MUSIC IN OUR LITURGY

Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, a document on liturgical music, was presented to the American Bishops by the Committee on Liturgy in 2007 as the most far reaching document on music in divine worship. Sing to the Lord states that congregational singing must be preserved and encouraged. One of the obstacles of congregational singing is that the cantor is miked. Sing to the Lord implies that when the congregation sings the cantor backs away from the microphone, so that there is no amplified voice leading the assembly. Neither the Priest, cantor or choir/ensemble should substitute for congregational singing. The cantor’s role is to lead the congregation in singing the psalm, the Alleluia and some hymns with a verse/refrain format. In all other instances, the cantor will back away from the microphone and join the assembly in singing. The Canticle Choir and Folk Ensemble may provide special music (Introit Antiphon, Preparation Anthem, Communion Song), otherwise the choir/ensemble will join with the congregation in singing without virtue of microphones. By following these guidelines, St. Aloysius can be sure of implementing the wishes of the Conference of Bishops and this important document, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship.

THE TRIDUUM

CANTOR ANYONE?

We are in need of additional persons in the cantor ministry and you may be able to help us out! If you possess a nice voice with a pleasant tone, if you have good pitch and can sing in tune, if you have good enunciation and can be understood, we need your talents! Instruction and training are free and are lovingly administered! Contact Neil Kraft, Director of Music & Liturgy to set up a "no-pressure" audition at 419-352-4195, or email: musicliturgy@stalbg.org.

The Triduum is the name given to the three days of prayers and rituals before any major feast.  For Easter, this constitutes Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
   
Holy Thursday, the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, is celebrated with white vestments; in addition, the Gloria is sung to give a joyous solemnity to the Mass.  The central rite of this liturgy is the washing of the feet, which dates back to the early church.  After Mass, the Eucharist is transferred to Clare Hall where the Nightwatch will begin until 10:00 PM.

The Good Friday service consists of readings, chanted prayers, veneration of the cross and Eucharist.  Prayers and music begin at 11:30 AM with The Seven Last Words of Christ.  During the Veneration of the Cross, Deacon Phil Avina will read the reproaches, passages taken from Micah, Jeremiah and Isaiah, while the choir chants the response, “O my people what have I done to you?  How have I offended you?  Answer me, O answer me.”  These texts, taken from the old testament, reproach everyone who has received divine favors from God and yet has sinned. 

The last day of the Triduum, Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil, begins with the Service of Light and the Easter Proclamation, “Rejoice O Heavenly Powers, Sing Choirs of Angels”.  After the old testament readings and psalms, the church is bathed in light.  Bells ring, the Gloria is sung and the Alleluia returns after an absence of six weeks. The sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation are celebrated with the elect.  “Christ, our Paschal Lamb, has be sacrificed; let us then feast with joy in the Lord”.

Ann Corrigan & Allan Dieball

CANTICLE CHOIR

Come and join 32 million Americans who enjoy choral singing.  Come and sing with the Canticle Choir at St. Als, one of 270,000 choral groups in the US.  Join us on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings.  Belong to this artistic ensemble where you will meet talented, engaging people, where you might improve your health, and release tensions of you daily life.  Contact  Ann Corrigan.

Canticle Choir rehearsals will begin on September 3 at 7:30 PM in the school, room 105. Our first Mass will be at 12:00 on September 13, rehearsal at 11:15 in the choir loft.
Come and join the Canticle Choir for 2 rehearsals and a Mass.  Rehearsals on Thursdays from 7:30 - 8:30 PM in the school, room 105.  Sing on September 13 at 12:00 Mass with the choir.  Try us out!!  Bring a friend!!  No commitment!!

FOLK ENSEMBLE

The Folk Ensemble, which sings at the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass, rehearses on Tuesday evenings in the church. Please contact Jean Bargiel for more information.