Communion Songs - Not just any song

[LindaSK]

I don’t know what exactly is in your hymnal, but I know that we often sing “One Bread, One Body”, “Gift of Finest Wheat”, and I think another one is “I am the Bread of Life”. Heck, I can’t even remember what we sang this past Sunday (It might have been “Here I am Lord”). Then again, with all due respect to the musicians and singers that have prepared very hard to sound good, the music shouldn’t be the most memorable part of the mass.

“…the music shouldn’t be the most memorable part of the mass” As a musician, I agree. Music should enhance worship, not take over. It is nice that our efforts are appreciated, but, it is important to remember that music is certainly not the focus of the Mass. If the music is the main thing catching your attention, something is wrong. I’d rather hear people discussing a passage of scripture after Mass than the music.

The songs you named are perfect - familiar and appropriate.

 

[chriso]

How about - **#428 - ‘Christians, Let Us Love One Another’ **

Isnt this a re-write of “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”? (not that it means anything, I’m just trying to expand my historical knowledge)

 

[LindaSK]

Isnt this a re-write of “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”? (not that it means anything, I’m just trying to expand my historical knowledge)

You are right. 'Picardy" - it is a tune I admit I am partial to. Some missals include ‘Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence’ in Advent/Christmas. I do use it in Ordinary Time, too, but not during Lent. Any time the scripture readings seem to focus especially on love, I will tend toward ‘Christians, Let Us Love One Another’ or ‘One Love Released.’ ‘Christians, Let Us Love One Another’ also isn’t included in the section on Communion Hymns, so, I think it tends to be overlooked.‘We Remember’ is another one - also not in the Communion section.

 

[Tepeyac]

None of the other cantors in my church will touch Latin or Chant and the last time I tried to slip in O Lord I am Not worthy I got scolded by my Paster for doing to many slow songs.

I do not want to make the Paster mad but I do not want to do the newer (70 - 90) songs.

Do you know about the music from the Taizé community in France? It’s modern but contemplative, and sometimes majestic. It tends to appeal to young people and people who aren’t so much into traditonal sacred music. The songs can be easy to pick up and it could be a way of introducing Latin and chant-like music to people.

There are audioclips and podcasts and this page: MP3 and Podcasts

If you click “Learning the Songs” at the bottom of the left column it will give you links to song scores you can use plus MIDIs of the different parts. You might try Eat This Bread, for instance. Here is a recording on Youtube: Eat This Bread Youtube. The tempo there is a little slow but you could fix that so the pastor doesn’t get annoyed.

You can buy more material through GIA (official U.S. distributor) or Amazon.

Here’s another example on Youtube: Bless The Lord.

 

[benedictgal]

You are right. 'Picardy" - it is a tune I admit I am partial to. Some missals include ‘Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence’ in Advent/Christmas. I do use it in Ordinary Time, too, but not during Lent. Any time the scripture readings seem to focus especially on love, I will tend toward ‘Christians, Let Us Love One Another’ or ‘One Love Released.’ ‘Christians, Let Us Love One Another’ also isn’t included in the section on Communion Hymns, so, I think it tends to be overlooked.‘We Remember’ is another one - also not in the Communion section.

“We Remember”, though, is problematic. The lyrics bear somewhat of a faulty theology. Marty Haugen is not Catholic so, as I read his works, he does not possess a full understanding of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is more than gathering to share a meal. It is the Holy Sacrifice. Furthermore, his songs tend to go more towards the horizontal than the veritical. This is not a song that I would recommend for Holy Communion.

We remember how you loved us to Your death,
And still we celebrate for You are with us here.
And we believe that we will see You when you come in Your glory, Lord.
We remember, we celebrate, we believe!

Here, a million wounded souls
Are yearning just to touch you and be healed;
Gather all your people, and hold them to your heart.

Refrain

Now we recreate you love,
We bring the bread and wine to share a meal;
Sign of grace and mercy, the Presence of the Lord.

Refrain

Christ, the Father’s great “Amen”
To all the hopes and dreams of every heart;
Peace beyond all telling, and freedom from all fear.

Refrain

See the face of Christ revealed in every person standing by your side.
Gift to one another and temples of Your love.

It does not really speak to the Real Presence and reduces the Holy Eucharist to a sign and it places undue emphasis on the assembly in the last verse.

On the other hand, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" is quite appropriate, as is “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus” in its entirety. You could very well use “Let All Mortal Flesh” during Lent if you omit the final verse.

 

[benedictgal]

Do you know about the music from the Taizé community in France? It’s modern but contemplative, and sometimes majestic. It tends to appeal to young people and people who aren’t so much into traditonal sacred music. The songs can be easy to pick up and it could be a way of introducing Latin and chant-like music to people.

There are audioclips and podcasts and this page: MP3 and Podcasts

If you click “Learning the Songs” at the bottom of the left column it will give you links to song scores you can use plus MIDIs of the different parts. You might try Eat This Bread, for instance. Here is a recording on Youtube: Eat This Bread Youtube. The tempo there is a little slow but you could fix that so the pastor doesn’t get annoyed.

You can buy more material through GIA (official U.S. distributor) or Amazon.

Here’s another example on Youtube: Bless The Lord.

The only problem with “Eat this Bread” is that it is not really the best song for the faithful to sing. Each verse has a different setting to it and they are rather complicated. It works best only if the faithful sing the refrain and the cantor/choir sing the verses; however, even at that point, the ones who are singing the verses really have to know them well. If not, the results are not a joyful noise.

 

[CatholicZ09]

The only problem with “Eat this Bread” is that it is not really the best song for the faithful to sing. Each verse has a different setting to it and they are rather complicated. It works best only if the faithful sing the refrain and the cantor/choir sing the verses; however, even at that point, the ones who are singing the verses really have to know them well. If not, the results are not a joyful noise.

This is a reason why that songs that have different melodies for each verse cannot be put into a hymnal. It’s better off being in the accompaniment books. Like, for instance Barbara Bridge’s “Turn Our Hearts” only has the refrain in the hymnal, but the verses are in the accompaniment books for the cantor/choir to sing.

 

[cecilia97]

#368 "Lord, Who at Thy First Eucharist

Beautiful and easy for us untrained slobs to sing!

 

[donr]

This is why I love this forum. We can all get together to discuss our favorite songs.
I don’t really think that songs just about bread and wine are appropriate for communion. I have found some communion antipons in English that I will start using. I am also going to start using some appropriate Psalms.
There was one comment made that I feel should be touched on that we shouldn’t be leaving Mass with a focus of the music. Although the church does hold music as its most important form of art.

Thanks again for the all your suggestions.

 

[chriso]

“…the music shouldn’t be the most memorable part of the mass” As a musician, I agree. Music should enhance worship, not take over. It is nice that our efforts are appreciated, but, it is important to remember that music is certainly not the focus of the Mass. If the music is the main thing catching your attention, something is wrong. I’d rather hear people discussing a passage of scripture after Mass than the music.

The songs you named are perfect - familiar and appropriate.

Me too… especially after I’ve blown it particularly badly

 

[CatholicZ09]

Me too… especially after I’ve blown it particularly badly

Haha, do you not like your singing? I bet you sound good!

However, I do hear a lot of people comment on what the cantor did good/bad on.

 

[chriso]

Haha, do you not like your singing? I bet you sound good!

However, I do hear a lot of people comment on what the cantor did good/bad on.

Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, but I do believe that if I do my part properly, I’m pretty much unnoticed. I love it when I can sort of slip into that quiet, prayerfull sort of song and just kind of “play along with” the rest of the worshipers. I love the way their voices join together like happens from time to time when we really let Gods graces take over the whole focus like we’re supposed to.

Unfortunately, I have to admit that my path to today has stumbled through many rocky areas… I cant read music so am always searching for the chords and copy them onto the top of the words which I try to memorize… only to discover that I overlooked the order of the verses in the missalette (for instance) and find myself singing all alone (not a good sign in my experience!) But, compared to the other stuff I’ve got to be penitent about, I’m pretty sure I’ll be forgiven for not being a better musician, so all I know to do is keep trying…

 

[Monica37]

I am not a musician, but I do love Panis Angelicus. Sometimes, I feel like I could cry just listening to it. It makes complete sense to do that one at Communion. Also Adoremus Te Christe. Beautiful. I am sorry to hear there is such animosity toward the Sacred music in your church. I go to a church in Germany where people come from all over to hear the choir sing those Sacred songs.
On a side note, I attend Mass on post sometimes and one of the things that really bothers me is the lack of silence. I can’t hear my own thoughts during prayer. I can’t always recieve so I kneel and talk to God, unfortunately, when the “choir” (piano, electric guitar) is singing so loud and really, “jumpy” songs, I can’t focus at all. Just so you will know that there are people who may want a little less at Communion.

 

[LindaSK]

Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, but I do believe that if I do my part properly, I’m pretty much unnoticed. I love it when I can sort of slip into that quiet, prayerfull sort of song and just kind of “play along with” the rest of the worshipers. I love the way their voices join together like happens from time to time when we really let Gods graces take over the whole focus like we’re supposed to.

Unfortunately, I have to admit that my path to today has stumbled through many rocky areas… I cant read music so am always searching for the chords and copy them onto the top of the words which I try to memorize… only to discover that** I overlooked the order of the verses** in the missalette (for instance) and find myself singing all alone (not a good sign in my experience!) But, compared to the other stuff I’ve got to be penitent about, I’m pretty sure I’ll be forgiven for not being a better musician, so all I know to do is keep trying…

I hate when that happens!! I am both organist and cantor at the same time. Sometimes, I can’t read in a straight line to save my life!! I’ve already copied the music that had many verses and highlighted every other verse so I wouldn’t get ‘lost’!

I watch the Mass on EWTN, and sometimes their cantor struggles with something. My heart goes out to him. Imagine how many people are listening to him! And they play the same Mass FOUR times in a day!! I am sure he would like to make corrections before it is shown the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th times. No such luck! Done is done!! At least I figure when I make a mistake, it’s not on tape or in an archive to be revisited!! Perhaps our musical mistakes are meant to be a test of the charity of those listening??

 

[SHAC]

My wife cantors and uses these tunes for communion (feel free to use my arrangements):

Living God

Bread of Life

 

[Palaeologos]

Sing My Tongue the Savior’s Glory (perfect for Palm Sunday and Good Friday)

For Maundy/Holy Thursday, surely?? (There is another Pange, lingua which is for GF as well, but I don’t think that’s the one you mean)

I’d add “Humbly I adore Thee” (Adoro te devote) and “O saving Victim” (O salutaris Hostia) as well.

 

[chriso]

On a side note, I attend Mass on post sometimes and one of the things that really bothers me is the lack of silence. I can’t hear my own thoughts during prayer. I can’t always recieve so I kneel and talk to God, unfortunately, when the “choir” (piano, electric guitar) is singing so loud and really, “jumpy” songs, I can’t focus at all. Just so you will know that there are people who may want a little less at Communion.

Actually, I’m one of them. It almost makes me want to quit playing because I hate getting in front of folks to receive Eucharist… let alone play some loud and jumpy song. It feels like it disrupts the flow and contemplation and spirituality fo the moment. Often I skip entirely and go to a second Mass later in the day so I can receive without disrupting.

I hate when that happens!! I am both organist and cantor at the same time. Sometimes, I can’t read in a straight line to save my life!! I’ve already copied the music that had many verses and highlighted every other verse so I wouldn’t get ‘lost’!

I watch the Mass on EWTN, and sometimes their cantor struggles with something. My heart goes out to him. Imagine how many people are listening to him! And they play the same Mass FOUR times in a day!! I am sure he would like to make corrections before it is shown the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th times. No such luck! Done is done!! At least I figure when I make a mistake, it’s not on tape or in an archive to be revisited!! Perhaps our musical mistakes are meant to be a test of the charity of those listening??

Thanks for that! I was so afraid I was the only one They actually do have cameras at the Chapel I play for, its run to all the rooms in the hospital in case some patients cant make it to Mass physically, and I’m terrified of it.

I have a running battle of sorts (all friendly enough, but constant none-the-less) Father thinks I should set up a “lead” the music in front of one of them because he believes the patients will somehow participate more fully if they see everything thats going on. I dont necessarily dissagree with him, but if I get there early and beat him to it, I set up in the back corner… but boy if I’m only 5 minutes behind schedule, he’s got my stuff set up in the front corner and camera center! Its got my kids all confused, “do we set up where Father does, or where you do today Daddy?” We love him (Father Al) deeply and its such a blessing to have someone who wants an idiot like me to play, especially when I’m only home half the time due to my odd work schedule. Hard to imagine when I was once so terrifed of the whole thing when father first asked me to do this back a decade ago now… God is good, and he sure throws curve balls from time to time in our lives doesnt he?

 

[donr]

I, personally, don’t care for the music for ‘I Received the Living God,’ though I like the lyrics.

You rejected EVERY other communion hymn except ‘O Sacrament Most Holy?’

**CatholicZ09
Re: Communion Songs - Not just any song
Do you have the 2010 issue of Breaking Bread from OCP? If so, I can help you with numbers.

Some good ones for communion are:

#367 “Shepherd of Souls”
#368 "Lord, Who at Thy First Eucharist
#369 "See Us Lord, About Your Altar
#370 “Panis Angelicus”
#347 “Eat This Bread”
#340 “I Am the Bread of Life”
#338 “The Supper of the Lord”
#336 “Jesus, the Bread of Life”
#330 “Taste and See”**

I’d be curious to hear the issues you have with the list above. #336, #338, and #347 are more challenging to sing, melody wise. We use the others, though, and the congregation will sing them with us.

How about - #428 - ‘Christians, Let Us Love One Another’ or #535 - ‘We Remember’ (though, this may be better as an offertory hymn)?

Sorry for not getting back to you on this one.

I like some of your suggestions, however 336, 338, 340, and 347. I am sure they are good songs and I hear a lot of music directors use them for communion but I find it hard to sing in the person of Christ. I just don’t think it is proper to do and to direct the congregation to do the same. This is my opinion only and do not even mention it to the other music leaders / cantors at the parish. I also do not fancy songs that are horizontal and not vertical. I think that for communion the song should be directed to the gift that we have all received or a thank giving song. I also try to tie in the readings of the Mass if I can.

I have been trying to talk the music director into letting me do the communion antiphon from the Institute of Sacred Music in St. Louis but so far it is a no go.

I really appreciate your comments and suggestions.

 

[The_Reginator]

I, personally, don’t care for the music for ‘I Received the Living God,’ though I like the lyrics.

You rejected EVERY other communion hymn except ‘O Sacrament Most Holy?’

**CatholicZ09
Re: Communion Songs - Not just any song
Do you have the 2010 issue of Breaking Bread from OCP? If so, I can help you with numbers.

Some good ones for communion are:

#367 “Shepherd of Souls”
#368 "Lord, Who at Thy First Eucharist
#369 "See Us Lord, About Your Altar
#370 “Panis Angelicus”
#347 “Eat This Bread”
#340 “I Am the Bread of Life”
#338 “The Supper of the Lord”
#336 “Jesus, the Bread of Life”
#330 “Taste and See”**

I’d be curious to hear the issues you have with the list above. #336, #338, and #347 are more challenging to sing, melody wise. We use the others, though, and the congregation will sing them with us.

How about - #428 - ‘Christians, Let Us Love One Another’ or #535 - ‘We Remember’ (though, this may be better as an offertory hymn)?

Sorry to be a ‘wet blanket’ here but I find each and every one of the above songs objectionable.

I ALWAYS find words distracting. After I receive I like to kneel in contemplative prayer until the priest says “Let us pray.”

The only music that helps me at this sacred moment is either instrumental or Gregorian chant. (I know. I harp on this in many threads – it’s a real problem for me.)
It takes a lot of concentration to ignore an English hymn, no matter how holy it is.

 

[benedictgal]

Sorry to be a ‘wet blanket’ here but I find each and every one of the above songs objectionable.

I ALWAYS find words distracting. After I receive I like to kneel in contemplative prayer until the priest says “Let us pray.”

The only music that helps me at this sacred moment is either instrumental or Gregorian chant. (I know. I harp on this in many threads – it’s a real problem for me.)
It takes a lot of concentration to ignore an English hymn, no matter how holy it is.

Of course, you might find this one objectionable. I heard it this past Sunday at Mass. A priest friend of mine said it sounded like something out of a jazz bar with greeting card lyrics.

1. Bread of life and cup of hope,
   we come as gift to you.
   Change our hearts; fill us with peace.
   Transform our lives anew.
   Open our eyes so that we might see
   your presence in one another.
   Your life, poured out in love today,
   unites us all in you.

1. Loving Lord, Creator God,
   open our eyes to see
   the good that lives in each of us,
   that called the world to be.
   And when we fail to see the good,
   when friendships falter and crumble,
   give us the courage to forgive
   that we may live in peace.

1. Living Word, O Son of God,
   your love shows us the way
   that we may live in harmony,
   and from you never stray.
   Wipe all oppression from our midst;
   give us a love for all people.
   Your song of justice sing in us,
   to live for peace today.

This is something that I could not sing, nor will not sing, during Holy Communion. The focus is on “we” and not on “He”.