I love Gregorian chant, but what am I listening to. What are the brothers chanting, psalms, hymns…?
Often what you hear in Gregorian chant are parts of the traditional Latin Mass. Some of the parts are called the Introit, Kyrie, Gradual, Alleluia, Offertory, and Communion verse.
Or you may be hearing part of the Liturgy of the Hours (also called the Divine Office or Breviary), another part of the official prayer of the Church. This may include a Responsory or a Psalm with Antiphon.
You may be hearing Psalms or other parts of Scripture. Many religious hymns are also sung in Gregorian chant.
A long time ago I got the Chant CD (the original one sung by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos,
amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/102-0521029-7008937?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Benedictine+Monks+of+Santo+Domingo+de+Silos&x=14&y=22)). I later found a book
amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/085360469X/ref=nosim/addallbooksearch with the Latin lyrics and printed music. I then searched for English translations online, so now I can sing and pray along.
Second, later this month I’ m starting RCIA classes. Can you tell me what I can expect.
Usually the first stage is called “Inquiry” where people can do just that — inquire about the Catholic faith with “no strings attached,” finding out enough about it to decide whether you want to pursue it further. Then, if you decide to continue, there is a “Rite of Acceptance,” a ceremony where unbaptized persons are received into the “Catechumenate,” a period of study where you learn all about the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. During Lent (the season of about 40 days preceding Easter), there is a series of “Scrutinies,” a time of spiritual purification in preparation for being received fully into the Church at the Easter Vigil with the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
The process may be a little different if you have already been baptized in a different Christian community. Then you will be a “candidate” rather than a “catechumen.” If your baptism was valid (using water and the Trinitarian formula), you will not be baptized again (since there is only one Baptism). You might attend the same classes as the catechumens if your parish does not have the resources for separate programs. You would receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) prior to receiving the Eucharist for the first time. In some dioceses, candidates receive Confirmation at the Easter Vigil; elsewhere, they are confirmed by the Bishop at a different time.
Some parishes continue RCIA after the Easter Vigil with a period of time called “Mystagogy,” where new Catholics (“neophytes”) are encouraged to become more fully integrated into parish life.
Classes can be taught by one or more lay people, priests, or a combination. There should be plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions that arise from your own faith background. I have been an RCIA catechist for several years, and I love sharing my faith with others. I hope you have a great experience. Welcome!
