Monday, November 29, 2004
Mass Under a Microscope: Communion Song
By popular request, a treatment of the communion song. In IGRM 86 we read:
"During the priest’s reception of communion, the communion song is begun."
Please notice the proper practice of not watching the priest's and other ministers' communion in silence. For several years now, I've instructed songleaders to announce the song or the accompanist to begin it as soon as the people make their response, "Lord I am not worthy ..."
"Its function is to express outwardly the communicants’ union in spirit by means of the unity of their voices, to give evidence of joy of heart and to highlight more the "communitarian" character of the communion procession."
I fail to see the lack of clarity here. The people sing it. "Outwardly." And with "unity" of voice. It is an outward sign of a sacramental event that has both a public character and an individual moment of encounter. Granted, many parishes find ill luck in getting people to sing at Communion time. But I still think it an effort worth making, and making gently and persistently.
"The song continues while the Sacrament is being ministered to the faithful. But the communion song should be ended in good time whenever there is to be a hymn after communion.
Care must be taken that cantors are also able to receive communion conveniently."
Sensible shoes, Roman style. Do our parish EM's wait for the choir and cantor? If there is a loft, are EM's assigned to serve the choir?
GIRM 87 continues with a hierarchy of preferences:
1. "An antiphon from the Graduale Romanum may also be used for the communion song, with (the psalm)"
2. "... or without the psalm,"
3. "... or an antiphon with psalm from Graduale Simplex"
4. "... or another suitable liturgical song approved by the Conference of Bishops may be used."
5. "If there is no singing, the communion antiphon in the Missal may be recited either by the faithful,
6. "... or by a group of them,"
7. "... or by a reader."
8. "Otherwise the priest himself says it after he has received communion and before he gives communion to them."
First, I note that a choral anthem comes in at least ninth on this eight-part list. It is simply not provided for. Second, I note that it is clear the two volumes of chant are pretty much indispensible for a parish music ministry.
Any other comments?
