Does the responsorial psalm have to be sung?

[lucigabrielleub]

I am supposed to be doing the responsorial psalm at a funeral, but noone informed me that they are typically sung. Does it truly have to be sung, or can I just speak it??? What are the rules in this situation?

 

[1ke]

No, it does noir have to be sung. It can be recited.

 

[MarkThompson]

Right. According to the General Introduction to the Lectionary:
22. When not sung, the psalm after the reading is to be recited in a manner conducive to meditation on the word of God. The responsorial psalm is sung or recited by the psalmist or cantor at the ambo.

 

[JamestheOlder]

We are presuming that you already know how to recite (or sing) the Responsorial Psalm at a Funeral Mass. Permit me to be bold:

There are two parts to the Responsorial Psalm; the response (Antiphon) and the Psalm proper.

You first read the response, then welcome the assembly to repeat the response, perhaps by raising your hand to direct them. Don’t be shy; any Catholics should respond almost automatically.

Then you read the first strophe (paragraph) of the Psalm, and invite the assembly to give the response.

Then the second, and so forth. The assembly’s response to the last strophe completes the recitation (singing) of the entire Responsorial Psalm.

For example, a common Responsorial Psalm for a Catholic funeral is Psalm 23. It would be recited thusly:

Reader (Singer): The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
R/ (response). The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Reader: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R/(response).

Reader: He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R/.

Reader: You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R/.

Reader: Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R/.

My apologies if you already knew this.
Peace.

 

[The_Old_Medic]

The Psalms may be sung or recited, but when possible, being sung is preferred.

The Psalms were songs, when David wrote the, They were, and still are, sung in Hebrew today in Orthodox and Conservative Jewish Temples.

Ask whoever is in charge of the funeral if they want it sung, or read. If they want it sung, get busy practicing. It is not how well YOU sing that matters, it is what is in your heart.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I have frequently seen it done with the Antiphon sung, by cantor and congregation, and the verse read by the reader.