Songs during Communion Service Outside Mass?

[augieboo]

Hi all,

I’m using the document Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass (Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy, 1976) to put together a communion service. This is for use by lay persons involved in prison ministry.

The Rite says nothing whatsoever about music. At the moment I am assuming this to mean that no music is to be used, but if someone can prove me wrong, I’d really appreciate it. :yup: (The female prisoners love to sing.)

Anybody know of any authoritative source material on this question?

TIA,

augie

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Hi all,

I’m using the document Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass (Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy, 1976) to put together a communion service. This is for use by lay persons involved in prison ministry.

The Rite says nothing whatsoever about music. At the moment I am assuming this to mean that no music is to be used, but if someone can prove me wrong, I’d really appreciate it. :yup: (The female prisoners love to sing.)

Anybody know of any authoritative source material on this question?

TIA,

augie

I see no reason not to use music. Generally the instructions follow those for the mass, omitting the portion between the Prayer of the Faithful and the Our Father.

We use music when one of the Deacons conducts the service. At the Retirement Homes, one or two of the EMHCs use music, the rest of us lack the talent.

 

[John_Lilburne]

The liturgical book “Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass” does refer to singing.

“COMMUNION SONG
35. During the distribution of communion, a hymn may be sung.
36. After communion the minister puts any particle left on the plate into the pyx, and he may wash his hands. He returns any remaining hosts to the tabernacle and genuflects.
SILENCE, PSALM, OR SONG OF PRAISE
37. A period of silence may now be observed, or a psalm or a song of praise may be sung.”
(The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, page 652).
The above is from “The Long Rite with the Celebration of the Word”. For “The Short Rite with the Celebration of the Word” it does not mention singing during Communion, but has after it, in n. 49:
“SILENCE, PSALM, OR SONG OF PRAISE
A period of silence may now be observed, or a psalm or a song of praise may be sung.”

 

[augieboo]

The liturgical book “Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass” does refer to singing.

"COMMUNION SONG
35. During the distribution of communion, a hymn may be sung.

DOH!

Good catch.

I think I need new glasses.

Thanks.