Mass

mass, in music, the setting, either polyphonic or in plainchant, of the liturgy of the Eucharist. The term most commonly refers to the mass of the Roman Catholic church, whose Western traditions used texts in Latin from about the 4th century to 1966, when the use of the vernacular was mandated.

Sacred music is for the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful (SC 26). Sacred music should consequently possess, in the highest degree, the qualities proper to the liturgy, and in particular sanctity and goodness of form (Tra Le Sollecitudini 2).

The name 'Mass' comes from the final blessing said by the priest in Latin 'Ite missa es' meaning “to send out” as Jesus Christ sent his disciples out to the world to take his teaching to them. The Mass has four basic parts or 'rites'.

Music is part of the symbolic language of worship. Music is a symbol of unity in a worshipping community between the people and their God, and also among people themselves. Music can evoke a personal response from us as individuals and can enhance our relationship with God.

The Mass, a form of sacred musical composition, is a choral composition that sets the invariable portions of the Eucharistic liturgy (principally that of the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and Lutheranism) to music.

The Use of Music at Mass Singing together fosters a strong bond of unity and sense of belonging; it helps to develop the unity of mind and heart which is part of the mystery of the Church. Because liturgical music is sung prayer, the use of good texts is important.

Continuing his series of audience talks on the Mass, Francis spoke about the Liturgy of the Word and the importance of listening to the Bible readings at Mass. "In the Liturgy of the Word, in fact, the pages of the Bible stop being something written and become the living word, delivered by God himself," the pope said.

The Ordinary consists of five parts: Kyrie (Lord have mercy upon us….), Gloria (Glory be to thee….), Credo (I believe in God the Father….), Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy….) and Agnus Dei (O Lamb of God…).

The Use of Music at Mass Singing together fosters a strong bond of unity and sense of belonging; it helps to develop the unity of mind and heart which is part of the mystery of the Church. Because liturgical music is sung prayer, the use of good texts is important.

A minimum of four songs are needed in our local parishes: an Entrance Processional, a Communion Song, and a Recessional Song. Optionally, you can select an Offertory Song and a Song of Thanksgiving following Communion. If you pick out 3 or 4 songs, we can help arrange them appropriately within the liturgy.

Why do we have Mass? We have Mass to worship and to receive God's grace, to unify with him and with other worshipers through the sacrament of the Eucharist. As a sacrament, it is that Jesus himself acting through the Eucharist, and supplies all the graces we derive from it.

Readings from Scripture are part of every Mass. At least two readings, one always from the Gospels, (3 on Sundays and solemnities) make up the Liturgy of the Word. In addition, a psalm or canticle is sung. These readings are typically read from a Lectionary, not a Bible, though the Lectionary is taken from the Bible.