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!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Hiring a singer- Should I ask Aunt Jillian/Cousin Becky/my best friend to sing at my wedding?
The short answer-
Probably not.
The long explanation-
I've worked with many brides who wish to have a friend or family member sing for their wedding Mass. It's only natural to want to have special people surrounding you on this most special day, and the ministers at your wedding Mass are no exception. But these situations almost always lead to much anxiety and in some cases hurt feelings.
It usually goes something like this. In a flurry of emotion, the bride asks her close friend or family member (or sometimes distance acquaintance) to sing at her wedding. The chosen individual has a nice voice, but doesn't have experience singing for Catholic Masses. As the date draws nearer and it becomes apparent that there is a lot more to fulfilling the role of the cantor than was first thought, everyone begins to stress out. Many times, a professional cantor with experience ends up being hired anyway to lead the congregational singing and keep the ceremony proceeding smoothly.
Even in cases where a friend or relative has sufficient experience as a cantor, asking them to fill this role in your wedding prevents them from being able to fully enjoy the day, as they will, no doubt, be preoccupied with the task at hand.
So my best advice: employ the services of a professional cantor. Ask your friend to sing just one song if you really think it would be a meaningful addition to the liturgy. You will be much less stressed, they will be better able to enjoy the day, and the ceremony will go more smoothly.
--- Luke Bartolomeo has also written a more detailed overview of the parts of a Catholic Wedding and how music relates to them. Best wishes in your preparations!
Probably not.
The long explanation-
I've worked with many brides who wish to have a friend or family member sing for their wedding Mass. It's only natural to want to have special people surrounding you on this most special day, and the ministers at your wedding Mass are no exception. But these situations almost always lead to much anxiety and in some cases hurt feelings.
It usually goes something like this. In a flurry of emotion, the bride asks her close friend or family member (or sometimes distance acquaintance) to sing at her wedding. The chosen individual has a nice voice, but doesn't have experience singing for Catholic Masses. As the date draws nearer and it becomes apparent that there is a lot more to fulfilling the role of the cantor than was first thought, everyone begins to stress out. Many times, a professional cantor with experience ends up being hired anyway to lead the congregational singing and keep the ceremony proceeding smoothly.
Even in cases where a friend or relative has sufficient experience as a cantor, asking them to fill this role in your wedding prevents them from being able to fully enjoy the day, as they will, no doubt, be preoccupied with the task at hand.
So my best advice: employ the services of a professional cantor. Ask your friend to sing just one song if you really think it would be a meaningful addition to the liturgy. You will be much less stressed, they will be better able to enjoy the day, and the ceremony will go more smoothly.
--- Luke Bartolomeo has also written a more detailed overview of the parts of a Catholic Wedding and how music relates to them. Best wishes in your preparations!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
An Overview of Music in the Catholic Wedding Mass
Making all of the necessary arrangements for a wedding Mass can seem like a daunting task. One of the biggest challenges that couples face is often the planning of Catholic wedding music, and understanding how it fits in to the various parts of the ceremony. We'll break down the liturgy into five parts and explore how music is a part of each.
Entrance Procession
Once your guests have all arrived, the parents and grandparents have been seated, and the bridal party is in place, it is time to begin. Choosing the music to accompany you down the aisle is an important decision. Do you really want to have "Here Comes the Bride" or "Canon in D" simply because it seems that everyone else uses them? So many other great pieces of classical and contemporary instrumental music exist that are appropriate for wedding processions. You could stick with the traditional organ accompaniment or opt for something more subtle, like a harp and violin duo. Maybe a string quartet. However, you want this moment to reflect your individuality. The music you choose here really will set the tone for the rest of the celebration. See the Online Music Planner for specific recommendations.
Scripture Readings - The Liturgy of the Word
Hopefully, you have received during your wedding preparations a booklet containing a list of suggested readings. Typically, you are to pick two readings that will be read by friends or family members of your choosing and also a Gospel passage which will be read by the Priest or Deacon.
Musically, we are concerned with one important event that happens at this point in the Mass- the Responsorial Psalm. The Psalm is actually a sung reading and should be the responsibility of the cantor you have hired to sing. Your planning booklet will also contain recommendations for the Psalm, but not all of them have good musical settings. You might want to get some music recommendations from your cantor or parish music director rather than just picking blindly from the list. A good contemporary Psalm for weddings has been written by Rory Cooney entitled, "Every Moment in Your Eyes". It's a good choice, as it blends the two main themes of the day- the love a husband and wife have for each other and the love that God has for us.
Rite of Marriage
The most important actions for the couple about to be married all happen at this time during the Mass. Music plays only a minor role, amid the exchanging of vows and sharing of rings.
However, if you choosing to include the tradition of the Unity Candle during the Marriage Rite, it might be nice to have some soft, instrumental music to accompany that moment. You might also choose to have a short, sacred piece of music sung during this time. The Unity Candle is not a required part of the nuptial Mass, so if you do include it, it is best to not draw out the action longer than necessary. Two minutes of music at the most should be sufficient. If you (and your cantor) don't have a particular song in mind for the lighting of the Unity Candle that has special meaning for you, just go ahead and ask you musician to pick something quiet and tasteful to play.
Liturgy of the Eucharist / Communion
From this point out, Mass continues much the same as it would on any given Sunday morning. As we prepare to celebrate communion, bread and wine are brought forward from the congregation (don't forget to pick two or three family members or friends to do this). During this time of preparation is the perfect time to feature a special vocal solo or instrumental piece. Because there is not much action going on, other than the priest preparing the altar, the congregation is free to put their full attention on the music. If you have one piece of music that is extra special to you on this big day, I would recommend including it here, during the Preparation of the Gifts.
During the actual time of communion itself, the Church prefers that will all join together in the singing of a hymn. In order to avoid the awkwardness of people having to hunt around for hymnals and look up page numbers, your best bet is to plan a song that is very familiar- something that most of the congregation will be able to sing from memory (at least the refrain.) For Catholics, a communion song like "One Bread, One Body" or "Take and Eat" might be good choices. Feel free to pick something that is well known in your particular parish. If there will be a mix of various Christian denominations in attendance, you could choose a common hymn like "How Great Thou Art" or "Amazing Grace". In lieu of congregational singing, you could also pick to just have some reverent, meditative instrumental music played during communion.
After communion, it is traditional in many places for the bride to place flowers before a statue of Mary and offer some short prayers. If you have a strong Marian devotion, you should definitely make this tradition part of your ceremony, but it is not required. Almost always, "Ave Maria" is sung during this time, although another Marian song such as "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" would be just as appropriate.
The Concluding Rites
Congratulations! You did it. After the priest offers a final blessing on the bride and groom and the entire congregation, you can walk proudly down that aisle with a smile on your face, and into the rest of your lives.
Your recessional music should be festive and joyous, but don't worry to much about choosing just the right piece. In my experience, most everyone will be too preoccupied to pay much attention to the music at this point, so just go with something that lends to the celebratory atmosphere.
With a little bit of planning, this day will be one you always look back on with the fondest of memories!
For some specific music recommendations and other tips on choosing the music for your wedding Mass, visit Catholic Wedding Songs and listen to dozens of possibilities!
Entrance Procession
Once your guests have all arrived, the parents and grandparents have been seated, and the bridal party is in place, it is time to begin. Choosing the music to accompany you down the aisle is an important decision. Do you really want to have "Here Comes the Bride" or "Canon in D" simply because it seems that everyone else uses them? So many other great pieces of classical and contemporary instrumental music exist that are appropriate for wedding processions. You could stick with the traditional organ accompaniment or opt for something more subtle, like a harp and violin duo. Maybe a string quartet. However, you want this moment to reflect your individuality. The music you choose here really will set the tone for the rest of the celebration. See the Online Music Planner for specific recommendations.
Scripture Readings - The Liturgy of the Word
Hopefully, you have received during your wedding preparations a booklet containing a list of suggested readings. Typically, you are to pick two readings that will be read by friends or family members of your choosing and also a Gospel passage which will be read by the Priest or Deacon.
Musically, we are concerned with one important event that happens at this point in the Mass- the Responsorial Psalm. The Psalm is actually a sung reading and should be the responsibility of the cantor you have hired to sing. Your planning booklet will also contain recommendations for the Psalm, but not all of them have good musical settings. You might want to get some music recommendations from your cantor or parish music director rather than just picking blindly from the list. A good contemporary Psalm for weddings has been written by Rory Cooney entitled, "Every Moment in Your Eyes". It's a good choice, as it blends the two main themes of the day- the love a husband and wife have for each other and the love that God has for us.
Rite of Marriage
The most important actions for the couple about to be married all happen at this time during the Mass. Music plays only a minor role, amid the exchanging of vows and sharing of rings.
However, if you choosing to include the tradition of the Unity Candle during the Marriage Rite, it might be nice to have some soft, instrumental music to accompany that moment. You might also choose to have a short, sacred piece of music sung during this time. The Unity Candle is not a required part of the nuptial Mass, so if you do include it, it is best to not draw out the action longer than necessary. Two minutes of music at the most should be sufficient. If you (and your cantor) don't have a particular song in mind for the lighting of the Unity Candle that has special meaning for you, just go ahead and ask you musician to pick something quiet and tasteful to play.
Liturgy of the Eucharist / Communion
From this point out, Mass continues much the same as it would on any given Sunday morning. As we prepare to celebrate communion, bread and wine are brought forward from the congregation (don't forget to pick two or three family members or friends to do this). During this time of preparation is the perfect time to feature a special vocal solo or instrumental piece. Because there is not much action going on, other than the priest preparing the altar, the congregation is free to put their full attention on the music. If you have one piece of music that is extra special to you on this big day, I would recommend including it here, during the Preparation of the Gifts.
During the actual time of communion itself, the Church prefers that will all join together in the singing of a hymn. In order to avoid the awkwardness of people having to hunt around for hymnals and look up page numbers, your best bet is to plan a song that is very familiar- something that most of the congregation will be able to sing from memory (at least the refrain.) For Catholics, a communion song like "One Bread, One Body" or "Take and Eat" might be good choices. Feel free to pick something that is well known in your particular parish. If there will be a mix of various Christian denominations in attendance, you could choose a common hymn like "How Great Thou Art" or "Amazing Grace". In lieu of congregational singing, you could also pick to just have some reverent, meditative instrumental music played during communion.
After communion, it is traditional in many places for the bride to place flowers before a statue of Mary and offer some short prayers. If you have a strong Marian devotion, you should definitely make this tradition part of your ceremony, but it is not required. Almost always, "Ave Maria" is sung during this time, although another Marian song such as "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" would be just as appropriate.
The Concluding Rites
Congratulations! You did it. After the priest offers a final blessing on the bride and groom and the entire congregation, you can walk proudly down that aisle with a smile on your face, and into the rest of your lives.
Your recessional music should be festive and joyous, but don't worry to much about choosing just the right piece. In my experience, most everyone will be too preoccupied to pay much attention to the music at this point, so just go with something that lends to the celebratory atmosphere.
With a little bit of planning, this day will be one you always look back on with the fondest of memories!
For some specific music recommendations and other tips on choosing the music for your wedding Mass, visit Catholic Wedding Songs and listen to dozens of possibilities!
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