 12:30 PM - Low Mass)

Numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel, #2 (verses 1 and 6)
- The sixth verse, O come, thou dayspring from on high, is a translation of O Oriens, the "O" Antiphon appointed for Vespers on December 21.
Offertory: organ improvisation on Rorate caeli (Mode I) (see top of post for notes)
Communion anthem: Alma Redemptoris Mater (see Ordinary Form list for notes)
Recessional hymn: Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates, #484 (verses 1 and 5)

Peace,
BMP

III ADVENT (Gaudete Sunday)

XII-14-14

Click here for an explanation on the name "Gaudete Sunday".

You will see a lot of similarities in this weekend's list to last weekend's list, due to the continuation of the pattern of the day's readings, especially that of the Gospel.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Ordinary Form of the Mass 
(Sat. 5 PM; Sun. 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM)

Sung Ordinary and Alleluia: same as the last two Sundays
All numbers below are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding, #9
Responsory: My soul rejoices in my God, music by Sam Schmitt

- One of only a miniscule select few Lectionary responsories NOT from a Psalm, this responsory consists of selected verses of the Magnificat.

Offertory hymn: On Jordan's bank, #10

Communion anthem: Magnificat, using two alternating settings on pages of the Pius X Hymnal that face each other.  I will chant the odd versicles (left page, Psalm Tone 8), and the duet will sing the even verses in harmony (right page, music by Ciro Grassi, who died right around the time the Pius X Hymnal was published.

Meditation hymn: Hark! the glad sound! the Savior comes, #7 (Listen)

Recessional hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel, #2

Extraordinary Form of the Mass
(Sun. 12:30 PM)

Most likely Low Mass.  All numbers below are in the Red Worship hymnal.

Entrance hymn: On Jordan's bank, #356
Offertory: organ improvisation, theme TBD
Communion anthem: Magnificat, Psalm Tone 8 (without the Grassi polyphony)
Recessional hymn: Comfort, comfort, O my people, #370

(If we do go High Mass, add the Mode VII Asperges Me, Mass XVII, and the Rossini Propers.)

Peace,
BMP

ACTION-PACKED FOUR DAY WEEKEND

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Ordinary of the Mass for all Ordinary Form Masses in Advent:
- Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII
- Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine
- Amen: music adapted from the beginning of the Sanctus of Mass VIII
Alleluia: adapted by yours truly from the Advent chant Conditor Alme Siderum (Mode IV)

First Friday - Sacred Heart Community Mass
Friday, XII-5-14 at 6 PM

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine, sheets provided
Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation, Worship #871
- same Psalm as for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
Offertory hymn: Conditor Alme Siderum, Mode IV
- You will get to hear the actual hymn this time.  Known in English as Creator of the stars of night.
Communion hymn: Veni, veni, Emmanuel, Mode I
- Yes, this is the Latin from which O come, O come, Emmanuel is translated.
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, sheets provided

Second Sunday of Advent - Ordinary Form
Saturday XII-6-14 at 5 PM; Sunday XII-7-14 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM
All numbers given are in the Maroon Hymnal

Entrance hymn: Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding, #9
Psalm 85: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation, music by yours truly
Offertory hymn: On Jordan's Bank, #10
Communion anthem: Wake, awake, for night is flying, #3
Meditation hymn: Come, thou long-expected Jesus, #1
Recessional hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel, #2

Second Sunday of Advent - Extraordinary Form
Sunday XII-7-14 at 12:30 PM - Low Mass
All numbers given are in the Maroon Hymnal

Entrance hymn: On Jordan's Bank, #10
Offertory: organ improvisation on theme TBD
Communion hymn: Conditor Alme Siderum, Mode IV
Recessional hymn: Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding, #9

Immaculate Conception - Ordinary Form
Monday XII-8-14 at 9 AM and 7 PM
All numbers given are in the red Worship Hymnal

And yes, although this Solemnity falls on a Monday, it is still a holy day of obligation, for some important reasons: 1) it is the patroness of our country, 2) this is one of those important events that lead to the forthcoming Nativity of our Lord.

Entrance hymn: Immaculate Mary, #702

Psalm 98: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds, Worship #1060

Offertory hymn: The angel Gabriel from heaven came, #695

Communion anthem: Ave Maria (setting TBD)

Meditation hymn: Lo! how a rose e'er blooming, #374

Recessional hymn: Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, #708

Peace,

BMP

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Ordinary Form (Sat. 5 PM / Sun. 7:30, 9, 11:15 AM)

Sung Ordinary of the Mass:

- Gloria is omitted during Advent, except on Immaculate Conception, the only Solemnity in Advent.

- Sanctus and Agnus Dei are from Mass XVIII (the simple chant Mass)

- Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus Domine 

- Amen: adapted from the beginning of the Sanctus from Mass VIII

Alleluia during Advent: adapted from the mode IV chant Conditor Alme Siderum ("Creator of the stars of night"

All numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal.

Entrance hymn: Lo! he comes with clouds descending, #5 (second tune)

Psalm 80: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved, Gregory Evans

Offertory hymn: Rejoice, rejoice, believers, #4

Communion anthem: To you I lift my soul, text by John Dunn, music by John Ireland

Meditation hymn: The King shall come when morning dawns, #11

Recessional hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel, #2

Extraordinary Form Low Mass (Sun. 12:30 PM)

Entrance hymn: Lo! he comes with clouds descending, #5 (second tune)

Offertory: organ improvisation on Conditor Alme Siderum 

Communion hymn: Veni, veni, Emmanuel, mode I

Recessional hymn: Rejoice, rejoice, believers, #4

Peace,

BMP

THANKSGIVING DAY 2014

Happy Thanksgiving to all family, friends, parishioners, co-workers (singers and horn section, as well as other parish staff), and of course our pastor, Father Bucci.  I thank you all for another great year of music and your support thereof, and I wish blessings on all who read this.

Also a Happy Thanksgiving to some of my favorite visiting priests who have said Mass here on occasion, some more than others: namely Father Albert Marcello, Father Chris Feeney, Father Derek Puleo, and Father Peter Mongeon.

Today I post the music for our 9 AM Thanksgiving Day Mass, in the Ordinary Form.  I will have the hymns in time to post this weekend's music (First Sunday of Advent in both forms) on Friday.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sung Ordinary of the Mass: Laus Tibi Christe (for one final time until June).

- Note: Gloria is omitted.

Alleluia: from Christ is the King, Worship, #500

Entrance hymn: We gather together, Maroon, #315

Psalm 113: Blessed be the Name of the Lord for ever, Psalm Tone 8G

Offertory hymn: Come, ye thankful people, come, Maroon, #137

Communion anthem: Sing to the Lord of harvest, tune: "Wie Lieblich ist der Maien"

Meditation hymn: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, Worship, #488

Recessional hymn: Now thank we all our God, Worship, #560

Peace,

BMP

CHRIST THE KING and LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Some more of that Ordinary versus Extraordinary:

As I had mentioned in posts last month, the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (actual full name of the feast, translated from the Latin given in the Roman Missal) was celebrated on the last Sunday of October for those attending Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form.  This Sunday, we celebrate that feast for those attending Holy Mass in the Ordinary Form, with our brass trio on hand for the 5:00 Saturday Mass and the 9:00 and 11:15 Sunday Masses.

In the Extraordinary Form, we are celebrating the Last - not the 24th, but the LAST - Sunday after Pentecost.  You see, in the Ordinary Form, the numbered Sundays of the Year always end with 33 (Christ the King begins, actually, the 34th Week).  That is because those numbered Sundays fall, not only after Pentecost, but after Epiphany as well.  So, the end result turns up the same.  In the Extraordinary Form, the number of Sundays after Pentecost vary because Pentecost is a movable feast that depends on another movable date - Easter.  However, regardless of how many Sundays after Pentecost there are, the last Sunday before Advent is always marked as "Last Sunday after Pentecost", with its own set of readings to bring that season to an end.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS 

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Ordinary Form)

Saturday (XI-22) at 5 PM*, Sunday (XI-23) at 7:30, 9*, and 11:15* AM

* indicates those Masses at which our Brass Trio will be on hand.

Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as the past two weekends.

Entrance hymn: Lo! he comes with clouds descending, Maroon, #5 (second tune) (Listen)

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want, music by Owen Alstott

- the setting from the missalette with the readings for November 23

Offertory hymn: Christ is the King, Worship, #500

- the hymn from which comes the Alleluia before the Gospel.

Communion anthem: Laudate Dominum, music by Giuseppe Pitoni

Meditation hymn: Tantum Ergo, Worship, #758 (in Latin)

Recessional hymn: To Jesus Christ, our sov'reign King, Worship, #497

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Last Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form Low Mass)

Entrance hymn: God has spoken by his prophets, Worship #516 (Listen)

- Text sung in the listen link is different, but that IS the tune.

Offertory: organ improvisation on theme TBD

Communion hymn: Ave Verum, Worship #730 (with organ improvisations between lines)

Recessional hymn: The King shall come when morning dawns, Worship #373 (Listen)

Peace,

BMP

SUNDAY XXXIII (of Ordered Time) / XXIII (after Pentecost)

Back to the sequence of numbered Sundays of the Year (Ordinary Form) and after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form).  In just two weeks from this Sunday, we'll be approaching Advent.

FORTHCOMING

I just finished putting my binder together for the Masses of Christmas.  This year, as part of our 20-minute prelude before each Mass, we'll be singing, not one, not two, but THREE songs in Italian.  Two of them may be familiar to a good number of you (Tu scendi dalle stelle and Bel Bambino).  The third one I am trying my hand at for the first time, and I like the way it sounds (I think you will, too).  It's called La Pastorale di Couperin.  The composer's name eludes me (my music is in the trunk of my car as I write this).  We will also be doing one song in Latin (Tollite Hostias by Camille Saint-Saëns), and one in English (Coventry Carol, arrangement from The Oxford Book of Carols).  We end the prelude with a French piece as organ and brass come together to perform Noël Suisse by Louis-Claude Daquin.

So now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Sunday XXXIII of Ordered Time (Ordinary Form)

Sat. 5 PM / Sun. 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM 

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

Entrance hymn: Rejoice, rejoice, believers, #4 (Listen)

Psalm 128: Blessed are those who fear the Lord, music by Richard Rice

Offertory hymn: Wake, awake, for night is flying, #3 (Listen)

Communion anthem: God of Gods, we sound his praises, tune: In Babilone

- In Babilone, a hymn tune of Dutch origin, is a commonly-used tune for the hymns There's a wideness in God's mercy and See, the conqu'ror mounts in triumph.  The text, a 1970 paraphrase by Timothy Dudley-Smith, comes from the Latin Te Deum Laudamus.

Meditation hymn: Jesus, Son of Mary, #223

Recessional hymn: Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates, #484

Sunday XXIII after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

Sun. 12:30 PM (Low Mass)

Numbers given are in the Red "Worship" hymnal.

Entrance hymn: O God, our help in ages past, #579

Offertory: organ improvisation on theme TBD

Communion hymn: Adoro Te devote, Chant, Mode V

Recessional hymn: Your hands, O Lord, in days of old, #750

Peace,

BMP

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Ordinary of the Mass (for ALL Ordinary Form Masses from here up through Christ the King, November 23): Missa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", music by Federico Caudana

Alleluia (also for ALL Ordinary Form Masses through Christ the King): from the hymn Christ is the King (Worship, #500).  The verse will be the verse of the day, using Psalm Tone 8G.

FIRST FRIDAY: Sacred Heart Community Mass; XI-7-14 6 PM
Ordinary Form

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine, on sheet provided
Psalm 122: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord, response music by yours truly
Offertory anthem: Cor Jesu, Cor Amabile
Communion hymn: Panis Angelicus, music by Louis Lambillotte (Listen)
- This setting, though not as familiar as that of Cesar Franck, may be familiar to some as well.
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning, on sheet provided

DEDICATION OF THE ST. JOHN LATERAN BASILICA IN ROME; XI-9-14

This feast is celebrated in BOTH forms on November 9.  Since it falls on a Sunday this year, it trumps the 32nd Sunday of Ordered Time in the Ordinary Form and the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost in the Extraordinary Form.  In both forms, numbers given are in the Maroon hymnal.

XI-8-14 5 PM; XI-9-14 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM - Ordinary Form 

Entrance hymn: Christ is made the sure foundation, #780

Psalm 46: The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High, music by Owen Alstott (as written in the missalette, along with the readings for November 9)

Offertory hymn: The Church's one foundation, #396

Communion anthem: Jesu, joy of man's desiring, music by Johann Sebastian Bach

Meditation hymn: Thou, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray, #191

- The text here is the original form of the hymn that is often seen as At that first Eucharist before you died (see Worship, #733).  The tune we will be using will be that of At that first Eucharist.  So, follow #191 in Maroon for the text, but sing the more familiar tune.

Recessional hymn: Let saints on earth in concert sing, #397 (Listen)

- This tune, taken from the Scottish Psalter of 1615, is also used for a more widely-used hymn, God moves in a mysterious way.

XI-9-14 12:30 PM - Extraordinary Form (Low Mass) 

Entrance hymn: The Church's one foundation, #396

Offertory music: organ improvisation on the tune Werde Munter, the hymn tune on which J.S. Bach's arrangement many choirs sing with joy as Jesu, joy of man's desiring, is based.  Another hymn we have sung, Come with us, O blessed Jesus (Maroon, #211), is also sung to that tune, using Bach's harmony, but without the organ embellishments before, after, and in between lines of hymn.  My improvisation for this Mass will be based on the basic Werde Munter tune of Johan Schop, who died in 1667, 18 years before the birth of Bach.

Communion hymn: Caelestis urbs Jerusalem, Chant, Mode I

- The vesper hymn for the Dedication of a Church, as found in the Liber Usualis, page 1248

Recessional hymn: Christ is made the sure foundation, #780

Peace,

BMP

ALL SAINTS, ALL SOULS, PENTECOST XXI, and EF vs. OF 3

To go straight to the Music Lists, click here.

Extraordinary Form vs. Ordinary Form (Part 3)
A side-by-side comparison of some of the elements of the two forms of the Latin Rite Mass

On our first two installments of EF vs. OF (Part 1 | Part 2), we covered the differences in the various instances in the Holy Mass.  In the first part, we covered the first half of the Mass, that is, the "Mass of the Catechumens" ("Liturgy of the Word").  In the second part, we covered the second half, that is, the "Mass of the Faithful" ("Liturgy of the Eucharist").

As I write this, there is one thing I forgot to mention in Part 1, and I will note this before I move on to Part 3.  The Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy, which is Greek, not Latin, by the way) in the current (Ordinary Form) Mass is a six-fold Kyrie, alternating between priest and people and the people have the last word.  In the Extraordinary Form, the Kyrie is nine-fold, alternating between priest and servers (and/or people) in spoken form (the priest gets the last word), chanted entirely by the choir in sung form.

That off my chest, here we go onto Part 3 (the finale), where we cover the difference in seasons and feasts in the two forms of the Latin Rite Mass (and yes, even the Ordinary Form, the form attended and prayed by most, even in English, is Latin Rite).  Here we go...

Advent in both forms are basically the same.  Numbered Sundays are 1-4.

Christmas Season: In both forms, obviously the date of Christmas is the same.  But other feasts within the season:

Extraordinary Form (EF):

- The Sunday within the Octave of Christmas is exactly that: Sunday in the Octave of Christmas.

- January 1 is the Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

- The Mass for the Sunday after January 1 depends on its date.  January 1 is the Circumcision, regardless.  January 6 is the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, regardless (Epiphany is on a FIXED date, January 6).  If the Sunday is January 2-5, then the Holy Name of Jesus is celebrated.  If the Sunday is January 7-8, then the Holy Family is celebrated.

- The second Sunday in January also depends on its date.  If the Sunday is January 8-12, then it's Holy Family.  If the Sunday is January 13, it's the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ (also a FIXED date).  If the Sunday is January 14 or later, it is simply Second Sunday after Epiphany.

Ordinary Form (OF):

- The Sunday within the Octave of Christmas is Holy Family.  If the Sunday after Christmas is January 1, then Holy Family is moved to Friday, December 30.

- January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.

- The Sunday after January 1 is the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

- The Sunday after Epiphany is the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, unless that Sunday is January 14 or later, which, in that case, the Baptism of the Lord is on the Monday after Epiphany.

After the Baptism of the Lord and before Ash Wednesday:

EF: The numbered Sundays are marked as Sundays "after Epiphany".  However, the last three Sundays before Ash Wednesday fall into a sort of "Pre-Lent", if you will.  That short season is known as Septuagesima.  It means, literally, "70th", marking (roughly) 70 days before the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  The three Sundays are Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, ("70th, 60th, 50th") respectively.  The Liturgy is treated like that of Lent, whereas there is no Gloria, and the Alleluia is omitted (a Tract, basically a second Gradual, is sung/said in its place before the Gospel).

OF: The numbered Sundays are marked as Sundays "of Ordinary Time", or "of the Year" (the latter, as I mentioned in prior posts, is a direct translation of the Latin "per Annum"), and continue as such even up to the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.

February 2 is: traditionally known as Candlemas, where Christ, our Light, is presented.  In both forms of the Mass, Mass is preceded by a procession of candles to present our Light.  The only difference is the name of the feast.

EF: The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

OF: The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ

After the Fourth Sunday of Lent: (In both forms of the Mass, the First through Fourth Sundays of Lent are the same.)

EF: The Sunday after the Fourth Sunday is the First Sunday of the Passion.  Following that is the Second Sunday of the Passion, which is Palm Sunday.

OF: The Sunday after the Fourth Sunday is the Fifth Sunday of Lent.  Following that is Palm Sunday (of the Lord's Passion).

Easter Season (aka Paschal Time):

EF:

- The Sunday after Easter is known as "Low Sunday", or "Quasimodo Sunday" ("Quasimodo", after the first word of the Introit of the day in Latin, not the Hunchback of Notre Dame).

- Numbered Sundays are marked as Sundays "AFTER Easter", thus the Sunday after Low Sunday is the Second Sunday after Easter, and such numbering continues up to the Fifth Sunday after Easter.

- Ascension is on the Thursday following the Fifth Sunday after Easter, and is a Holy Day of Obligation, EVERYWHERE!

- The Sunday following Ascension is the Sunday in the Octave of the Ascension.

OF: 

- The Sunday after Easter is marked as the Second Sunday of Easter (it is also "Divine Mercy Sunday", as declared by Pope John Paul II in 2000).  The Mass itself has all the characteristics of the EF's "Low Sunday" in terms of Scripture and Proper.

- Numbered Sundays are marked as Sundays "OF Easter", thus there is a difference in number in the two forms.  (The Third Sunday AFTER Easter in the EF, for example, is the Fourth Sunday OF Easter in the OF.)

- Ascension is on the Thursday following the Sixth Sunday of Easter, and is a Holy Day of Obligation, unless you live in Canada or most of the dioceses in the United States south or west of us, which, in that case, Ascension is on the following Sunday.

- If you're lucky enough to live in a diocese where Ascension is on the Thursday, the Sunday following is the Seventh Sunday of Easter.

The Body and Blood of Christ:

EF: Two separate feasts.  The Thursday after the Most Holy Trinity is Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ).  The fixed date of July 1 is the Precious Blood.  The Sunday after the Most Holy Trinity is merely the Second Sunday after Pentecost.  Some parishes that celebrate both forms of Holy Mass will, however, celebrate Corpus Christi on the Second Sunday after Pentecost as an "external solemnity" (another term I once mentioned on this blog).

OF: Made into one feast on the Sunday after the Most Holy Trinity.

Numbered Sundays after Pentecost: 

EF: Exactly that, Sundays "after Pentecost" (the Sunday after Trinity is the Second Sunday).

OF: Sundays of "Ordinary Time" (numbers continue where they left off before Ash Wednesday).

September 8 (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary), September 15 (Seven Dolors/Sorrows of The Blessed Virgin Mary), and September 29 (St. Michael the Archangel) --- What if they fall on a Sunday?
EF: They take place over the respective numbered Sundays after Pentecost.

OF: Nope.  They're just the regularly numbered Sundays of Ordinary Time.

All Souls 

EF: November 2, unless it falls on a Sunday, then it's November 3. (November 2 would be the numbered Sunday after Pentecost - in the case of this year, 2014, the 21st Sunday)

OF: November 2, regardless if it falls on a Sunday or not.

Finally, what about Christ the King and the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year? 

EF: Christ the King is on the last Sunday in October, and the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year is simply the Last Sunday after Pentecost.

OF: The last Sunday in October is the regularly numbered Sunday of Ordinary Time, and the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year is Christ the King.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Saturday, November 1 - 10 AM
All Saints (Extraordinary Form High Mass)
Celebrant: Father Bucci

Sung Mass Ordinary: Missa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", music by Federico Caudana
- We've used this setting at many an Ordinary Form Mass as well.

Introit: Gaudeamus in Domino, from The Complete Proper of the Mass by Koch and Greene
Gradual and Alleluia: Timete Dominum and Venite ad me, respectively, both from Proper of the Mass by Father Carlo Rossini
Credo III
Offertory:
- (Proper) Justorum animae, from The Complete Proper of the Mass by Koch and Greene
- (Hymn) Ubi Caritas, Worship, #598
Communion:
- (Proper) Beati mundo cordo, from Proper of the Mass for All Sundays of the Year, by Father Theodore Laboure (taken from three of the eight Beatitudes: "Blessed are the pure in heart...", "Blessed are the peacemakers...", and "Blessed are those persecuted...")
- (Motet) Beati qui lugent, music by Lorenzo Perosi (taken from an additional Beatitude: "Blessed are those who mourn...")
Recessional hymn: For all the saints, Maroon hymnal, #126

Saturday, November 1 - 5 PM
Sunday, November 2 - 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM
All Souls (Ordinary Form)

Sung Mass Ordinary: Missa Pro Defunctis
- Basically, it's the simple chant Mass XVIII, but the Agnus Dei is somewhat altered.  "Miserere nobis" (Have mercy on us) is "Dona eis requiem" (Grant them rest), and "Dona nobis pacem" (Grant us peace) is "Dona eis requiem sempiternam" (Grant them eternal rest).
Alleluia: music by Theodore Marier (versicle sung to Tone 5)

Introit: Requiem aeternam, chant Mode VI
- Replaces the "entrance hymn" today.  Chanted by the choir (albeit three of us).
Gloria is omitted!!!
Psalm 23: My shepherd is the Lord, nothing indeed shall I want, music by Fr. Joseph Gelineau, SJ.
Offertory hymn: Jesus, Son of Mary, Maroon hymnal, #223
Communion anthem: Pie Jesu, music by Gabriel Faure
Meditation hymn: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, Worship, #488
Recessional hymn: In Paradisum, Worship, #178 (in Latin)

Sunday, November 2, 12:30 PM
Sunday XXI after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form Low Mass)
Celebrant: Father Puleo

Entrance hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Maroon hymnal, #279
Offertory: organ improvisation on theme TBD
Communion responsory: Miserere illi Deus, from the St. Gregory Hymnal
Recessional hymn: O God, our help in ages past, Maroon hymnal, #289

Peace,
BMP