Music for First Holy Communion

[Joannm]

I am writing an article on music for First Holy Communion celebrations, specifically on DREs working together with Music Directors in choosing music. I am not looking for names of specific hymns or songs, nor for what kinds of music to choose or not choose, as I have already dealt with that. I am just interested in situations on how both of these parish ministries have worked together or have not worked together, in planning the music. What problems have occurred? How have you resolved disagreements in choosing music.

My doctoral project was on First Holy Communion so I have enough material and knowledge about the celebration of the sacrament and the problems and abuses that can be associated with it. As a DRE and a musician, I know how to prepare for First Communion and what is required musically for liturgy. I am just looking for specific instances of good practices or problems between the DRE and Music Director to help round out the article. I need more or less anecdotal stories. I am looking for (name removed by moderator)ut from those specifically responsible for this in parishes, the DRE, those responsible for music in a parish, or pastors.

 

[hcmusicguy]

I don’t do First Communion in my current parish (the school music people do that), but I did in my previous one. This was actually a very easy affair to plan, and the “Faith Formation Coordinators” (as they were called) were very easy to work with. Basically, the classes had a theme song they used throughout the year that they also wanted done at their First Communion Mass. It was a Eucharistic hymn from the hymnal, so I had no problems with this, and was the same one every year. The First Communicants would stand on the Sanctuary steps and sing…okay, perform…the song complete with signs (whether it was actual ASL signs or just made up by the teachers, I don’t know or care). I was pretty much given free reign as to everything else that was done; in that parish, they had a good history of leaving the music up to the music people, and most people in all ministries were easy to work with.

 

[1ke]

I was not aware DREs and Musicians had “problems” with FHC plans, seems bizarre to me.

Our parish is small and rural. Everyone volunteers, me (DRE) and our organist too. Her grandmother taught her to play, I believe, and she has no formal training. She does not read music, and she plays by ear. So we just use songs she knows. We pretty much use the same ones every year-- simple songs that everyone knows and usually one Marian song such as On This Day O Beautiful Mother since FHC is typically in May. We do not really “plan” a FHC liturgy, it is just a regular Mass with our kids and their families sitting in front and receiving FHC.

I guess I don’t understand why this would be a big deal.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I organize Morning Prayer for the Triduum. One year the lady who usually leads the music [unaccompanied] was away and another lady volunteered. I told her there were three considerations, in order of priority:

1. It has to be a hymn you can lead.
2. Hopefully, it will be a hymn the congregation will respond to.
3. Beyond that, it will be good if it fits the theme of the day.

Not the Church preference, but the real world.

 

[dconklin]

As Asst DRE, 1st Holy Communion is under my purview. Our Director of Music Ministry selects and arranges the music. Never any conflict or ill-will.