| SACRAMENTARY
OVERVIEW
Although the Antiphonary (the Entrance and Communion Antiphons and Psalms)
of the new Sacramentary is not yet confirmed by Rome,
there is already a resource which implements the
Antiphonary’s vision. By Flowing Waters: Chant for
the Liturgy (Collegeville, The Liturgical Press, 1999) is the first
complete edition in English of the Simple Gradual, one of the
two official songbooks of the Church (the other is the
Roman Gradual). Of the 680 chants in By Flowing
Waters, there are 63 entrance antiphons and psalms and 62 communion
antiphons and psalms which provide seasonal music and propers music for
solemnities and feasts of the church year. By Flowing Waters also has a
complete set of commons for parishes celebrating the
solemnities of their dedication and of their patron
saint. (There is a wealth of information about how to
use these chants in the Performance Notes-pp. 417-428-and generous reprint
permission for assembly editions-pp. 429-432). |
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Advent
"The Sounds of Advent”
Consider using the Advent entrance and communion antiphons and
psalms, as well as the responsorial psalms, in By Flowing Waters (The
Liturgical Press, 1999).
"The Immaculate Conception/Music”
By Flowing Waters (393-402) has a complete suite of antiphons and psalms
for
this solemnity, as well as a fine English version (658) of the Advent
Marian
Antiphon, Alma Redemptoris Mater.
"Our Lady of Guadalupe/Music”
By Flowing Waters (411-414) has a lovely setting of the ancient entrance
antiphon, Beata Mater, with Psalm 46, “God is our refuge.”
Christmas
“The Eucharist in Christmastime/Introductory Rites"
Before singing your parish’s favorite Christmas carol, consider creating
a
hushed silence by singing the ancient Christmas antiphon “The Lord said
to
me,” with Psalm 2 from By Flowing Waters, 19-this is especially effective
with handbells.
“The Eucharist in Christmastime/Liturgy of the Word”
There is a fun call-and-response setting of Psalm 98 in By Flowing
Waters,
23-the assembly answers every half verse with “alleluia” as their
response.
"The Holy Family”
The theology of the Holy Family is beautifully captured in two choices for
entrance antiphon in By Flowing Waters, 28 or 29, with the “family psalm,”
Psalm 128.
“The Epiphany”
By Flowing Waters (38-46) has a complete suite of antiphons and psalms for
this solemnity.
“The Baptism ”
If you sang any of the antiphons and psalms of By Flowing Waters (38-46)
for
Epiphany, you can sing them again, except that for today’s feast you are
invited to sing the creation-revering antiphon from the Book of Wisdom, “With
the spirit of the Lord, the whole world is filled, alleluia” (493). At
the
sprinkling rite, you can sing Springs of Water, from the Easter
Vigil, with
verses from 199 (see the performance note on p. 420).
Winter Ordinary Time
Unlike the Roman Gradual which has proper antiphons and psalms for
entrance,
preparation, and communion for every Sunday of the year, By Flowing Waters
has nine suites of antiphons and psalms for Ordinary Time which are
thematic
in character. Ordinary Time I is especially effective on Sundays and
weekdays
in the time after the Christmas season and before Lent, and in the ninth
and
twenty-second weeks when the Matthean and Lukan versions of the beginnings
of
Jesus’ ministry are proclaimed in the weekday gospels. Similarly,
Ordinary
Time VIII is especially effective on Sundays and days when the readings
underscore the ways in which God is true to God’s name, “I will be with
you.”
(The themes of the other suites are: Ordinary Time II-trust and hope in
God,
Ordinary Time III-petitioning God for assistance, Ordinary Time
IV-thanksgiving to God, especially in God’s house, Ordinary Time V-God’s
justice, Ordinary Time VI-God’s peace and loving kindness, and Ordinary
Time
VII-reverence and love for God. (Ordinary Time IX has a designated use, “the
Last Weeks in Ordinary Time,” weeks thirty-two through thirty-four and,
by
extension, any time when the lectionary readings focus on the end times.)
Because communion is the fruit of the proclaimed word, especially the
gospel,
the communion song ideally “quotes” the proclaimed word, especially the
gospel. It must at least be seasonally relevant, long enough and
interesting
enough to bear the weight of repetition. Its style needs to processional
(more inspiring of movement than of meditation) and responsorial (sharing
the
burden of the text and music alternately, between the assembly and the
cantor, choir, or instruments). Its texts need to have a biblical density
and
richness to it so that it can reflect as fulfillment what the Liturgy of
the
Word announced as promise.
By Flowing Waters (p. 292) has a complete suite of antiphons and psalms for
the Votive Mass for the Unity of Christians.
“The Presentation”
For this feast By Flowing Waters (302-315) has a complete suite of
processional chants and antiphons and psalms and the sung Canticle of
Simeon.
Lent
Be sure to consider using the Lenten entrance and communion antiphons and
psalms, as well as the responsorial psalms and other chants between the
readings, in By Flowing Waters; these can be especially effective at daily
Mass when only a cantor is available to lead the singing. This collection
of
unaccompanied song for assemblies, cantors, and choirs has beautiful
settings
for the penitential rite (606, 611, and 612), eucharistic acclamations
(578-581), a threefold Great Amen (583), and the fraction rite (605, 610,
615, 616, 621, and 622). Since the first readings of each Sunday of Lent
are
meant to stand alone and prominently, you might consider singing them
according to the tone at 676. A unique feature of By Flowing Waters is the
Gospel Acclamation Antiphon: Of the four given (65, 75, 85, and 95), Number
75, “We do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the
mouth of God,” might serve as a acclamation for the whole season, as an
alternative to the now-standard substitutes for the “A-word” listed in
paragraph 36 of the US Appendix to the GIRM.
“Ash Wednesday”
Since the sixth century the text from the Book of Wisdom has been sung as
the
entrance song for Ash Wednesday; it may be found in By Flowing Waters
(50-51). All nineteen verses of Psalm 51 are available for singing during
the
distribution of ashes at 55-56.
“First Sunday of Lent”
By Flowing Waters prints the solemn form of the Litany of the Saints
(663-675) which is recommended for the entrance song on this Sunday (see
Performance Note on pp. 419 and 426-427). Psalm 91 (By Flowing
Waters, 62
and
63) has been traditionally the psalm of the First Sunday of Lent, so much
so
that in the Roman Gradual all the antiphons of the day are taken from it
only, especially the unequaled Tract Qui habitat, the longest chant in the
entire Roman Gradual. In By Flowing Waters 64, the rapid return of the
refrain, “Because I have sinned against you,” after every verse of the
psalm
illustrates the disastrous effects of our sinfulness on all of our
relationships.
“Third Sunday of Lent”
An utterly simple entrance antiphon and psalm, “my eyes are always,
always on
the Lord,” responsorial psalm, “Have mercy on us,” and communion
antiphon and
psalm, “The Lord is my light and my salvation,” are available in
By
Flowing
Waters, 71-72, 74, and 79-80.
“Fourth Sunday of Lent”
The communion antiphon and psalm in By Flowing Waters, 89-90, is a powerful
setting of the texts of Psalms 42 and 43, “I will go to the altar of God
. .
. As a deer longs for running streams . . . ”
“Fifth Sunday of Lent”
The antiphons and psalms in By Flowing Waters, 91-100-with their theme of
trust in God in the face of the opposition of enemies-can be used for this
Sunday and next, Passion Sunday.
“Joseph . . . ”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (316-321) has a complete suite of
processional antiphons and psalms, including the lovely entrance song,
“Joseph, son of David,” with Psalm 92, the psalm of fruitful old age.
“Passion Sunday”
Four procession antiphons and psalms are available in By Flowing Waters,
including a fine, new English version of the ninth century hymn,
Gloria,
Laus, et Honor, based on Matthew 21:1-3, 8-11.
"Holy Thursday/Chrism Mass”
All the assembly’s songs for this celebration are found in By Flowing
Waters,
including the hymn, O Redeemer, hear our singing.
Triduum
Be sure to consider using the rich treasury of the forty chanted antiphons,
psalms, and hymns in By Flowing Waters. This collection of unaccompanied
song
for assemblies, cantors, and choirs has beautiful settings for the
entrance,
washing of the feet, and the transfer of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday,
for
the veneration of the cross on Good Friday, for the Easter Vigil’s
responsorial psalms, gospel acclamation, and renewal of baptismal promises,
and for Easter Sunday’s “endless alleluias.”
“Holy Thursday . . . /Introductory Rites”
The sacramentary antiphon, “We should glory in the cross of our Lord
Jesus
Christ,” is set to a stirring chant in By Flowing Waters, 118.
“Holy Thursday . . . /Liturgy of the Word”
“The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23, By Flowing Waters, 120) is a
responsorial alternative to Psalm 116. A beautiful English translation of
the
Ubi Caritas is found in By Flowing Waters, 123.
“Holy Thursday . . . /Liturgy of the Eucharist”
Frank Quinn’s lyrical translation of the Pange Lingua (By Flowing
Waters,
126
and 648) is much to be preferred over other translations.
“Good Friday/Liturgy of the Word”
A sensitive chant version of Psalm 31 is found in By Flowing Waters, 127.
“The Easter Vigil/Liturgy of the Word”
A complete set of utterly simple chant settings of the responsorial
psalms-capable of being sung in the dark, without printed music for the
assembly-is found in By Flowing Waters, 131-141. The editors of the Simple
Gradual (on which By Flowing Waters is based) enlarged the familiar Easter
season dismissal formula into a unique and very effective psalm
(By Flowing
Waters, 142) for the Easter Vigil which responds to and reserved for the
proclamation of the Easter mystery in Romans 6:3-11. Verses 1-4 of Psalm
118
are set to music, rather than verses 1-2, 16-17, and 22-23 of the Roman
Lectionary; this was done because the Simple Gradual wishes to encourage a
litanic dialogue between the psalmist(s) and the assembly. In verses 2-4,
the
psalmist or cantor sings up to the asterisk and a schola or the choir
responds: “His steadfast love endures forever.” Ideal ways to perform
this
most solemn greeting of the Easter gospel are for the psalmist and schola
either to sing this psalm in procession to the ambo, or from the ambo (if
it
is large enough) or near the ambo.
“The Easter Vigil/Litany of the Saints”
As a reminder of the three sacraments of initiation and evocative of the
drama at the litany for holy orders, Paul Ford has provided three petitions
as the climax of the Litany of the Saints (By Flowing Waters, 143): “Give
new
life to these chosen ones by the grace of baptism, Lord, hear our prayer.
Give new life to these chosen ones by the grace of baptism [pause] and pour
out your Holy Spirit, Lord, hear our prayer. Give new life to these chosen
ones by the grace of baptism, [pause] pour out your Spirit, [pause] and
feed
them with your Body and Blood, Lord, hear our prayer.”
“The Easter Vigil/Blessing of Water”
“Springs of Water” with verses from the Canticle of Daniel (By Flowing
Waters, 144) is reserved for use at the Easter Vigil. Another setting (636), with
verses from Psalm 118, is used throughout the Easter Season.
“The Easter Vigil/Liturgy of Eucharist/Communion Rite/Music”
Since “Alleluia” is the Hebrew word that contains the whole mystery of
the
paschal celebration, By Flowing Waters (156-157) takes the familiar Mode 6
melody and turns it into the communion song for tonight and for every day
of
the Easter Octave. As alternative, consider using the lovely Mozarabic (Old
Spanish) setting of Psalm 34, Taste and See, with its triple alleluia
refrain
(By Flowing Waters, 645).
“Easter Sunday/Introductory Rites”
By Flowing Waters (148) is a nine-verse gathering song for Easter Sunday
which began life as three ancient antiphons sung at the night office of the
Liturgy of the Hours in the Easter season, together with verses borrowed
from
the Easter sequence, the short responsory for all the offices of Easter
week,
and the gospel canticle antiphon for Easter Thursday evening prayer. A
female
cantor or cantors, representing St. Mary Magdalen (and the other women),
may
sing verses 3, 8, and 9; another (male) cantor or cantors, representing the
angel(s) of the resurrection, may sing verses 4, 5, and 6; and a schola or
the choir may sing verses 1, 2, and 7. The assembly’s single and double
alleluias highlight the joy of the Easter event.
“Easter Sunday/Liturgy of the Word”
In By Flowing Waters (150) double and triples alleluias highlight the
assembly’s response to the Alleluia Psalm for Easter Sunday (using a
melody
which is reserved for the Easter Octave, for Ascension, and for Pentecost-what a great way to tie these solemnities together!). Peter Scagnelli’s
lovely translation of the Easter Sequence is found in By Flowing Waters
(151).
Easter
“During the Sprinkling with Holy Water”
In By Flowing Waters (636) you can find the antiphon, “Springs of Water”
alternating with verses of the Easter Psalm 118.
“Responsorial Psalm”
If you look at all the responsorial psalms for the Sundays and weekdays in
Easter, you will notice that “Alleluia” is everywhere given as the
preferred
alternative for the antiphon. This is because, in the Simple Gradual, the
Alleluia Psalm (that is, the psalm with one, two, or even three “Alleluias”
as the response) is revived as the privileged form of the responsorial
psalm
during this season. (The Alleluia Psalm is also an alternative for every
time
of the year except Lent and can substitute for the gospel acclamation).
By
Flowing Waters contains forty-six such psalms, set to just six melodies
(for
ease of memorization), including the complete text of another Easter psalm,
Psalm 107, divided into four segments (By Flowing Waters, 160, 161, 169,
and
170). Consider using one of these segments as an alternative gospel
acclamation during an extended gospel procession.
“Processional Songs” [The following
suggestions can also be inserted in “The Eucharist/Entrance Rite”
section and
“The Eucharist/Liturgy of the Eucharist” section]
When the hymns of Eastertime begin to wear thin, consider using the
processional antiphons and psalms for the entrance, preparation, and
communion in the Easter I and II sections of By Flowing
Waters. To give
three
examples, number 158-an entrance antiphon-sets “I am the good shepherd, I
pasture my sheep, and for my sheep I lay down my life and take it up again,
alleluia” (John 10:16-17) to a lovely Mode III melody which alternates
with
verses from Psalm 23; number 163-a preparation antiphon-sets a mystical
text
based on Psalm 63, “For you I watch, O God, I long to gaze on you to
behold
your glory and your power, alleluia” to the passionate Mode VII setting
of
verses of the same psalm; and number 165-a communion antiphon-uses the same
mode to sing another Easter psalm, Psalm 16, alternating with the text, “In
Galilee you will see Jesus just as he told you, alleluia.”
“The Annunciation of the Lord”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (322-327) has a complete suite of
processional antiphons and psalms; add the Easter Season (“E.S.”) “alleluia”
at the end of each antiphon.
“The Ascension of the Lord”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (175-183) has a complete suite of
processional antiphons and psalms; including an inclusive language version
of
the ancient entrance antiphon, Viri Galilei: “Galilean men and women,*
why do
you stand looking up to heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you
into heaven will come in the same way, alleluia.” If the solemnity is
celebrated on the Thursday, these antiphons and psalms are used again on
the
Seventh Sunday of Easter. Easter Sunday/Liturgy of the Word”
The double and triples alleluias of the Easter Sunday’s responsorial
psalm
tune return today to highlight the assembly’s response to the Alleluia
psalm,
Psalm 47-this tune ties Easter and Ascension together (By Flowing
Waters,
178).
“Pentecost/Mass during the Day/Introductory Rites”
An expectant atmosphere can be established as the community gathers by the
use of handbells at the word accents of the chanted entrance antiphon in
By
Flowing Waters (183 or 493).
“Pentecost/Mass during the Day/Liturgy of the Word”
The double and triples alleluias of the Easter Sunday’s responsorial
psalm
tune return today to highlight the assembly’s response to the Alleluia
psalm,
the victorious Psalm 68-this tune ties Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost
together (By Flowing Waters, 186). Dennis Fitzpatrick’s and Roger
Nachtwey’s
fine translation of the golden sequence is found in By Flowing
Waters, 188.
“Pentecost/Mass during the Day/Liturgy of the Eucharist”
By Flowing Waters, 188, 496, 497, and 498, provides four alternate
antiphons
to be sung with communion Psalm 78.
Summer
and Fall Ordinary Time
Unlike the Roman Gradual which has proper antiphons and psalms for
entrance,
preparation, and communion for every Sunday of the year, By Flowing Waters
has nine suites of antiphons and psalms for Ordinary Time which are
thematic
in character. Ordinary Time I is especially effective on Sundays and
weekdays
in the time after the Christmas season and before Lent, and in the ninth
and
twenty-second weeks when the Matthean and Lukan versions of the beginnings
of
Jesus’ ministry are proclaimed in the weekday gospels. Similarly,
Ordinary
Time VIII is especially effective on Sundays and days when the readings
underscore the ways in which God is true to God’s name, “I will be with
you.”
(The themes of the other suites are: Ordinary Time II-trust and hope in
God,
Ordinary Time III-petitioning God for assistance, Ordinary Time
IV-thanksgiving to God, especially in God’s house, Ordinary Time V-God’s
justice, Ordinary Time VI-God’s peace and loving kindness, and Ordinary
Time
VII-reverence and love for God. (Ordinary Time IX has a designated use, “the
Last Weeks in Ordinary Time,” weeks thirty-two through thirty-four and,
by
extension, any time when the lectionary readings focus on the end times.)
Because communion is the fruit of the proclaimed word, especially the
gospel,
the communion song ideally “quotes” the proclaimed word, especially the
gospel. It must at least be seasonally relevant, long enough and
interesting
enough to bear the weight of repetition. Its style needs to processional
(more inspiring of movement than of meditation) and responsorial (sharing
the
burden of the text and music alternately, between the assembly and the
cantor, choir, or instruments). Its texts need to have a biblical density
and
richness to it so that it can reflect as fulfillment what the Liturgy of
the
Word announced as promise.
“The Holy Trinity/Music”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (193-201) has a complete suite of
antiphons and psalms; the majestic Canticle of David (I Chronicles
29:10-18)
is sung during the communion procession (201).
“The Body and Blood of Christ/Music”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (202-211) has a complete suite of
antiphons and psalms; four verses of the optional sequence are set to the
ancient melody in number 207.
“The Sacred Heart of Jesus/Music”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (212-220) has a complete suite of
antiphons and psalms.
“The Birth of John the Baptist”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (328-336) has a complete suite of
antiphons and psalms.
“Peter and Paul”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (337-345) has a complete suite of
antiphons and psalms.
“The Transfiguration of the Lord”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (346-353) has a complete suite of
antiphons and psalms.
“The Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary”
Some of the most beautiful music in By Flowing Waters (355-363) is reserved
for this solemnity, including the incomparable responsorial psalm and
antiphon, “Come, my beloved, receive your crown,” from the Song of
Songs, and
the unique double-and-triple-alleluia alleluia psalm. In the ideal the
responsorial psalm is sung from the ambo by at least four psalmists: the
women of the schola sings verses 2, 4, 6, and 10-as did the the bridesmaids
in the Song of Songs; a female psalmist, representing the bride, sings
verse
5 (“My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and
come
away’”); and a male psalmist, representing the bridegroom, sings verses
1, 3,
7, 8, and 9.
“November/Hymnody”
Now is the time to consider using the suite of antiphons, psalms, and
canticles from By Flowing Waters (355-363) called Ordinary Time IX. This
suite is the composition of Paul F. Ford, drawn from the Book of Revelation
and other end-time passages in the scriptures. All the promises in
Revelation
2 and 3 made to those who persevere in the Christian faith are sung at the
entrance and the preparation of the gifts. The communion antiphon and psalm
sings of the wedding feast of the Lamb and the Bride: “The Spirit and the
Bride say, “Come.” How happy, those invited to the wedding feast of the
Lamb!”
“All Saints”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (384-392) has a complete suite of
antiphons and psalms, as well as the solemn form of the Litany of the
Saints
(663-675).
“All Souls”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (499-526) has twenty-seven antiphons
and
psalms.
“Thirty-second Sunday . . . ”
In addition to the Ordinary Time IX suite of antiphons, psalms, and
canticles
from By Flowing Waters (355-363), consider using Communion Antiphon I from
the Common of Holy Women, “At midnight a shout was raised: ‘The
bridegroom
comes! Go out to meet him’” (By Flowing Waters, 469 and 471).
“Christ the King”
For this solemnity By Flowing Waters (296-301) has a complete suite of
processional antiphons and psalms; the majestic Canticle of David (I
Chronicles 29:10-18) is sung during the communion procession.
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