Stopping the Gospel to Sing

[backprop]

Well, we did it again. From the moment the pastor said “let’s process in from outside,” I knew all bets were off that we were going to read the Gospel without interruption.

We had the awkward outside moments outside where the traffic drowned out Father. We had the little realization as we entered church that our hymn was completely out of synch with the hymn being sung inside by those who didn’t come out. And the always fun finding people in ‘our’ pews who didn’t realize they were occupied because they came in after we left for the outside. All First World problems, for sure, but just lent (no pun intended) a disappointing feeling to what is one of my favorite Sundays of the Church year.

The liturgical minister was in fine form banging a tambourine as we marched in. And then the cantor left her little music stand light on as the Gospel began, I knew we were in for trouble.

On the other hand, we did sing “What Wondrous Love Is This” as a communion hymn, which I really like.

 

[Gertabelle]

Well, we did it again. From the moment the pastor said “let’s process in from outside,” I knew all bets were off that we were going to read the Gospel without interruption.

We had the awkward outside moments outside where the traffic drowned out Father. We had the little realization as we entered church that our hymn was completely out of synch with the hymn being sung inside by those who didn’t come out. And the always fun finding people in ‘our’ pews who didn’t realize they were occupied because they came in after we left for the outside. All First World problems, for sure, but just lent (no pun intended) a disappointing feeling to what is one of my favorite Sundays of the Church year.

The liturgical minister was in fine form banging a tambourine as we marched in. And then the cantor left her little music stand light on as the Gospel began, I knew we were in for trouble.

On the other hand, we did sing “What Wondrous Love Is This” as a communion hymn, which I really like.

Sorry you experienced such frustration.

At mass last night we had the procession from the outside, but it all went exceedingly smoothly (even though the altar servers forgot the holy water and one had to run back inside to get it). The singing was lovely, and the reading of the gospel flawless.

This morning I am singing at mass (need to get going really) and I am certain we will not be singing during the reading of the passion. We will however, being procession in, and the choir will be standing along the side aisles to sing the opening hymn as people return to their pews.

Not that anyone asked – but an opening procession does not necessarily mean mayhem and “inventions” during the rest of mass. The opening procession, actually, is listed in the missal as one option for the opening of the Palm Sunday mass.

Gertie

 

[japhy]

My only opposition to the practice is when the refrain or song that is chosen is banal and has nothing to do with the part that was just read. Ex…some will use “Jesus Remember Me” throughout.

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” is banal?