September 2, 2011
A period of silence follows the first reading, the second reading and the homily. This is a time of reflection on what was read.
This exerpt from the CD "Become One Body One Spirit In Christ," USCCB, gives some definition to these silent times.
"People need to understand what silence involves: it is more than not talking. There is a silence of the eyes, there is a silence of the ears, there is a silence of the body. We must allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us as we listen."

February. 2011
Participation of the Assembly

The Vatican II Documents encourage the participation of all who are gathered in the singing during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This is an opportunity for participation and a sign of unity. The documents state, "One cannot find anything more religious and more joyful in sacred celebrations than a whole congregation expressing its faith and devotion in song." We are encouraged to promote the participation of all in the acclamations, responses, psalms, canticles and hymns. This puts a responsibility on all who are gathered to participate, with the funtion of the choir being to encourage the assembly to join in the singing.

It is hoped that all will unite their efforts to attain the true purpose of sacred music, "which is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful." (Constitution on the Liturgy, Art. 112)


January, 2011
The Indivdual Parts of the Mass

The Entrance Rite
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states that the entrance chant, song or hymn begins as the priest and deacon enter. The purpose of this selection is to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, introduce the gathered to the mystery of the season or festivity, and accompany the procession.

In the dioceses of the United States, we are given four options for the selection sung during the entrance.
1. The antiphon from the Roman Missal or the Psalm from the Roman Gradual
2. The seasonal antiphon and Psalm of the Simple Gradual
3. A song from another collection of psalms and antiphons, approved by the Conference of Bishops or the diocesan Bishop,
4. A suitable liturgical song, approved by the Conference of Bishops or the diocesan Bishop.

The fourth choice, a suitable liturgical song which has been approved by the Conference of Bishops or the diocesan Bishop, is the customary choice at St. John's as all of the assembly can be invited to join in the singing at this time of gathering.




The Importance of Music in Divine Worship

The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council placed a high importance to the role of music in the liturgy.
The role of music in divine services is explained and a number of principles and laws are set forth in
the Constitution on the Liturgy. When reading this document, one realizes the importance the council
placed on music as an entire chapter is dedicated to this subject .


In the document, "General Instruction of the Roman Missal" the United States Council of Catholic
Bishops express the importance of music in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The document states
that "great" importance should be attached to the use of singing during the celebration of the Mass
on Sundays and on holy days of obligation.