Michael Magnan Presents...


Music for the Soul





February 24, 2006 









“Schools are MISSIONARIES of our FAITH!”






Liturgy is …
 
- the SOURCE and the SUMMIT!
- God’s people gathering together
- public celebration and worship
- rituals – recognized FORM and STRUCTURE
- the WORK of the people 

…participating is CRITICAL… it is NOT a spectator sport!
…BE INVOLVED ! It is not a CONCERT/PERFORMANCE!

HOW…
Do we PARTICIPATE?

*There are SIGNS, SYMBOLS, ART FORMS that enhance involvement*
 

VOICE – sing, answer, pray
LISTENING – scripture, homily, music , silence
MOVEMENT – liturgical action, posture, gesture, dance
VISUALLY – banners, décor, dance, gestures, AV presentations
MUSIC – sing, play, dance, moving, listen










WHY…
Is MUSIC so ESSENTIAL? 

 

CELEBRATION

UNITY

SETS the TONE – CONTROLS MOOD

HEIGHTENS TEXT

EXPRESSES FAITH

REINFORCES THEMES & SYMBOLS

HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT PARTS of LITURGY








WHICH…
MUSIC do we CHOOSE FROM?
 

MUSICAL – technically, aesthetically, expressively ‘GOOD’ in style, value

LITURGICAL – Does it fit in/enhance the message?

PASTORAL – governs the use and function of every element of celebration

- expresses FAITH of the PLACE, AGE, CULTURE and is adapted to the NEEDS and TASTES of the liturgical community involved


SINGABLE – encourages participation
-       of GREAT importance in celebration
-       adapts to children (NEEDS/LEVELS/UNDERSTANDINGS)

APPROPRIATE –  STYLE and TEXT to the liturgical, musical, pastoral needs

RHYTHM – uses SYNCOPATION (GREAT… for participation!)

MELODY – same tune repeated… so it can be easily learned/sung/played

MOVING – gestures, actions, drama
        (* look in sign language dictionary for action ideas, kids can give actions)









WHAT MUSIC…
is MOST IMPORTANT… 
for Eucharistic Liturgy?
 

- ACCLAMATIONS – NOT OPTIONAL… MUST INCLUDE at EVERY Eucharist
-       Gospel
-       Holy, Holy
-       Eucharistic
-       Amen
•       No ALLELUIA sung in LENT

- PROCESSIONAL SONGS 

- RESPONSORIAL PSALM

- ORDINARY CHANTS – OPTIONAL to be SUNG 
-       Lord Have Mercy
-       Gloria
-       Creed
-       Our Father
-       Hail Mary


- SUPPLEMENTARY SONGS – 

-       Prayers of the Faithful
-       Preparation of the Gifts
-       Song after Communion
-       Recessional Song 


CELEBRATIONS
 

Use structure with creativity!


GATHERING:
-       Gathering Song
-       Greeting/Welcome
-       Statement of Purpose
-       Penitential Rite (PRAISE not sorrow)
-       Opening Prayer (ASK related to theme)
 







LITURGY of the WORD:

-       First Reading – scripture, story, book, poem
-       Responsorial Psalm/Song
-       Gospel Acclamation – STAND, SING, PROCESS
-       GOSPEL
-       Homily/discussion – bring ALIVE the reading for the children
i.e. ECHO MIME
                
 
RESPONSE/ACTION:
-       Prayers of Petition – ASK not THANK
-       Commitment Rite and/or Symbolic Action
“Will you promise to_________?”


 


CONCLUDING RITE:

-       Closing prayer
-       Blessing
-       Dismissal
-       Song
 

To assist with your celebrations…

-       Use FAMILIAR greetings, responses, prayers, endings
(or at least choose familiar WITH unfamiliar)

- Use SYMBOLS (1 or 2)
•       simple and clear
•       that don’t need explanation (or explanation is part of celebration)
•       appropriate – enhance the message
•       NOT CLUTTER… but rather CLARIFY

-       DON’T OVER-REHEARSE liturgy! 
(It’s a CELEBRATION not a PRESENTATION!)