When most people attend a wedding ceremony, they think of themselves as spectators, not as participants. However, as Catholics, any time we gather together to celebrate the Eucharist, including for Nuptial Masses, the faithful are called to full, active, and conscious participation. This includes participating full-voice in the singing where it is called for.
So exactly where is congregational singing called for? The main opportunities to get everyone in on the music are at the following times during Mass (listed in order of importance, not the order that they occur in the liturgy).
The "Mass Parts" - As we prepare for communion, there are several sung acclamations, just as there are every Sunday. These are the "Holy, Holy" or Sanctus, the Memorial Acclamation ("When we eat this bread and drink this cup…" or one of several other variants), the Great Amen, and the Lamb of God. The particular musical versions of these parts of the Mass are usually chosen by the music minister and will, ideally, be familiar to most of the practicing Catholics in attendance. Choosing a set of Mass parts that are universally known has become considerably more difficult with the revisions to our liturgy that occurred in 2011. Because there have been many textural and musical changes as of late to these sung acclamations, it is advisable to include this music in your wedding program, or at least reference where the music could be found in the Church's hymnal. Doing so will increase the likelihood that the congregation will participate in the singing at these most important moments.
The Responsorial Psalm - As a part of the liturgy of the word, the Responsorial Psalm is our sung response to the first reading. It usually consists of a short refrain that is first sung by the cantor, and then repeated by the congregation in between verses of the Psalm. Choosing a well known Psalm is a good way to increase participation. Some well known Psalms that are appropriate to the wedding liturgy would include "Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord", "I Will Praise Your Name, My King and My God", "Blest Are Those Who Love You", and "The Lord is Kind and Merciful". If you choose a Psalm that isn't part of the regular Sunday repertoire, your wedding program should include the music to the refrain or at least the words.
The Communion Song - Again, familiarity is the way to go here. As people are processing forward, receiving communion, and returning to their places, you don't want them to be fumbling with hymnals or trying to keep their place in a worship brochure. Use a communion song that is well-known to your community- maybe "Taste and See", "I Am the Bread of Life", "One Bread, One Body", or "Gift of Finest Wheat". If there will be a considerable number of non-Catholics in attendance, consider something like "Amazing Grace" or "How Great Thou Art" that are well known across the various Christian denominations. Since non-Catholics will not be receiving communion, it is especially important that they do not feel left out of the singing as well.
Preparation of the Gifts - Typically, this time is filled with an instrumental or vocal solo at wedding ceremonies. However, if your group is big into the singing, this is another occasion where you could insert a congregational hymn or song. The mood could be upbeat and joyous, or relaxed and meditative. In most instances, I would recommend letting the congregation sit this one out and just enjoy the talents of your hired musicians.
Gathering Song - Believe it or not, the Church makes provisions to sing a gathering song as the bride is processing in or immediately after she and the groom have taken their places at the altar. I have rarely seen this done, but it could very effective if you have a strong singing congregation. Getting everyone up and involved from the beginning could set the stage for making your wedding a truly communal celebration and a work of all the faithful who have gathered.
So to sum up- stick with what is likely to be well-known by your guests wherever congregational singing is concerned. Save your creative music selections for other parts of the Mass where solo instrumental or vocal music is more appropriate. The ideal Catholic wedding Mass will contain a mixture of new and familiar elements that will yield a unique celebration steeped in our great traditions.
***
Read on and get an in-depth overview of the ways music is incorporated into the Catholic Wedding Mass. Good luck as your big day draws near!
No comments:
Post a Comment