Catholic Sensibility

The Mass Under A Microscope: Psalm In college, it was an unusual experience to sing the psalm, unlike my home parish in an urban neighborhood, which had psalmists at least as far back as 1972, when I began to notice such things. At the Newman Community, the pastor studied liturgy at Notre Dame for a few summers, and each Fall, the liturgy committee and three music groups were initiated into new developments. After I graduated and while I still worked for the University, we commenced an organized catechesis on the psalm. I was appointed to plan the workshop for the musicians, which involved bringing in the diocesan music director. The original thought was to have two psalms in our repertoire, a "happy" one and a "sad" one, but fortunately, we managed to convince the powers-that-be that seasonal psalms were a good way to go. Here's what the GIRM says in section 61: After the first reading comes the responsorial Psalm, which is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and holds great liturgical and pastoral importance, because it fosters meditation on the word of God. I've never liked or used the adjective "responsorial." Too many misconceptions remain about its purpose. It is integral to the Mass, and not a "response" to the first reading. The responsorial Psalm should correspond to each reading and should, as a rule, be taken from the Lectionary. A surprising bit of leeway given here. It is preferable that the responsorial Psalm be sung, at least as far as the people's response is concerned. Hence, the psalmist, or the cantor of the Psalm, sings the verses of the Psalm from the ambo or another suitable place. First choice ambo, second choice anywhere else that's "suitable." The entire congregation remains seated and listens but, as a rule, takes part by singing the response, except when the Psalm is sung straight through without a response. Sensible. The musical composition of the Psalm dictates how much of it the people will sing. Theoretically, chanting a psalm text antiphonally is an option, though I think variations from the routine might be more distracting than helpful. In order, however, that the people may be able to sing the Psalm response more readily, texts of some responses and Psalms have been chosen for the various seasons of the year or for the various categories of Saints. Our first option at Newman. Not a bad way to begin, presuming that the music ministry is putting great effort into making this one of the musical highlights of each liturgy. In my opinion, a parish can use this clause as a way to gradually build up repertoire until the psalm of the day can be well-presented each and every week. These may be used in place of the text corresponding to the reading whenever the Psalm is sung. Great. Another priority listing ... If the Psalm cannot be sung, then it should be recited in such a way that it is particularly suited to fostering meditation on the word of God. i.e. not routinely ... In the dioceses of the United States of America, the following may also be sung in place of the Psalm assigned in the Lectionary for Mass: 1. ... either the proper 2. ... or seasonal antiphon and Psalm from the Lectionary, as found either a. ... in the Roman Gradual b. ... or Simple Gradual c. ... or in another musical setting; 3. ... or an antiphon and Psalm from another collection of the psalms and antiphons, including psalms arranged in metrical form, providing that they have been approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop. Lots of fussing in ortho-Catholicism about psalm paraphrases. Is "Shepherd Me O God" a song or a psalm setting? Does it fall under the category of 1c (proper Psalm with another musical setting) or is it covered under the following: Songs or hymns may not be used in place of the responsorial Psalm. Liturgical law suggests that if the USCCB or diocesan bishop weighs in against particular styles or songs or settings, you have a case. Lacking a clear policy against, it could be argued that such psalm paraphrases (which would be necessary under the clause of "psalms arranged in metrical form," as listed above) are within the bounds of GIRM 61. Musicians should be critical of particular settings from the musical judgment. Once a parish is singing psalms well and has a more or less full repertoire, upgrading should be a consideration. Another rarely used option is to employ psalms at Communion time. That's a good place for cantors and choir to shine on verses, leaving the people their refrain. Assuming parishioners are well-prepared, there should be a minimum of confusion as psalmody is given a more rightful pride of place in parish music repertoire.