The monthly men's choir I've been organizing this year sang at my suburban parish today for the eighth and last time -- last because (as I mentioned the other day) we've been laid off.
These were the sung parts:
Before Mass: Introit Benedicta sit
Entrance Hymn: All hail, adored Trinity (Old 100th)
Kyrie XVI
Gloria: recited (priest's preference, pfff)
Psalm (actually, a canticle from Daniel today): refrain on an OCP setting, verses on a psalm tone.
Alleluia: from Theodore Marier's hymnal
Offertory Hymn: Come, Thou Almighty King (Italian Hymn)
Sanctus XVIII
Memorial acclamation and Great Amen: Danish Amen Mass
Agnus Dei XVIII
At Communion: a chant hymn, Adesto sancta Trinitas, from the Cantus selecti
Recessional: Holy, Holy, Holy (Nicea)
We had an unusually large congregation today, with big young families overflowing into the choir loft. Maybe the word's been getting around. When the congregation got going on the final hymn, I realized that the singing had been downright vigorous, a real surprise for what John Schultz calls a Sunday evening "hangover Mass".
I'm glad we were able to go out with such good participation from the folks. Maybe the pastor and the music director will even get some feedback about people wanting classic Catholic music, and it might help the parish. As for me, I'll be happy to return to the easier status of being a singer in somebody else's choir. Thanks to the guys, congratulations to me :-) , and yes, thanks to the pastor and the music director who allowed it for eight months.
Gotta write some thank-you notes, and I still have to book that discussion with the pastor.
I don't get it RIchard. Why did they do this if it was going over so well?
When I am a pastor and if you were to move into my parish: YOU ARE HIRED!
Don't give up! Book that meeting with your pastor.
I remember a moment of epiphany for me WRT music of the kind you sing, Richard. I was raised on Glory and Praise, and I still kinda like that tv theme music collection of church songs.
But at Wernersville, PA, during a retreat, you and Gord Nixon were shooting pool, one of you began a song, the other came in to harmonize, and it was such a beautiful, spontaneous moment of music that something clicked in my head. I can't remember what you were singing, but I believe it was a hymn. It was then that I decided to take singing/music lessons, so I could learn how to do such a thing.
I'm sure your choir was most excellent. Good job, you'll have another turn at it some day I have no doubt.
Sad news indeed... But do have that meeting with the pastor. Some good may come from it.