THANKSGIVING DAY at 9 and FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT at 8

Sorry I'm late with the Thanksgiving Day list.  Very hectic week at Chez Page lol.

Anyways, I'll start you with that list...

Thanksgiving Day (November 27) 9 AM

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 236 in the Breaking Bread hymnal
Psalm 145: R./ I will praise your Name for ever, O Lord (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: #217 We gather together ("Kremser")
Offertory hymn: #220 Come, ye thankful people, come ("St. George's Windsor")
- same tune as "Hail, Redeemer, King divine", which we sang the previous two Sundays.
Communion hymn: #345 Gift of Finest Wheat ("Bicentennial")
Recessional hymn: #205 Now thank we all our God ("Nun Danket")

And now...

First Sunday of Advent (November 30) 8 AM

"Stay awake!  You'll never know on which day the Lord will come!"
This is the theme of this First Sunday of Advent each year, with each of the first three Evangelists (in biblical order) writing their own take on it.  This year we begin Year A in the regular three-year rotation, so we hear Matthew's take.

For myself and many organists/music directors/singers I've talked to, whether online or in person, Advent is my favorite season in terms of hymnody and other liturgical music.  So many gorgeous hymns.  The First Sunday of Advent alone is chocked full of hymns that speak of that preparedness we need for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but there is only room for so many!!!  Here's what we'll be singing this weekend...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Kyrie (if sung): parrot Father (read: repeat what he sings/says)
THE GLORIA IS OMITTED IN ADVENT (except for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8)
Sanctus: #9 on page 14, ICEL chant
Memorial Acclamtion: #10 on page 16, We proclaim your death, O Lord, ICEL chant
Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)
Agnus Dei: #843, Mass XVIII

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 31 in the Breaking Bread hymnal
- As customary, the new 2026 Breaking Bread hymnal begins with Advent, the beginning of the Liturgical Year, not the calendar year.
Psalm 122: R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (BMP)
- The same response as last week, but using all five verses instead of just three.  The number of verses we sing of the Responsorial Psalm, by the way, is not my choice, but appointed by the Lectionary for Mass.  Last weekend (Christ the King, Year C) called for the first three verses.  This weekend (I Advent, Year A) calls for all five.
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: #39, O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")
Offertory hymn: #44, O come, divine Messiah ("Venez, Divin Messie") (Listen)
- In my days in Woonsocket, I've had a couple of occasions where we sang this in the original French.
Communion hymn: #47, The King shall come when morning dawns ("Morning Song") (Listen)
Recessional hymn: #59, Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates ("Truro") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!

Our last Sunday of the Year is affectionately known as Christ the King (sometimes branded as "Christus Rex" or "X-Rex").  The formal title is "Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe", faithful to the Latin title that appears in the Graduale Romanum, "Dominus Noster Jesus Christus Universorum Regis".  Traditionally this Solemnity was celebrated on the last Sunday in October.  In 1969, with the advent of the Novus Ordo, we changed from a one-year liturgical cycle to a three-year liturgical cycle, and a good amount of feasts changed dates.  "X-Rex" is one of those.

One hymn I can never in good conscience do without on Christ the King is To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King.  Sure, there are a number of hymns dedicated to Christ the King, including the ones we're singing this weekend.  But To Jesus Christ... particularly stands out for me.

One of the antiphons still heard in many high churches, whether it be the chant setting, the Roman/Vatican setting or even a more modern setting (including my own) is Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!  Literally translated, that is, Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands!  In writing the text of To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King, Msgr. Martin B. Hellreigel included a paraphrase of that antiphon: Christ Jesus victor, Christ Jesus ruler, Christ Jesus Lord and Commander.  Of course in just about every hymnal, the ending is now Christ Jesus Lord and Redeemer, however, Msgr. Hellreigel originally wrote "Commander", which literally corresponds with "Christus imperat".  When it got changed to "Redeemer", I don't know, and I couldn't find anything on it in my grasp, but nonetheless, Christ is our victor, ruler, commander and Redeemer!  This will be our recessional hymn this weekend.

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 234 in the Breaking Bread hymnal
Psalm 122: R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (BMP)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: #724 Rejoice! the Lord is King ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: #722 Hail, Redeemer, King Divine ("St. George's Windsor") (Listen)
Communion hymn: #714 Alleluia! sing to Jesus ("Hyfrydol") (Listen)
Recessional hymn: #717 To Jesus Christ, our sov'reign King ("Ich Glaub an Gott") (Listen)

- The listen link is played on a five-manual behemoth of a pipe organ in Chicago. :)

CHRISTUS VINCIT!  CHRISTUS REGNAT!  CHRISTUS IMPERAT!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

OK, A NUMBERED SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (but for only this one time) - 8:00 EDITION

Yes, we are almost done Year C, the third of the three years in the liturgical rotation, aka "The Luke Year" (Year A, which begins November 30, the First Sunday of Advent is "The Matthew Year"; Year B, the following year, is "The Mark Year"; John's Gospel pops in and out during all three of the years).  While we're not in the last week of the Year (how the name "Ordinary Time" ever came about in the late 1970s is beyond me), the following Sunday is Christ the King (formally, Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe).  However, the six weekdays that follow Christ the King is considered the Thirty-Fourth Week of the Year.  This Sunday is the Thirty-Third (or in shorthand, Sunday XXXIII).

This weekend's music reflects the coming of Christ, our King, in glory.

Thus...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 232 in the Breaking Bread hymnal
Psalm 98: R./ The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: #722 Hail, Redeemer, King Divine ("St. George's Windsor") (Listen)
- This hymn carries the same tune as the famed Thanksgiving hymn, "Come, ye thankful people, come".  It will be repeated next Sunday.
Offertory hymn: #47 The King shall come when morning dawns ("Morning Song") (Listen)
- We last sang this hymn during Advent, one of the first hymns I may have introduced upon my arrival at St. Eugene's.
Communion responsory: Psalm 61, R./ Whatever you ask in your prayers, believe that you shall receive it, and it shall be granted unto you (BMP) (PDF)
Recessional hymn: #714 Alleluia! sing to Jesus ("Hyfrydol", verses 1 and 4) (Listen)
- The listen link here has a really cool fanfare just before the final verse.  This was recorded at Our Lady of Refuge Church in Brooklyn, NY, at the dedication of their newly-restored Kilgen organ, circa 2014.  Speaking of which, the pipe organ at our sister parish, St. Joseph's in Pascoag, was built by Kilgen as well.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

NO, THIS IS NOT SUNDAY XXXII OF THE YEAR!

Indeed, it isn't.  This Sunday, another major feast occurs - The Dedication of the Basilica (formally "Archbasilica") of St. John Lateran in Rome.  This feast always falls on November 9, even when it falls on a Sunday (thus superseding the 32nd Sunday of the Year).  This is the first time November 9 has fallen on a Sunday since 2014.  You'd think it would have had fallen once or twice more in the meantime, but leap years prevented that (we've had three leap years since - 2016, 2020 and 2024).

The significance of this feast is that St. John Lateran is the Pope's Cathedral.  While Papal Masses are held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the seat of the Pope in his capacity as Bishop of Rome.

In today's second reading, Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians, "Like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it," and "No one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely Jesus Christ."  This explains at least one of today's hymns: The Church's one foundation (is Jesus Christ, her Lord) (entrance hymn).

For the offertory I chose Lord, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray (that all thy Church might be for ever one), citing the Communion proper of the day from the Graduale Romanum, "Jerusalem is built as a city, bonded as one together."

Thus...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 230 in the Breaking Bread hymnal
Psalm 46: R./ The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High (BMP) (PDF)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: #446 The Church's one foundation ("Aurelia") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: #372 Lord, who at thy first Eucharist ("Unde et Memores") (Listen)
Communion music:
- Responsory: Psalm 122, R./ Jerusalem is built as a city, bonded as one together (BMP) (PDF)
- or Motet: Jesu, joy of man's desiring (Johann Schop, arr. by J.S. Bach)
Recessional hymn: #206 Holy God, we praise thy Name ("Grosser Gott")

Before I sign off, my other church (Sacred Heart in West Warwick) is having its Christmas Bazaar on Friday, November 7 from noon to 7 PM and Saturday, November 8 from 10 AM to 6 PM.  Come on down!  Featured raffle: THREE good-sized TVs, 55", 65" and 70"!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL FAITHFUL DEPARTED (EIGHT O'CLOCK RENDITION)

This weekend we commemorate (I almost said "celebrate" here, mea culpa; such is not the case) All the Faithful Departed.

In lieu of the Entrance hymn this Sunday, we will sing a responsory: Grant them eternal rest, O Lord (Breaking Bread hymnal, #812).  While it's categorized in the hymnal under "Order of Christian Funerals", this Introit is proper for all Masses of the Dead, including funeral Masses and for All Souls.  The response is a translation from the Latin Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.  Also, the Gloria is omitted.

I have to say that on one All Souls Day, I felt quite crept out.  Usually right after Halloween is finished, certain mainstream media begin the 24/7 playing of little ditties that they pass as Christmas music, right on until Christmas Day (how quickly they forget, Christmas STARTS at Christmas Eve and continues up through the Baptism of the Lord in January, not ends on Christmas Day).  Well on this one particular All Souls Day, I took my daughter to work on the way to my 9:00 AM Mass (she wasn't licensed to drive at the time).  As I proceeded back toward I-295 to go to Mass, I suddenly hear The Most Wonderful Time of the Year playing on the radio.  I couldn't change the station fast enough for two reasons - 1) I never liked the song to begin with, and 2) What's so "wonderful" about All Souls Day?  There's nothing to celebrate.  We commemorate all those gone from us and pray for their souls to be fit for heaven.

Therefore:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria is omitted.
Sanctus: #9 on page 14 (ICEL chant setting, in English)
Memorial Acclamation: #12 on page 17 Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)
Amen: page 26, single Amen (do do-re, or, if you're in a modal mood, so so-la, or fa fa-so)
Agnus Dei: #846 Mass XVIII

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: page 228 in the Breaking Bread hymnal
Psalm 23: R./ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Owen Alstott)
Alleluia: Theodore Marier

HYMNS, CHANTS, etc.
Introit (in lieu of Entrance Hymn): #812 Grant them eternal rest, O Lord (Owen Alstott)
Offertory hymn: #458 I heard the voice of Jesus say ("Kingsfold") (Listen)
- This nifty arrangement comes from Manchester Cathedral, United Kingdom.
Communion hymn: Jesus, Son of Mary ("Adoro Te Devote") (duet: Brian and Doris)
- This is the same tune as another hymn we've sung on occasion, "Godhead here in hiding"
Recessional hymn: Sing with all the saints in glory ("Hymn to Joy")
- The tune most widely used for "Joyful, joyful, we adore thee", or the finale of Beethoven's famed Ninth Symphony.

Prelude and postlude will be improvisations based on the Requiem aeternam and In Paradisum, respectively, as they are the appointed Latin entrance and recessional propers for the Mass for the Dead.  One should note that the Mass for the Dead (including funerals and All Souls Day) is the only time where a proper recessional is appointed in the Roman Missal.  Otherwise, no recessional is appointed at all, and, like many a parish church, a hymn is customarily sung in its place.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.  Amen.  May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXX at VIII O'CLOCK

This will be the last numbered Sunday of the Year for the next three weeks.  The following Sunday (November 2) is the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (or for short, All Souls Day).  The Saturday Mass, although on November 1 (which is normally All Saints Day) is the anticipated Mass for All Souls, as it is a late afternoon/evening Mass.  Because All Saints falls on a Saturday this year, 1 - there is no obligation, and 2 - All Saints would only apply to any morning Masses celebrated on that day.  The Sunday after that (November 9) is the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.  While St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is the Pontifical Basilica, St. John Lateran is the Cathedral of Rome, and the official seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome.

Numbering of Sundays of the Year will resume on November 16 (Sunday XXXIII), but not for long as the Sunday after that (November 23) is the Solemnity of Christ the King (formal title: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe).

Without further ado, for THIS Sunday...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Breaking Bread hymnal, page 224

Psalm 34: R./ The Lord hears the cry of the poor (BMP) (PDF)

Alleluia: Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: #434 Love divine, all loves excelling ("Hyfrydol") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: #450 The King of love my shepherd is ("St. Columba") (Listen)

Responsory during Communion: Magnificat (Tone VIII/Ciro Grassi)

Recessional hymn: #724 Rejoice, the Lord is King ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)

The listen links for this Sunday's entrance and recessional hymns feature some really cool arrangements from Buffalo, NY.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXIX at 8:00

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 222

Psalm 121: R./ Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Alleluia: Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: #217 We gather together ("Kremser") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: #369 Shepherd of souls ("St. Agnes") (Listen)

Anthem during Communion: Ave Maria (Franz Schubert) (featuring Doris)
Recessional hymn: #721 All hail the pow'r of Jesus' Name ("Coronation") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXVIII at VIII O'CLOCK

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 220

Psalm 95: R./ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (Owen Alstott)

Alleluia: Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: #212 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ("Lobe den Herren")

Offertory hymn: #471 I sing the mighty pow'r of God ("Ellacombe") (Listen)

Anthem during Communion: Lead, kindly light ("Sandon") (Listen)

- Like "Praise to the Holiest in the height", which we sang for a couple of weeks last month, the text comes from Saint John Henry Newman.

Meditation hymn: #345 Gift of Finest Wheat ("Bicentennial") (vv. 1, 2, 5)

Recessional hymn: #721 All hail the pow'r of Jesus' Name ("Coronation") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXVII at EIGHT O'CLOCK

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 218

Psalm 95: R./ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (Owen Alstott)

Alleluia: Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp.

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: #576 O God, our help in ages past ("St. Anne") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: #473 Faith of our fathers ("St. Catherine") (Listen)

Hymn during Communion: Ave Verum (Chant, Mode I with brief intervening organ improvisations)

Meditation hymn: #372 Lord, who at that first Eucharist ("Unde et Memores"/vv. 1-3) (Listen)

Recessional hymn: #471 I sing the mighty pow'r of God ("Ellacombe") (Listen)

- Same tune as such hymns as "Go, make of all disciples" and "The day of Resurrection", which we've sung before.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXVI at EIGHT O'CLOCK

 ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Breaking Bread, page 216

Psalm 146: R./ Praise the Lord, my soul (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Alleluia: Chant, Mode VI

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: #534 Praise the Lord, ye heav'ns, adore him ("Hymn to Joy") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: #556 Praise to the holiest in the height ("Newman") (Listen)

Responsory during Communon: Psalm 119, R./ Remember your word to your servant, O Lord (Adam Bartlett)

Meditation hymn: #221 Soul of my Savior ("Anima Christi") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: #710 Ye watchers and ye holy ones ("Lasst uns Erfreuen") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXV at EIGHT O'CLOCK and A NEW HYMN

And today we're back to "normalcy" (quoting Warren Harding), but only "for a time" (quoting the late great Father Richard A. Bucci, the pastor of my other parish for nearly 23 years until his death a year and a half ago) as we return to numbered Sundays of the Year.  Come November there will be two consecutive Sundays that go unnumbered (and I'm not even counting Christ the King).  November 2 and 9 are All Souls Day (formal name: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed) and the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.  I'll post more on those before the time comes.

This Sunday we will be introducing a new hymn, a hymn that I've been doing at Sacred Heart for pretty much all of the 14+ years I've been there, and I'm extremely happy to see that it FINALLY got included in the Breaking Bread hymnal.  The hymn is Praise to the Holiest in the Height.  The tune is known as two different names.  The Breaking Bread hymnal (and other hymnals) calls the tune "Billing", while  several other hymnals, including the one I work with at Sacred Heart, call it "Newman", after the author of the hymn text, Cardinal John Henry Newman, now Saint John Henry Newman.  The tune is by the English composer Richard Runciman Terry.

That said, let's jump to...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Breaking Bread, page 214

Psalm 113: R./ Praise the Lord, who lifts up the poor (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Alleluia: Chant, Mode VI

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: #212 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ("Lobe den Herren")

Offertory hymn: #556 Praise to the holiest in the height ("Newman") (Listen)

Anthem during Communion: Those who love and those who labor ("Dohmnach Trionoide") (Listen)

Meditation hymn: #479 O Lord, I am not worthy ("Non Dignus") (Listen)

- Reviving yet another classic.

Recessional hymn: #206 Holy God, we praise thy Name ("Grosser Gott")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THIS SUNDAY AT 8: THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

It's been a long time since September 14 fell on a Sunday - 11 years, for that matter.  The reason I say that:  September 14 is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which is considered a Feast in the liturgical calendar.  Now, while most Feasts do not trump the regularly numbered Sunday of the year like Solemnities do, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is one that does.  So, as the networks say when a special is about to air on TV, "The Twenty-Fourth Sunday of the Year will not be seen this Sunday so we can bring you the Exaltation of the Holy Cross."

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Breaking Bread hymnal, page 212

Psalm 78: R./ Do not forget the works of the Lord (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: Chant, Mode VI

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: #723 Crown him with many crowns ("Diademata") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: #704 Take up your cross ("Erhalt uns, Herr") (Listen)

Motet during Communion: Adoramus te, Christe (Theodore Dubois)

- The translation is something we proclaim at the beginning of every Station of the Cross, "We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee, because by thy Holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world."

Meditation hymn: #221 Soul of my Savior ("Anima Christi") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: #705 Lift high the Cross ("Crucifer") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXIII at 8, "PEOPLE'S MASS" RETURNS and THE CROSS IN SONG

At long last, the return of People's Mass by Jan Vermulst!  This Mass was sung at many a parish in the late 70s/early 80s.  This time, it returns, and with the proper adaptation in the Sanctus for the 2011 Missal translation (the Agnus Dei remains the same).

Click here to listen to the Sanctus and Agnus Dei from People's Mass.

For these next two weekends, we will be singing Cross-themed hymns (two this weekend, three next weekend).  In addition, the Memorial Acclamation Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free will be sung for September and October.  In this weekend's Gospel according to Luke, Jesus tells is disciples, "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."  In addition, the following Sunday (September 14) is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of those feasts which, while not a Holyday of Obligation when on a weekday, takes place over the 24th Sunday of the Year when on a Sunday.

A funny note: When I was working at a church in Tiverton, a visiting priest came to say Mass.  I don't remember what year (was either 2005, 2006 or 2007 - Year A, B or C, respectively, and yes, "taking up your cross" was also rendered in Gospel readings according to Matthew and Mark; Luke's rendition is this year) - but nonetheless, two of the hymns just happened to be two of the hymns we will be singing these next two weeks.  At the end of Mass, the visiting priest exclaimed (in a not-so-happy tone), "I feel like I'm in LENT!"  Hint for the locals: this priest made a few records and one could often see him with his signature 12-string guitar, especially in nearby Massachusetts.

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (or recited, celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst)
Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Savior of the world (ICEL chant)

Amen: Danish Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Breaking Bread hymnal, page 210

Psalm 90: R./ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge (BMP)
Alleluia: Chant, Mode VI

HYMNS, etc.:

Entrance hymn: #705 Lift high the Cross ("Crucifer") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: #576 O God, our help in ages past ("St. Anne") (Listen)

Communion responsory: Psalm 76, R./ Make your vows unto the Lord and accomplish them (BMP)

Meditation hymn: #704 Take up your cross ("Erhalt uns, Herr") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: #205 Now thank we all our God ("Nun Danket") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXII at 8, "COMING NEXT WEEK" (also at 8 ) and "ORDINARY VS. PROPER"

Next week: People's Mass, as I mentioned in last week's post.  Last Monday, I had some time and recorded an instructional video from the organ bench at Sacred Heart (my other parish).  I later played this for the two ladies that were counting the money from last weekend's collections and they were very familiar with the melodies of both the Sanctus and Agnus Dei from People's Mass.  I think there's a good chance some of you at St. Eugene's might be familiar as well.  Click here for a sneak preview of the Mass.

The Memorial Acclamation next week should be no stranger: Save us, Savior of the world, for by your cross and resurrection you have set us free, which we have sung before.  Why did I select this?  Next Sunday's Gospel reading (September 7, that is) tells about "taking up your cross", and the following Sunday (September 14) is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of those feasts that replaces the regularly numbered Sunday of the Year when it does fall on a Sunday.

Finally, a primer on that distinction of "Ordinary" vs. "Proper": The Ordinary of the Mass is that set of elements that are the same at every Mass.  This includes items like the Kyrie, Gloria, Creed, Sanctus, etc.  The Proper of the Mass is that set of elements that change from day to day.  This includes the readings, the Responsorial Psalm, the Alleluia and certain prayers like the Collect (just before the Readings begin), the Prayer over the Gifts (once known as the "Secret"), and the Post-Communion Prayer.

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria, unless recited)
#'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott) (from Sanctus through Agnus Dei) (final week of this setting for a time)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Psalm 68: R./ God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor. (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: Mode VI

HYMNS, etc.
Entrance hymn: #446 The Church's one foundation ("Aurelia") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: #667 Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All ("Sweet Sacrament") (Listen)
Responsory during Communion: Psalm 71, R./ O Lord, I will be mindful of your justice alone (BMP) (PDF)
Meditation hymn: #370 Godhead here in hiding ("Adoro Te Devote"/vv. 1-4 in English) (Listen)
Recessional hymn: #717 To Jesus Christ, our sov'reign King ("Ich Glaub an Gott") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XXI at EIGHT O'CLOCK

COMING SOON:  On the weekend of September 7 (Sunday XXIII), we will "revive" a Mass setting that was used mainly in the 1970s and 1980s.  That is, the Sanctus and Agnus Dei (both in English) from Jan Vermust's People's Mass.  While the Agnus Dei text remained the same when the Mass was re-translated in 2011, the first line of the Sanctus, of course, changed, and has been musically adapted accordingly by the publisher (World Library Publications) 17 years after the composer's death.  We will also revive the Danish Amen.  This will begin in two weeks and will continue through September and October.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #313 All people that on earth do dwell ("Old Hundredth") (Listen)

- The listen link is to the aforementioned "The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune", Ralph Vaughan Williams' "mess-up of Old Hundredth", complete with brass.  As the hymn was written for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, it was only fitting that his "mess-up" was encored for her 50th Anniversary of her Coronation.

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited

Psalm 117 R./ Go out to all the world and tell the good news (Mode V, adapted by BMP) (PDF)

- The music is adapted from a chant some may remember: "Adoremus in aeternum Sanctissimum Sacramentum" (Forever we adore the Most Blessed Sacrament).  This is the chant traditionally sung after Benediction, when the Monstrance is being returned to the Tabernacle.

Alleluia: Mode VI

Offertory hymn: #434 Love divine, all loves excelling ("Hyfrydol") (Listen)

- The tune here is the same as another hymn we've sung before, "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus".  The listen link comes to us from New York City.  The hymn starts at about the 3-minute mark, preceded by a nifty orchestral fanfare.  There is a gorgeous descant in the final verse.  The arrangement here is by Julian Wachner.

Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)

Anthem during Communion: O esca viatorum (Johann Michael Haydn) (Listen)

Meditation hymn: #600 Jerusalem, my happy home ("Land of Rest") (Listen)

- Neat little Early American tune!

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #137 Go, make of all disciples ("Ellacombe") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

THE THREE DAY WEEKEND IN NORTHWESTERN RHODE ISLAND

This Friday (August 15) is a holyday of obligation, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I am happy to announce that I will be your organist for both the 7:45 AM Mass at St. Eugene's and the 7:00 PM Mass at St. Joseph's (Pascoag).  The music will be the same for both churches (except maybe at Communion) as both use the Breaking Bread hymnal.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

August 15 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(7:45 AM, St. Eugene's and 7:00 PM, St. Joseph)

Entrance hymn: #209 Hail, holy Queen enthroned above ("Salve Regina Caelitum") (Listen)

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited

Psalm 45: R./ The queen stands at your right hand arrayed in gold (BMP) (PDF)

Alleluia: Mode VI

Offertory hymn: #687 Sing of Mary, pure and lowly ("Pleading Savior") (Listen)

Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)

Anthem during Communion (St. Eugene): Ave Maria (Schubert) (wDoris) :)

Responsory during Communion (St. Joseph): Magnificat, R./ All generations shall call me blessed (BMP) (PDF)

Meditation hymn: #694 O Sanctissima ("Sicilian Mariners"/vv. 1-4 in English)
Recessional hymn: #204 Immaculate Mary ("Lourdes Hymn") 

- I doubt we need a listen link for this one! ;)

August 17 - Sunday XX of the Year (8:00 AM)

Entrance hymn: #217 We gather together ("Kremser") (Listen)

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited

Psalm 40: R./ Lord, come to my aid (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Alleluia: Mode VI

Offertory hymn: #473 Faith of our fathers ("St. Catherine") (Listen)

Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)

Communion Motet: Panis angelicus (Cesar Franck) (w/Doris) ;)

Meditation hymn: #345 Gift of finest wheat ("Bicentennial"/verses 3-5) (Listen)

Recessional hymn: #576 O God, our help in ages past ("St. Anne") (Listen)

Hope to see you at the picnic Sunday afternoon! :)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XIX at EIGHT O'CLOCK

I highly doubt we need listen links for the entrance and recessional hymns. ;)

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #212 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ("Lobe den Herren") 

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own (Columba Kelly, OSB/Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Alleluia: Mode VI

Offertory hymn: #553 Immortal, invisible, God only wise ("St. Denio") (Listen)

- The new tune we sang as the recessional last Sunday.

Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Hymn during Communion: Tantum Ergo (Oreste Ravanello)

Meditation hymn: #345 Gift of finest wheat ("Bicentennial"/verses 1-3) (Listen)

- "O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord, who gives you your fill of finest wheat!"  That is the Communion Antiphon appointed for this Sunday in the Roman Missal.

Recessional hymn: #205 Now thank we all our God ("Nun Danket") 

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XVIII at EIGHT O'CLOCK

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #576 O God, our help in ages past ("St. Anne") (Listen)

- The third verse echoes the first versicle of today's Responsorial Psalm: "A thousand ages in thy sight are like an evening gone, short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun."

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited

Psalm 90: R./ If today you hear his voice... (Owen Alstott)

Alleluia: Mode VI

Offertory hymn: #628 Abide with me ("Eventide") (Listen)

Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Hymn during Communion: Panis Angelicus (Hungarian tune) (Listen)

- Recognize the voice in the listen link? ;)

Meditation hymn: #221 Soul of my Savior ("Anima Christi") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: #553 Immortal, invisible, God only wise ("St. Denio") (Listen)

- A new hymn tune that will be repeated the following Sunday as well.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XVII at EIGHT O'CLOCK

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #473 Faith of our fathers ("St. Catherine") (Listen)
Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited
Psalm 138: R./ Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me (PDF)
Alleluia: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (Listen)
Offertory hymn: #701 O God, almighty Father ("Gott Vater, Sei Gepriesen") (Listen)
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Hymn during Communion: To you I lift my soul ("Love Unknown")
Meditation hymn: #510 Make me a channel of your peace ("Prayer of St. Francis") (Listen)
- The listen link given here is a nifty arrangement as sung at Westminster Abbey.  My accompaniment is based on the listen link version, but a little slower, but not as slow as often heard at most parishes on this side of the lake.
Recessional hymn: #59 Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates ("Truro") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XVI at EIGHT O'CLOCK

"Mary has chosen the better part and it shall not be taken from her."

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #576 O God, our help in ages past ("St. Anne") (Listen)
Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited
Psalm 15: R./ He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord (BMP) (PDF)
Alleluia: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (Listen)
Offertory hymn: #667 Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All ("Sweet Sacrament") (Listen)
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Hymn during Communion: Sing, all creation ("Coelites Plaudant")
Meditation hymn: #666 O saving Victim ("Werner") (Listen)
- While the listen link is to the Latin "O Salutaris Hostia", we will sing the verses in English to this tune.
Recessional hymn: #526 Let all things now living ("Ash Grove") (Listen)
- Another revived classic!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XV at EIGHT O'CLOCK

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #434 Love divine, all loves excelling ("Hyfrydol") (Listen)
- Same tune as "Alleluia! sing to Jesus"
Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited
Psalm 19: R./ Your words, Lord, are spirit and life (BMP) (PDF)
- This is the second of two options given for this Sunday's Psalm.
Alleluia: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (Listen)
Offertory hymn: #450 The King of love my shepherd is ("St. Columba") (Listen)
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Responsory during Communion: Ubi caritas (Mode VI/in Mass Guide)
- The meditation hymn after Communion is a translation of the above Latin responsory.
Meditation hymn: #429 Where charity and love prevail ("Christian Love") (Listen)
- Today's Gospel talks about loving God, and each other.  This hymn, as well as the Latin counterpart during Communion, echoes those sentiments.
Recessional hymn: #724 Rejoice! the Lord is King ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XIV at 8:00, and "RETURN TO NORMALCY"

While we've been in the season known to many as "Ordinary Time" (or to some, perhaps, "Boring Time"), we're finally back to the numbered Sundays of the Year (or more literally, "through the Year", from the Latin "per Annum") after a string of Solemnities throughout June.  One might be quick to call it a "return to normalcy" (after the great seasons of Lent, Passiontide and Easter, plus several June solemnities).  "Return to normalcy" is the phrase attributed to President Warren Harding in 1920, after our nation going through World War I.

Given the Psalm response, Let all the earth cry out to God with joy, our entrance hymn begins, All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice..., using the classic hymn tune "Old Hundredth".  Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote an arrangement of the hymn for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953.  The first and final verses begin with fanfares that call for "all available trumpets".  In writing this, Vaughan Williams was asked to write a short motet for the Coronation.  Instead, "If you can persuade the Archbishop to have a hymn in the Coronation serivce," he quipped to the organist of Westminster Abbey, "I'll make a mess-up of 'Old Hundredth.'" (Source)

Speaking of Ralph (or "Raph", rhymes with "safe", depending on who you're talking to) Vaughan Williams, he wrote several other hymn tunes.  One of them, "Sine Nomine" (Latin for "Without Name"), is the tune to which we sang last week's entrance hymn, For all the saints.

One one of the several Facebook pages I frequent that are on the topic of church music, some have asked whether or not anyone is doing any "patriotic" music either the weekend before or after Independence Day (July 4, the day I just happen to be writing this post).  I opted for this weekend for two reasons: 1) the Fourth falls on a Friday this year, making this weekend a "three-day weekend", and 2) last weekend was the Solemnity of the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, which took a much higher priority.  So, this Sunday we will close with America, the Beautiful.

So, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #313 All people that on earth do dwell ("Old Hundredth") (Listen)

- The listen link is to the aforementioned "The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune", Ralph Vaughan Williams' "mess-up of Old Hundredth", complete with brass.  As the hymn was written for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, it was only fitting that his "mess-up" was encored for her 50th Anniversary of her Coronation.

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited
Psalm 66: R./ Let all the earth cry out to God with joy (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Alleluia: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (Listen)
Offertory hymn: #551 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven ("Lauda Anima") (Listen)

- The listen link here is one that pairs a majestic pipe organ with a digital organ.  The venue: the famed Methuen Music Hall in Methuen, Massachusetts.  The organs: the equally famed Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ and a smaller digital organ.  I don't quite remember if the digital organ was either a Rodgers or a Marshall & Ogeltree.  The two organists in this link were, sure enough, Douglas Marshall and David Ogeltree.  In addition to building their own digital product as "Marshall & Ogeltree", they were at one time the longtime New England distributor for Rodgers organs (our organ, incidentally, is a Rodgers).
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)

Hymn during Communion: In the Cross of Christ I glory ("Charlestown")
- Cute little Early American tune.
Meditation hymn: #667 Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All ("Sweet Sacrament") (Listen)
- Repeated from last week to gain more familiarity as we revisit this beloved Catholic classic.  This hymn will come up again in a couple of weeks.
Recessional hymn: #732 America, the Beautiful ("Materna")
- I really don't think we need a listen link for this one, do we?  Nah! ;)

Happy Independence Day weekend!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

SUNDAY XIII, er, I mean, SS. PETER AND PAUL (Eight O'Clock Version)

This Sunday we celebrate the sixth and final in a string of June solemnities that started with Pentecost, followed by Trinity, Corpus Christi, St. John the Baptist, Most Sacred Heart, and now SS. Peter and Paul, which this year for the first time since 2008 falls on a Sunday, and as a subsequence trumps what normally would be the 13th Sunday of the Year.

Like the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (which was last Tuesday), there are two different Masses for SS. Peter and Paul - a Vigil Mass (Saturday) and a Mass of the Day (Sunday), thus the readings (including the Psalm) differ between the two Masses.

That said...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #708 For all the saints ("Sine Nomine") (Listen)
Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited
Psalm 34: R./ The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (Listen)
Offertory hymn: #215 By all your saints still striving ("St. Theodulph"/verses 1, 2 and 13) (Listen)
- Verse 13 is specifically written for the feast of SS. Peter and Paul.  The tune is that of the Palm Sunday staple, "All glory, laud and honor".
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Communion responsory: Psalm 19, R./ O Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you, alleluia. (BMP/adapted from "Surgit in Haec Dies")
Meditation hymn: #667 Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All ("Sweet Sacrament") (Listen)
- An old Catholic classic, text written by Fr. Frederick Faber, who is most famous for authoring "Faith of our fathers".  At long last, OCP finally included this treasure in the Breaking Bread hymnal.
Recessional hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones ("Lasst uns Erfreuen") (Listen)

Happy feast!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (at 8:00)

I think I might have mentioned this bit of trivia that might be useless to some while others might remember, and had I not been experienced with the Extraordinary Form of the Mass (1962 Missal Traditional Latin Mass) at Holy Name in Providence, I might have never known either, but until the promulgation of the 1969 Missal (Ordinary Form of the Mass), Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ) and the Most Precious Blood were two seperate feasts.  In fact, Corpus Christi wasn't even on a Sunday back then, although some churches who do celebrate the Extraordinary Form will celebrate Corpus Christi on a Sunday as an "external solemnity".

Until 1969, Corpus Christi was celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, thus the following Sunday was simply the Second Sunday after Pentecost.  Thus, Corpus Christi was (and still is) a moveable feast that depends on the date of Easter.  The Most Precious Blood, however, was celebrated on the fixed date of July 1.

Since 1969, Corpus Christi has been celebrated on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday (or the Second Sunday after Pentecost), and the Most Precious Blood removed from the liturgical calendar, thus the new name for this Sunday given in recent years, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Interestingly enough, the 1974 Roman Gradual lists the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ as the Thursday after Trinity.  Turns out that, yes, it's on a Sunday in this country, but in many other countries, it's still on the Thursday.

That said, we will be singing Eucharistic-themed hymns today.  Even Alleluia! sing to Jesus! has a Eucharistic theme going in verses 3 and 4 with lines like "Alleluia! Bread of Angels, thou on earth our food, our stay" (verse 3), and "Thou on earth both Priest and Victim in the Eucharistic Feast" (verse 4).  Oh, and let's not forget verse 1, which ends "Jesus, out of every nation hath redeemed us by his Blood."

The recessional hymn is Holy God, we praise thy Name.  While the verses given don't mention the Eucharist particularly, this is the hymn that is customarily sung at many a Eucharistic Benediction as the Blessed Sacrament returns to the Tabernacle.  You'll find this in the inside back cover of the Breaking Bread hymnal.  However, the third verse (not found in the back cover, but in the hymn section) ends with "And adoring bend the knee while we own the Mystery!"

And now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #714 Alleluia! sing to Jesus ("Hyfrydol") (Listen)
Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited
Psalm 110: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek (BMP) (PDF)
Sequence: Lo! the angel's food is given (Mode V)
- NOTE: This is the short form, the last four verses of a much longer sequence, "Laud, O Sion, thy salvation" (which is 24 verses).  Thankfully (for many, I'm sure) the short form is an option.  In 1962 it was not!  In fact, since 1969, the sequence for this day is optional.  Before that, it was required!
Alleluia: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (Listen)

Offertory hymn: #372 Lord, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray ("Unde et Memores") (Listen)
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Communion anthem: Panis Angeicus (Cesar Franck)
Meditation hymn: #26 Down in adoration falling ("St. Thomas") (You will find this not in the hymn section, but at the bottom of page 116 - we will sing verses 5 and 6 in English.)
Recessional hymn: #206 Holy God, we praise thy Name ("Grosser Gott") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY at EIGHT O'CLOCK

The second of a series of six June solemnities, four of which fall on a Sunday this year.

Today's hymns, of course, focus on exactly what this Sunday is - the Most Holy Trinity.

Enough said there.  And so...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #215 Holy, holy, holy ("Nicaea") (Listen)
- I doubt we need a listen link, but the arrangement in this one is nifty.
Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited
Psalm 8: R./ O Lord, our God, how wonderful your Name in all the earth (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: setting by Dom Anthony Gregory Murray, OSB (Listen)
- This will be the Alleluia for the remainder of June and the entire month of July.  The listen link here gives a really cool extra fanfare by Rene Livron.  The part we will be singing ends at the 27-second mark.  We won't make you sing the extra fanfares (in the words of Timon and Pumbaa, "Hakuna Mutata!")     ;)
Offertory hymn: #701 O God, almighty Father ("Gott Vater, Sei Gepriesen") (Listen)
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei: #'s 874, 875, 878 and 879 respectively Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)
Communion responsory: Tobit 12 and 13, R./ Let us bless the God of heaven (BMP) (PDF)
Meditation hymn: #698 Come now, almighty King (Listen)
- Like "O God, almighty Father", each verse addresses each Person of the Trinity in order.  The fourth verse addresses the entire Trinity here (in the Offertory, that's addressed in the refrain).
Recessional hymn: #206 Holy God, we praise thy Name ("Grosser Gott") (Listen)

O most holy Trinity, undivided Unity, holy God, mighty God, God immortal, be adored!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST at 8:00

This weekend we finish off the Easter Season with the Solemnity of Pentecost, the first in a series of solemnities taking place in the month of June, a month dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The series goes like this:

    June 8 (this Sunday): Pentecost, traditionally known as "Whitsunday"
    June 15 (next Sunday): The Most Holy Trinity
    June 22: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally known as "Corpus Christi"
    June 24: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (not a holyday of obligation, but still a solemnity)
    June 27: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (always the Friday after Corpus Christi Sunday)
    June 29: Saints Peter and Paul (trumps what normally would be Sunday XIII through the Year)

The Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, is always the day after Pentecost.  The Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is always the day after the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, this year falling on June 28.

On this weekend, the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Saturday Mass is the Vigil of Pentecost, with its own set of readings and propers.  There is an Extended Vigil and a Short Vigil.  The Extended Vigil has four Old Testament readings plus Epistle and Gospel.  Like the seven Old Testament readings in the Easter Vigil, each reading the Extended Vigil of Pentecost has its own Responsorial Psalm attached to it.  In the Short Vigil, only the usual three readings (First, Second and Gospel) are read.  Any one of the four Old Testament readings may be chosen for the First Reading.  The Psalm is that attached to the fourth Old Testament reading, that is, Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth (Psalm 104).

There is also a Sequence that is chanted on Sunday (required), but omitted on Saturday.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: Come, Holy Ghost ("Lambillotte")

- I really don't think we need a listen link for this one.

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited

Psalm 104: R./ Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth (Owen Alstott)

- NOTE: The same response applies for both the Vigil and Sunday Masses.  However, the versicles differ.

Sequence: Come, thou Holy Spirit, come (Mode I)

Alleluia "O Filii et Filiae" (Mode II/arr. and verse music by BMP)

Offertory hymn: #641 O breathe on me, thou breath of God ("St. Columba") (Listen)
- The tune is the same as the tune often used for "The King of love my Shepherd is".

Sanctus: #874 Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)

Memorial Acclamation and Amen: Missa Cristo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi, adapted by BMP)

Agnus Dei: #879 Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)

Communion hymn: #198 Veni, Creator Spiritus (Mode VIII)

- The entrance hymn, "Come, Holy Ghost", is a translation of select verses of "Veni, Creator Spiritus".

Meditation hymn: #191 Be joyful, Mary, heav'nly Queen ("Regina Caeli, Jubila")

Recessional hymn: #202 Creator Spirit, by whose aid ("Lasst uns Erfreuen") (Listen)

- The tune here is the same for a couple of other well-known hymns, "All creatures of our God and King" and "Ye watchers and ye holy ones".

Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

VII EASTER AT 8:00

For my opening remarks, here is a bulletin blurb I had room for at my other parish (Sacred Heart in West Warwick).  I have made some adaptations to fit St. Eugene's.

While we are still in Easter Season until next Sunday, we are in the Sunday traditionally known as the Sunday in the Octave of Ascension (yes, until 1969, Ascension, like Easter and Christmas, had an octave).

Looking at our entrance hymn, Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (#714), the first line of the first verse finishes, "His the scepter, his the throne", and the second line of the fourth verse finishes, "Earth thy footstool, heav'n thy throne" (pointing to our Lord's Ascension). The second verse begins, "Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now." This is cited in the Alleluia verse which precedes today's Gospel.

Speaking of today's Gospel, here we learn that Jesus prayed to the Father "that all may be one as we are one." Our offertory hymn of the day, Lord, who at thy first Eucharist (#372), makes his petition known, "Lord, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray that all thy Church might be for ever one..." The Communion antiphon (almost halfway down page 168) cites that same passage.

Our meditation hymn Be Joyful, Mary (#191), a translation of Regina Caeli, as some may know, is the Marian antiphon for the Easter season.

Finally, our recessional hymn is the very standard Ascension hymn, Hail the day that sees him rise (#197).

Going back to Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, I am happy that ALL the verses are finally included in the Breaking Bread hymnal.  Verses 2 and 3, which were omitted for years until recently, are verses that really serve a purpose -- Verse 2 for reasons I mentioned above, and Verse 3 for feasts like Corpus Christi (which will be celebrated in three weeks) and other Eucharistic themes.

And now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Entrance hymn: #714 Alleluia! sing to Jesus ("Hyfrydol") (Listen)

Gloria: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Listen) or recited

Psalm 97: R./ The Lord is King, the Most High over all the earth (Richard Proulx/Joseph Gelineau)

Alleluia "O Filii et Filiae" (Mode II/arr. and verse music by BMP)

Offertory hymn: #372 Lord, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray ("Unde et Memores") (Listen)

Sanctus: #874 Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)

Memorial Acclamation and Amen: Missa Cristo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi, adapted by BMP)

Agnus Dei: #879 Heritage Mass (Owen Alstott)

Responsory during Communion: Christus Vincit (BMP) (PDF)

Meditation hymn: #191 Be joyful, Mary, heav'nly Queen ("Regina Caeli, Jubila")

Recessional hymn: #197 Hail the day that sees him rise ("Llanfair") (Listen)

Happy Ascension Octave!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP