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Choosing music for PALM SUNDAY

and the SACRED PASCHAL TRIDUUM

with the NEW TRANSLATION of THE ROMAN MISSAL

This document provides an overview of the music requirements for rites throughout Holy Week. Detailed hymn suggestions, full order of service and a wide range of support material for each of these liturgical events are available at LiturgyHelp.com

by Clair Stanelos

Choosing music for PALM SUNDAY and the SACRED PASCHAL TRIDUUM

© Creative Ministry Resources 2012 www.liturgyhelp.com 2

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. On this day the Church recalls the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem. The normal Sunday Mass takes place with the additional elements of a Solemn Procession (commemorating Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem) and the proclamation of the Passion of the Lord at the time of the Gospel reading. Alternatives to the Solemn Procession are a Solemn Entrance and a Simple Entrance (see rubrics 12-17).

THE SOLEMN PROCESSIONA gathering takes place outside the church into which the procession will go. The faithful bring branches that are blessed and sprinkled with holy water. The Priest then reads the account of the Lord’s entrance according to the Gospel corresponding to the current church year and a brief homily may be given. Then, the Priest and ministers process forward to the church.

Antiphon Hosanna to the Son of David

An appropriate chant or song to commemorate the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem is required. This song occurs while the Priest and other ministers approach the place outside the church where the people are gathered. (see rubrics 3, 4)

ProcessionalHymn in honor of Christ the King

Following the invitation to the procession given by the Priest, a setting of the Hymn to Christ the King, Psalm 24 or Psalm 47 accompanies the Procession into the church. Another suitable hymn in honor of Christ the King may be sung. (see rubric 9)

THE MASSWith the other Introductory Rites and if appropriate, the Kyrie omitted, the Mass proceeds in the usual way with the Collect. (see rubric 11)

Responsorial PsalmPsalm 22: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

A setting of the Psalm as required by the Lectionary.

Gospel AcclamationPhil 2:8-9

A setting of the Gospel Acclamation as required.

[Passion Response Optional Antiphon or short song]

[A short response to the Passion may be sung.]

Preparation of the Gifts A hymn, instrumental music or silence is appropriate.

[Preface] [If sung, be mindful of the new words and response chants to the preface dialogue.]

Eucharistic Acclamations Holy Holy, Memorial Acclamation (options 1 or 3 are particularly fitting) and Amen.

Fraction rite A setting of the Lamb of God.

Communion Hymn/s and/or thanksgiving songs. Suggested antiphon Mt 26:42.

Recessional A hymn, instrumental music or silence is appropriate.

[ ] square brackets indicate parts of the Mass which are sometimes not sung, or a musical element which is often sung, but may not be explicitly mentioned in the rubrics.



Thursday of the Lord’s Supper The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated on the evening of Holy Thursday and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. Additional elements of the Mass are the Washing of the Feet and the Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Mass is celebrated in the usual way until after the homily.

INTRODUCTORY RITES GatheringCf. Gal 6:14

A setting of the hymn ‘Glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ’, or another appropriate hymn.

Gloria The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is sung. During the Gloria, bells are rung. (see rubric 7)

LITURGY OF THE WORD Responsorial Psalm:Psalm 116: Our blessing-cup is a communion with the blood of Christ.


Gospel AcclamationJn 13:34

A setting of the Gospel Acclamation as required.

THE WASHING OF FEETAfter the homily the people who have been chosen take seats in a suitable place. The Priest pours water over each one’s feet and then dries them. (see rubric 9)

AntiphonsI give to you a new Commandment, Faith Hope and Charity or other texts.

See Cf Jn 13:4,5,15; Cf Jn 13:12,13,15; Jn 13:6,7,8; Cf Jn 13:14; Jn 13:35; Jn 13:34; 1 Cor 13:13. Alternatively, various antiphons or other chants may be sung. (see rubric 12)

THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Preparation of the GiftsA hymn or chant

A setting of ‘Where true charity is dwelling, God is present there’ as suggested or another appropriate hymn. (see rubric 14)

[Preface] [If sung, be mindful of the new words and response chants to the preface dialogue.]

Special form of Eucharistic Prayer I Communicantes, Hanc igitur, and Qui pridie which are proclaimed by the Priest if Eucharistic Prayer I is used. (These occur between the Holy Holy and Memorial Acclamation and are exclusive to Eucharistic Prayer I)

Eucharistic AcclamationsHoly Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen

Option 2 in the Missal is particularly fitting for the Memorial Acclamation.

Fraction riteLamb of God

The Lamb of God on Holy Thursday is prolonged because sufficient hosts are consecrated for the faithful to receive Communion both at this Mass and for the next day. The music may need to be extended by repeating the invocation several times before the final time (grant us peace) is said or by adding instrumental music.

Communion1 Cor 11:24-25

Hymn/s and/or thanksgiving songs.



Thursday of the Lord’s Supper

THE TRANSFER OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENTThe hosts intended for Good Friday are not placed in the tabernacle but are left on the altar while the priest says the prayer after communion. The Priest then incenses the Blessed Sacrament and then carries it in solemn procession to a separate place somewhere in the church or an adjoining chapel. On arrival, the Priest places the Blessed Sacrament in a tabernacle. After a period of adoration he and the servers depart in silence.

Continuing adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is encouraged for the faithful.

If, however, the celebration of the Passion on the following Friday does not take place in the same church, the Mass is concluded in the usual way and the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the tabernacle.

Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament

A Eucharistic chant is sung covering the period of procession with the Blessed Sacrament and the time at the altar of repose.

The Pange lingua (exclusive of the last two stanzas) is suggested for the procession, while the Tantum ergo Sacramentum is suggested upon arrival at the altar of repose and during the incensing. Another suitable hymn or Eucharistic chant can also be used. (see rubrics 38, 39)

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

The Missal offers no instruction on music during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Parishes may offer an additional piece of music for a suitable length of time to invite the faithful to continue adoration through the evening.



Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday)

This liturgy takes place on Good Friday to celebrate the Passion of the Lord. The liturgy comprises three parts; the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.

Procession Silence (see rubric 5)

LITURGY OF THE WORDThe Liturgy of the Word consists of the First Reading, Psalm, Second Reading, chant before the Gospel, and the narrative of the Lord’s Passion. After this the Priest gives a brief homily and then a short time in prayer is observed. The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the Solemn Intercessions.

Responsorial PsalmPsalm 31: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit


Gospel AcclamationPhil 2:8-9

A setting of the Gospel Acclamation as required. An identical setting to that of Palm Sunday may be useful in unifying the narrative of the Lord’s Passion to that read on Passion Sunday.

The Solemn IntercessionsChant or sung setting

The Solemn Intercessions are proper, and the new Missal texts must be used. The option is no longer given for the Priest to choose a smaller selection of prayers from the Missal which are more appropriate to local circumstances (deletion of Sacramentary rubric 13), though in situations of great public need the Diocesan Bishop may permit the addition of another special intention (see rubric 13). This is especially important for the lay minister who sings the special intentions, as the words and number of prayers will be different to previous years. Music will need to be adapted accordingly. Other invitations or acclamations to introduce the prayer of the Priest are still permitted. (see rubric 13)

THE ADORATION OF THE HOLY CROSSThe Holy Cross is firstly shown in procession from the sacristy by the Deacon or another suitable minister. During the procession, the chant is carried out three times. The adoration of the Cross follows. The omitting of rubric 19 from the old Sacramentary implies that only one cross can now be used for veneration. Music choices and the amount of music chosen will need to reflect this change.

The Showing of the Holy CrossChant

The translation for the presentation of the cross has changed; V. Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world. R. Come, let us adore. The melody for the chant as listed in the new Missal is also different to the old Sacramentary.

The Adoration of the Holy CrossHymns, Chants or Sacred Songs

Suggested texts include ‘We adore your Cross, O Lord’; ‘Faithful Cross’; ‘The Reproaches’; or if pastorally appropriate, the ‘Stabat Mater’ or another song in memory of the compassion of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (see rubric 20)

HOLY COMMUNION Communion Suggested antiphon Psalm 22

Hymn/s or other appropriate chants. (see rubric 28)

Recessional Silence. (see rubric 32)



The Easter VigilThe Easter Vigil is the first celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. By tradition, the faithful, carrying lighted lamps in their hands, keep vigil for the Lord so that at his coming they are seated at his table awake and ready. The Mass consist of four parts; the Solemn Beginning (or Lucernarium), The Liturgy of the Word, The Baptismal Liturgy and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

THE SOLEMN BEGINNING OR LUCERNARIUMThe people gather around a blazing fire which is prepared outside the church. The Priest then blesses the fire and prepares the paschal candle. The Deacon, ministers, Priest and the people process into the church stopping three times (at the church door, in the middle of the church, and finally before the altar) while the procession chant occurs (The Light of Christ). The Deacon (or other minister) then proclaims the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet).

The ProcessionChant

The translation for the procession of the Paschal candle has changed slightly; V. The Light of Christ. R. Thanks be to God. The melody for the chant as listed in the new Missal is also slightly different to the old Sacramentary.

The Easter Proclamation (Exsultet)Chant or sung setting

The Exsultet is proper, and the new Missal text must be used. Music will need to be adapted accordingly if a setting different to the chant as notated in the Missal is used. The proclamation may be sung in the shorter form. If a lay cantor is singing the Exsultet certain sections of text are omitted.(see rubric 19)

THE LITURGY OF THE WORDNine readings are provided for the Liturgy of the Word (seven from the Old Testament, the Epistle and Gospel). While all readings should be read where possible, it is permissible to reduce the number for pastoral reasons. At least three readings and psalms should be proclaimed from the Old Testament. The reading with its canticle from Exodus cannot be omitted (rubric 21). For each, the reading is read first, the psalm is sung, and finally the Priest says the associated prayer. After all the Old Testament readings, the Gloria is sung and the Mass continues as usual with Collect, New Testament Reading (Epistle), Alleluia, Gospel and Homily.

Responsorial PsalmsPsalm 104 or 33; Psalm 16; Ex 15; Psalm 30; Is 12; Psalm 19; Psalm 42-43.

A setting of at least three of the listed psalms, including Ex 15 as required by the Lectionary.

Gloria The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is sung. During the Gloria, bells are rung. (see rubric 7)

Alleluia (immediately after the Epistle)Psalm 118

A setting of Psalm 118 as required by the Lectionary. There is no Gospel Acclamation.



THE BAPTISMAL LITURGYIf there are catechumens, they are called forward and the baptismal font is blessed. The Litany is then proclaimed by two cantors. Then the baptismal water is blessed. The rite of Baptism (and Confirmation) is completed.

If no one is to be baptised and the font is not blessed, the Litany is omitted and the Blessing of Water takes place directly after the homily.

When the rite of Baptism (and Confirmation) or the Blessing of Water has taken place, the people renew their baptismal promises and then the people are sprinkled with the blessed water in the Asperges rite. The Creed is then omitted and the Mass continues with the Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful).

The LitanyChant or sung setting

The Litany is proper, and the new Missal text must be used. However, names of some Saints may be added especially the Titular Saint of the church, the Patron Saint of the place or those to be baptized. Music will need to be adapted accordingly if the chant as notated in the Missal is not used.

Asperges RiteChant or sung setting

During the procession, the Vidi aquam (I saw water) or another appropriate chant is sung.

THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Preparation of the Gifts A hymn or chant

Preface If sung, be mindful of the new words and response chants in the dialogue.

Special form of Eucharistic Prayer I

Be mindful of the special forms of Communicantes and Hanc igitur which are proclaimed by the Priest if Eucharistic Prayer I is used. (These occur between the Holy Holy and Memorial Acclamation and are exclusive to Eucharistic Prayer I)

Eucharistic AcclamationsHoly Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen

Options 1 or 3 in the Missal are particularly fitting for the Memorial Acclamation.

Fraction riteLamb of God

Before the Lamb of God, the Priest may briefly address the newly baptised about receiving their first Communion.

Communion1 Cor 5:7-8 or Psalm 118

Hymn/s and/or thanksgiving songs.

Dismissal If sung, be mindful of the new words and response chants.

Recessional Hymn or other song

The Easter Vigil

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