STATIONS OF THE CROSS (at 6:30) and I LENT (at 8:00)

Now is the accepted time.  Now is the day of salvation.

It is that season where we prepare for the Lord's Passion, Death and Resurrection, where we repent our sins, those very sins for which the Lord's death and resurrection has saved us.  I remember working at one parish where one alto in the choir once said at rehearsal, "I hate Lent music.  It's so depressing."  Well, not all church music is meant to be happy.  It should be known, however, that the only music that she thinks should be sung at Mass is contemporary music.

Nonetheless, there is a mood change in the music for the season, not only in the hymns/responses themselves, but in the way they are executed.  Traditional rules call for no organ at all during Lent, except on solemnities or feasts or on Laetare Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Lent).  Of course, liturgical directives have changed a few times around since 1969 and much of tradition is not followed at all.  The compromise these days is to only use the organ to support singing (whether it be by the congregation or by a choir).  That means NO prelude, NO postlude.  For some, unfortunately (and I've seen this), is to substitute the piano for the organ.

For that reason, I have decided that during Lent I will not be playing a prelude or postlude, except for the weekend of March 29/30 (the Fourth Sunday of Lent, that is, Laetare, or "Rejoice", Sunday).  This is a practice for me that I haven't gotten to use since my days in Tiverton (2004-2007), and it's high time I used it.  I will also take on my usual practice of taking a little bit off the organ - not a complete softening of the instrument - but maybe eliminate a stop or two that might sound "flashy" or "bombastic", more fit for joyous seasons like Christmas and Easter and even "Ordinary Time".

Stations of the Cross (Fridays in Lent at 6:30 PM)

I'm thrilled to have been asked by Father Dandeneau to supply the music for Stations of the Cross on Fridays in Lent (and 3:00 PM on Good Friday).  Here we will sing an opening and closing hymn, as well of the verses provided of the hymn Stabat Mater (well, an English translation thereof) en route to each station.

Entrance hymn: #140 Lord, who throughout these forty days ("St. Flavian") (Listen)
- There will be a different entrance hymn each week, usually one that was just used recently.
For each station: the aforementioned Stabat Mater verses in English provided in the Stations booklet
Recessional hymn: #705 Lift high the cross ("Crucifer")
- This will be the recessional hymn for all Fridays.

And now, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

March 9 - First Sunday of Lent (8:00 AM)

Entrance hymn: #132 Forty days and forty nights ("Heinlein") (Listen)

- In today's Gospel, Luke's account of Jesus fasting in the desert for forty days and forty nights, tempted many times by Satan.

Kyrie XVI (simplified form) or recited.

The Gloria is OMITTED during Lent except for solemnities and feasts.

Psalm 91: R./ Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble (response music by C. Alexander Peloquin, versicle music by Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Gospel Acclamation (in lieu of Alleluia): Praise to you, Lord, Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Offertory hymn: #130 Led by the Spirit ("Kingsfold") (Listen)

- Another hymn about fasting, praying and curtailing temptation.  A more familiar hymn, "I heard the voice of Jesus say", carries this same tune.

Sanctus: #874 Heritage Mass

Memorial Acclamation: #12 (on page 17) Save us, Savior of the world (Official ICEL chant)

The Amen which concludes the Eucharistic Prayer will be just a single Amen sung on two notes: do do-re (A-men_), a capella. You will find this toward the top of page 22.

Agnus Dei XVIII: #846

Communion anthem: My song is love unknown ("Love Unknown")

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

- Special attention to the second verse, "We may not live by bread alone, but by thy word of grace..." and its allusion to the Alleluia verse of the day. This also shows up in the Gospel, as Jesus' response to one of the many temptations made by Satan.

Recessional hymn: #140 Lord, who throughout these forty days ("St. Flavian")

- The finale of the Mass, again, fasting, praying, and conquering temptation.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP