Scripture in the Parish by Sperry Mary Elizabeth

Author:Sperry, Mary Elizabeth [Sperry, Mary Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780814635452
Publisher: The Liturgical Press
Published: 2013-10-08T04:00:00+00:00

Ministry Spotlight

Music Ministers

Lectors aren’t the only liturgical ministers who need to study the use of the Bible in the liturgy. It’s important that directors of liturgical music have a good understanding of the Liturgy of the Word, particularly the role played by the responsorial psalm and the gospel acclamation. Knowing how the Lectionary is structured can help music directors select music that complements and reinforces the themes raised by the readings without imposing an artificial theme on the liturgy as a whole.

A strong knowledge of and love for Scripture will suggest caution in selecting musical settings of the psalms. The psalms are Scripture and the responsorial psalm deserves the same respect given to the other readings. As the first reading may never be replaced by a non-biblical reading, the psalm should not be replaced by a non-biblical song. While the rubrics allow for the psalm text in the Lectionary to be replaced by a metrical setting of the same psalm, music directors should take care to ensure that the setting chosen is as close as possible to the biblical text.

The cantors who serve as psalmists should be encouraged to participate in the formation programs offered to lectors. Cantors are proclaiming the Word of God—just in song. The psalmist should always sing the psalm verses from the ambo, not the cantor stand. Similarly, the psalm setting should be placed in a worthy liturgical book, not sung from sheet music or a hymnal. The psalm is not just another song; it is the Word of God. If Jesus spoke words from the Psalms with his last breath on the cross, surely we can treat the responsorial psalm with the respect it deserves!

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