The myth of the Meditation Hymn

[maryjk]

Ideally, our song ends right about the time the last person receives.

Then it is quiet while the priest goes back to purify the vessels.

When the priest returns, he pauses for a moment or two, then “Let us pray.”

 

[liturgyluver]

In every parish I have visited in my years as a Post-Vatican II Catholic, the choir always had the concept of the “post-Communion meditation hymn”. This was sometimes music in a different style, and usually a piece that was well-rehearsed beforehand by the choir or cantor only, and no materials given to the assembly to join in song. It is sometimes called an “Anthem” but the intent is the same. When I consulted the GIRM in this matter, imagine my surprise, or lack thereof, when I found the GIRM gives no support to this concept at all. In fact the reverse is true: the post-Communion chant is to be sung by all the assembly together with the choir, while the Communion chant preceding it may be sung without the people.

So why does everyone have this reversed? How could such a misunderstanding become entrenched in parishes if it is not part of any Church document? Is it an idea proposed by some large music publishing house? Is it merely oral tradition among choir directors? When did it start? The same time as everything else?

Perhaps a pond difference but I have never heard a post-communion anthem sung by the choir. The anthem is sung by the choir during the distribution, and there is then a post-communion hymn which is (supposed to be!) sung by all. This seems to conform to the GIRM.

 

[YoungTradCath]

I think the best way to solve this is just to not have any music after the Communion chant. It meets the requirements of the (what I think is a somewhat short-sighted) rubric and it doubly fulfills the soul’s natural desire for silence after so great a Mystery.

 

[pnewton]

The anthem is sung by the choir during the distribution, and there is then a post-communion hymn which is (supposed to be!) sung by all. This seems to conform to the GIRM.

The GIRM is clear that if there is a hymn/psalm/canticle after Communion it is to be sung by the congregation…

I have to side with Elizium on this. There are two “if’'s” and a “may”. This is not a strict section of the GIRM. She/he asks why the GIRM is not explicit and clear on this. I am of the opinion that the lack of clarity is purposeful, allowing for the local ordinary to decide what is best for each situation. I do not believe that there is a “right” or “best” that fits all situations and, like a sneed (see Dr. Seuss), this is not one size fits all.

BTW - Dr. Seuss? Not good for a meditation.

 

[Sara505Sings]

As previously stated, I often add a “re-gathering” song after Communion, hopefully timing everything so that the Communion song ends as the Eucharistic Ministers are being dismissed. I like to segue gently into the new song, something familiar, and as people wish, they join in. What I can’t stand is what another music minister takes the liberty of doing (since he is also a deacon and thinks he needs to add to the moment somehow): after the Communion hymn, he makes a big announcement, preaches a mini-sermon, and exhorts everyone to sing along like at a campfire. This REALLY bothers me!

 

[johnmann]

I’m of the opinion that there should be some sort of communal prayer of thanksgiving after Communion. The post-communion hymn provides that opportunity. I wish all parishes would take advantage of it and standardize some anthems.