Celebrating the Sacraments in Song

Transcription

1 Celebrating the Sacraments in Song John Burland Project Officer: Liturgy/Music Catholic Education Office, Sydney, Australia This article outlines the framework, characteristics and guidelines that need to be considered when selecting appropriate music for celebrating the sacraments. It also presents and examines a new collection of songs by the writer entitled Celebrating the Sacraments. While music has traditionally been a part of the celebrations of weddings, funerals, and confirmation, the communal celebration of baptism, anointing, and penance has only recently been restored. The renewed rituals, following the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, provide for and encourage communal celebrations, which, according to the capability of the congregation, should involve song (Music in Catholic Worship 79). Celebrating the Sacraments is a collection of songs that support the celebration of Sacraments within our Catholic community. Each song has been written in accordance with our Catholic tradition and aims to nurture faith development with an enhanced understanding of each Sacrament. In order to understand the nature of good liturgical music and to incorporate sound musical choices we must reflect upon the musical and ritual forms that spring from our liturgical structures (Haas 2002, 53). An examination of the three judgements as detailed in Music in Catholic Worship, the Musical Judgement, the Liturgical Judgement and the Pastoral Judgement must be made to evaluate the musical element in a liturgical celebration. SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION: BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION AND EUCHARIST Baptism The sacraments of Christian initiation Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist lay the foundations of every Christian life (Catechism of the Catholic Church art.1212). The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. (Paul VI, Apostolic Constitution on the Sacrament of Confirmation, Divinae consortium naturae; Catechism of the Catholic Church art. 1212). Music in Catholic Worship states that the, rite of baptism is best begun by an entrance song. It also suggests that the liturgy of the Word is enhanced by a sung psalm and/or alleluia and that all processions be accompanied by music. Most importantly, the affirmation of faith by the people, the acclamation after baptism and at the completion of the rite, should be sung by the whole congregation (Music in Catholic Worship, 80). 1

2 Liturgical Music today reinforces the importance of music during Baptismal celebrations with children. It acknowledges that, there is even greater emphasis on the sung prayer of the assembly during the rite of Baptism of children (Liturgical Music Today, 23). Celebrating The Sacraments offers three songs for Baptism, We Welcome You Into Our Church suitable for an infant baptism as an entrance song, Within This Community a song that may assist in the celebration of adult baptism and Yes Lord I Believe! a restatement in song of our Baptismal Promises. All of these compositions invite participation from the congregation and can assist in supporting Baptismal celebrations. We Welcome You Into Our Church 1. My little one my precious one You come to me today In loving arms you join with us Part of my family We welcome you into our Church For you have followed in my light I have called you each by name I have called you as my friend Today you join our family Today your life begins anew Come listen to my Word Come start your life today We welcome you 2. My little one this water now Gives life to all who come And with this oil that s gently laid My Spirit has begun 3. My little one this light you see Shines bright just like my love In these new clothes life has begun Come follow in my love Within This Community 1. I come to know why To be part of you all To live in God s Word To share in your love Come teach me the way With you I will grow This journey we re on Begins from this day Within this community You re welcome here come share with us Living now in unity New life for those who hear God s call The Word that brings life for all The Word that brings life for all 2. This water will wash Your life now anew With oil of salvation God strengthens you The light of God s love It shows you the way Warm and inviting A Light for the world Bridge I ve called you by name I ve reached out to you Come live in my love 3. This Bread of New Life Will nourish you Food for your journey Broken for you 2

3 Yes Lord I Believe! 1. Do you believe in God the Father? Who made the earth and all we see Do you believe in Jesus Christ? God s only son born of Mary I believe in God the Father I believe in God the Son I believe in the Spirit And the strength that makes us one I believe that Mother Mary Sits with Jesus at God s hand I believe I do believe 2. Do you believe that Jesus died? He died for us so we could live Do you believe He rose again? He s seated now at God s right hand Yes Lord I Believe! 3. Do you believe in God s great Church? And all the saints who have walked with God Do you believe in God s forgiveness? That we will rise to life again This is our Faith Which we profess Yes Lord I Believe! Confirmation Confirmation is usually celebrated within a mass. Careful consideration should be taken that the same general principles of planning and worship and judging liturgical music are employed as at other liturgies. Most importantly, it needs to be remembered that the liturgy is a prayer for all present and NOT a theatrical production. (Music in Catholic Worship, 82) Good acclamations, litanies, processional songs, psalms and mantras are needed for various rites of Christian initiation (Haas 2002, 58). Celebrating the Sacraments contains three songs that support the celebration of Confirmation. The Roman Pontifical calls for a song after the profession of faith and during the anointing with chrism. Celebrating in the Spirit and Holy Spirit Lives in Us would both be suitable to be sung here. Alternatively they could be used as processional songs to begin the celebration of Confirmation (Liturgical Music Today, 24). Celebrating In The Spirit Let the Spirit dwell within our hearts To celebrate the wonder of our God As we reach out together And find our strength in you Come share the gifts of the Spirit 1993 John Burland/John Jacobs Holy Spirit Live In Us Holy Spirit live in us Holy Spirit live in us Holy Spirit live in us this day 1. Holy Spirit today we come To celebrate what was begun In loving arms so many years ago 2. Holy Spirit as one we come Anoint us as your family Your fire burns deep within our hearts 3. Holy Spirit with love we come To share your strength through everyday Your light it leads us on our way 3

4 1999 John Burland/Rob Smith Eucharist Communion songs should assist in fostering a sense of unity. They should be simple and not demand a great effort. They give expression to the joy of unity in the body of Christ and the fulfillment of the mystery being celebrated. (Music in Catholic Worship, 62) Singing at celebrations with children in particular must be given great importance. Care should be taken to ensure that material of an age appropriate level is used. Where possible, songs that can be sung by both adults and children are recommended to foster understanding, community and involvement. There are three Eucharist songs suitable for both children and adults on the Celebrating The Sacraments collection. The Gift of Love a song specially written to celebrate First Eucharist with children, Do This In Memory Of Me and Share This Meal With Me both suitable for celebrating with children and adults. All invite participation by the congregation and further understanding of the sacrament of Eucharist. The Gift of Love 1. Jesus I come to you today Before my friends and family This is the day That I ve been waiting for For I ll receive The Bread of Life Jesus I want to thank you For this very special day When you gave your life A gift of love to me Jesus I want to tell you What a loving friend you are How you re always there And always show the way Show the way 2. Jesus I want to learn to be like you I try my best But it s hard to do sometimes When others hurt me And it seems I m all alone I think of you and I feel strong 3. Jesus you fill our lives with joy We sing to you Our voices raised as one Brothers and sisters Of one great big family Sharing together through it all 1993 John Burland Do This In Memory of Me 1. We gather all to hear Your Word We learn to follow in Your way Do this do this do this in memory of me Do this do this do this in memory of me 2. We break this bread for all to share The bread of life to nourish us 3. We share this cup of wine for all We celebrate God s greatest gift 4. We are one body we are one Together as one we celebrate Jacobs /John 4

5 Share This Meal With Me Take this bread and drink this wine Share this meal with me I will nourish you Take this bread and drink this wine I give strength to you as we journey on 1. Just as You showed us long ago We remember You Knowing that You are always close As we gather at your feast 2. We come together to hear Your Word We remember You To follow in the ways You lived As we gather at Your feast 3. With this bread and the wine we share We remember You So many parts they become one now As we gather at Your feast 4. By your love that You showed for us We remember You Bread of life and a cup for all As we gather at Your feast SACRAMENTS OF HEALING: RECONCILIATION, ANOINTING OF THE SICK Reconciliation Communal celebrations of reconciliation most commonly require an entrance song or song of gathering. A hymn may also be sung after the homily and a hymn of praise for God s mercy following the absolution (Music in Catholic Worship, 27). My Shepherd and Coming Back Together are two offerings from Celebrating the Sacraments that could be used to support a reconciliation celebration in these areas. Both songs are suitable for adults and children and written within the following framework. God is rich in mercy (St Paul to the Ephesians 2:4) like the father in the parable, does not close his heart to any of his children. He waits for them, looks for them, goes to meet them at the place where the refusal of communion imprisons them in isolation and division. He calls them to gather about his table in the joy of the feast of forgiveness and reconciliation (Post-Synodal Apostolic exhortation of His Holiness Pope John Paul II: Reconciliation et Paenitentia Reconciliation and Penance no.3). My Shepherd 1. When I stray far When I stray far Turning away Turning away When I m lost and I cannot find the way When the choices that I ve made Just don t feel right My Shepherd-always there for me My Shepherd-always leading me My Shepherd to Your healing hands I come 2. When I am wrong When I am wrong Knowing what s right Knowing what s right When I m lost and I cannot find the way When the choices that I ve made Just don t feel right 3. Just as I am Just as I am I come to you I come to you When I m lost and I cannot find the way When the choices that I ve made Just don t feel right 5

6 Coming Back Together We re all coming back together With our God and family We re all coming back together Building the Kingdom with everyone Building the Kingdom with everyone 1. Yes I have turned away I ve wandered far Into Your loving arms I come back to You Anointing of the Sick 2. Now with Your gentle hand Your warm embrace I hear Your Word again From darkness comes light 3. Come now let s Celebrate For you are home Within our community Our God calls to you Your faith has made you well; go in peace (Luke 8:48). Music is always important whenever rites such as anointing of the sick or the sacrament of penance are celebrated communally. At the time of the Sacrament an acclamation or song by all the people is desirable (Music in Catholic Worship, 81). Heal Us Lord was written with such purpose in mind. A simple refrain and a repetitive pattern in the verse allow for participation by the assembly. The length of the song enables it to be sung during the anointing and gives the gathered assembly time to become familiar and confident with it, truly becoming a prayer of all those gathered. Heal Us Lord Heal us lord We feel the power of Your love Let Your Spirit come unto us 1. In these prayers we call to You In suffering and in pain 2. We have sinned and turned away At times we could not see 3. Through Your Word we follow in The way You showed to us 4. Lay Your hands on us O Lord Call the Spirit filled with strength 5. Anoint us as a sign for all Heal and strengthen us 6. The Bread of Life You gave to us Is there to nourish us 6

7 SACRAMENTS OF SERVICE: MARRAGE AND CALL - ORDERS Marriage Weddings present particular challenges. Decisions about the choice of wedding music should grow out of the three judgements: the musical judgement, the liturgical judgement and the pastoral judgement as detailed in Music in Catholic Worship # Often the only music that the couple may be familiar with is a song that they have heard at someone else s wedding. This song may not be suitable for the sacrament (Liturgical Music Today, 28). From Today was written within the following framework and presents an option for couples that would comply with church requirements. In virtue of the sacrament of marriage, married Christians signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love that exists between Christ and his Church (Ephesians 5:32); they thus help each other to attain holiness in their married life and in welcoming and rearing children; and they have their own special place and gift among the people of God (Introduction: Rite of Marriage no 1). From Today 1. My Love I stand before our God Today with you To share our lives forever And face each day anew To love you and to hold you To always care for you From today our lives become one From today our life begins From today we ll walk together Through all that life can bring From today our love grows stronger From today I ll promise you I ll love you and I ll hold you I ll share my life with you My life begins with you From today 2. My love we stand before our Friends and family To witness as we promise To God upon this day In good times and in bad times I ll always be with you Bridge Love is patient Love is kind And the love that we will share It lives in truth And conquers all And the love that we will share Holy Orders We Have Been Called is a song of inspiration for all who have been challenged to ministry within our Church. It has particular significance to those called to the Sacrament of Holy Orders. It is based on the following Scripture: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor (Luke 4:19). 7

8 We Have Been Called 1. Deep inside of me I ve always known the plan I ve heard Your voice it s calling me And in my doubt In the mystery of God s love I know that I have found my way We have been called by the power Of God s love The love for all to share Called by the power of God s Word The Word for all to hear With my Spirit guiding you A shepherd you will be We have been called by the power Of God s love 2. It s been a part of me No matter what I do I ve heard Your voice it s calling me To follow You To be a light for all to see I ll help Your people find their way 3. Just like the chosen ones You sent out long ago I ve heard Your voice it s calling me We ll walk in Faith Surrounded by Your love In You I give my life today CONCLUSION Celebrating the Sacraments in Song with appropriate music, engages and unites the assembly in prayer, brings added meaning and reverence to celebrations, assists in nurturing faith development and enhances the understanding of each Sacrament. Religious singing by the faithful is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred exercises as well as in liturgical services the voices of the faithful may be heard. Texts intended to be sung must always be in conformity with Catholic doctrine and Church norms (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1158, 26). 8

9 Bibliography Burland, J (2000) Celebrating The Sacraments, Sydney, Ovation Music Services Catechism of the Catholic Church, (1994) St Paul Publications, Homebush, NSW, Australia Catholic Education Office, Sydney (2002) Religious Education Music Conference Celebrating Community, Catholic Education Office, Sydney Cooke, B (1991) Sacraments and Sacramentality, Twenty-Third Publications, Mystic, Connecticut Haas, D (2002) The Ministry and Mission and Sung Prayer, St Anthony Messenger Press Klein, P (2000) The Catholic Source Book, Third edition, Brown-Roa New Revised Standard Version, Study Bible, (1993) Harper Collins publishers, Fulham Road, London W6 8JB. UK, The Liturgy Documents: A Parish Resource (1991), Third Edition, Chicago, Liturgy Training Publications Reconciliation et Paenitentia, Reconciliation and Penance, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of His Holiness Pope John Paul 11,St Paul Books and Media, 50 St Paul s Avenue, Boston, MA Stoutzenberger, J (1984) Celebrating Sacraments, Saint Mary s Press, Minnesota The Rites of the Catholic Church Volume 1 & 2, (1990) The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 9

10 Music Collections Burland, J (2002) One Family, Sydney, Ovation Music Services Burland, J (2001) Celebrating The Sacraments, Sydney, Ovation Music Services Burland, J (2000) Sacred Moments, Sydney, Ovation Music Services Burland, J (1999) Let s Celebrate Too!, Sydney, Ovation Music Services Burland, J (1998) Let s Celebrate, Sydney, Ovation Music Services Burland, J (1996) Songs For The Journey, Sydney, Ovation Music Services 10