ABOUT THE MUSIC Congregational singing, even during COVID-19, can still be accomplished reverently and quietly behind your masks, and specifically during the Mass Acclamations.
According to Joseph Jungmann "music is not merely addition to and adornment of the liturgy; it is itself liturgy, an integrating element, which belongs to the complete form of the liturgy."
In other words, you do not sing at MASS.
You sing the MASS.
Therefore the Eucharistic Acclamations, whether they come from Mass of St Frances Cabrini, or the the Bemont Mass (sung during Advent and Lent) are one of the many ways you can actively participate in the liturgy.
Other ways include singing the sung responses to the celebrant's "The Lord be with you"... to which you respond..."and with your spirit".... or singing the Psalm Responses and Gospel Acclamation.
And of course you are free to abstain from singing if you prefer to worship silently.
The old maxim, however, comes to mind:
"He who sings, prays twice."
If sung “well” (with sincerity and love), the words of a practitioner’s prayer and the music they sing each simultaneously constitute acts of worship.
In fact, they form a gestalt expression of devotion, the whole becoming greater than the sum of its parts. This merger is so effective that the
“… combination of sacred music and words, … forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy.”
In an effort to enhance Worship both at home and in the pews through full (restricted), active (less active) and conscious (ever more conscious) music participation, POTHE Music Ministry is committed to providing parishioners with MUSIC SELECTIONS and DIGITAL WORSHIP AIDS* (see the BIG REC- TANGULAR BUTTONS) for all our weekend Masses at Saint Jude (Freeport), Sacred Heart (Yarmouth), Saint Gregory (Gray) and Holy Martyrs (Falmouth).
Consider having a link to the DIGITAL WORSHIP AID open on your ELECTRONIC DEVICE while you attend MASS either in person or at home, a "digital hymnal" if you will as our missalettes have been removed for your safety. Or PRINT IT OUT! In addition, hard copies in limited quantities are available for you to pick up at the entrance to each Mass. Just look for the music stand or lectern with the Worship Aid. And, please, recycle your Worship Aid at the conclusion of Mass.
Beginning in September, Eucharistic Acclamations for the season of ORDINARY TIME/Fall will come from the Mass of St Frances Cabrini (beginning weekend of September 5/6, 2020).
* Usually fully updated by Saturday midday. Please be patient if you try to download a PDF before the weekend.
Letter of St Frances Cabrini:
I know that this is a time of much anxiety. But, away with anxiety;
take courage! Place your trust in God and His Holy Mother…
Prayer is that powerful weapon that must defend and help you, not only now, but throughout your lives. Pray for yourselves, for the persons entrusted to your care, for those dear to you, for society, for the Church. Make prayer a habit, because if you succeed in experiencing the sweetness found in this intimate conversation of the soul with God, there will never be hours of discouragement and despair, nor will clouds long disturb the calm horizon of your souls.