 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
Welcome
to
Lourdes
Montgomery's
Wedding Information Page
Hope you find this useful!
GUIDELINES FOR WEDDING MUSIC
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
INTRODUCTION
TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM
Congratulations! You stand on the brink of a sacred, exciting, lifelong adventure together. We know that this is a very happy and busy time for you and we share your hope that everything about your wedding day will be beautiful and joyous. These Guidelines for Wedding Music were created for this very reason.
When we think of weddings, we automatically think of the bride and the groom and their love for one another. There is much more involved in your love and your marriage, however, than just the two of you. There are your family and friends who have helped bring you to this point and who will continue to support and encourage you as you begin your new life together. And, most importantly, there is God who is the source of your love and whose love for you is reflected in your love for one another. That is why your decision to share your lives and to grow together in Christian love calls for a special celebration in and with the faith community, the parish.
People in love make signs of love, not only to express their love but also to deepen it. Love never expressed dies, Christians' love for Christ and for each other, and Christians' faith in Christ and in each other, must be expressed in the signs and symbols of celebration or it will die. Music in Catholic Worship, #4
Everything about the wedding ceremony should witness to all those present your understanding that you are entering a sacred and holy union - a sacrament. Therefore, everything about the service, including the music, calls for careful planning that will contribute to this understanding. If it does not, then it is unsuitable for your wedding celebration because it is unworthy of the occasion. Everyone present at your wedding should be led by the dignity and beauty of the liturgy to a deeper understanding of Christian marriage and, consequently, to a greater commitment to it. In a sense, your wedding is your gift to your family and friends. It is your invitation for them to enter into and share your faith - your love, your prayer. We know that you are anxious to make it the best possible gift.
Faith grows when it is well expressed in celebration. Good celebrations foster and nourish faith. Poor celebrations weaken and destroy faith. Music in Catholic Worship, #6
Because you have chosen to invite Christ to make your love a sacrament, the music you choose for your wedding must express this unique and distinct encounter. Just as you would not expect to pronounce your wedding vows in street language, so you would not expect to hear "everyday" love songs within a ceremony celebrating sacramental married love. Certainly "your song" will have a place later in the day's festivities; but during the wedding liturgy itself the emphasis should be God's love for you, your love for God, the love of the community for you, your love for them and how these support and confirm your love for each other.
Music in Catholic Worship states that to determine the value of a given musical element in a liturgical celebration a threefold judgment must be made: musical, liturgical and pastoral. (#25)
MUSICAL JUDGMENT
Is the music technically, aesthetically and expressively good? This judgment is basic and primary and should be made by competent musicians. Only artistically sound music will be effective in the long run. To admit the cheap, the trite, the musical cliché often found in popular songs on the grounds of instant liturgy is to cheapen the liturgy, to expose it to ridicule, and to invite failure. (Ibid. #26)
LITURGICAL JUDGMENT
The nature of the liturgy itself will help to determine what kind of music is called for, what parts are to be preferred for singing and who is to sing them. (Ibid. #30)
The lyrics of songs chosen for the wedding liturgy should express the Christian concept of life, rather than one which is purely secular. The liturgy of marriage celebrates not only the human love between two persons but also their relation to God who is love. The texts must always be in conformity with Catholic doctrine, indeed they should be drawn chiefly from Holy Scripture, and from liturgical sources. Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, Vatican Council II, #121
Perhaps the best criterion is simply the question, "Can you pray the words of the text?" Does the music express and interpret the text correctly and manifest the meaning more clearly? Is the form of the text respected? In making these judgments the general classification of liturgical texts must be kept in mind: proclamations, acclamations, psalms, antiphons, litanies, hymns, and prayers. Each has a specific function and form which must be served by the music chosen for the text.
Special musical concern must be given to the roles of the congregation, the cantor, the choir and the instrumentalist. Music in Catholic Worship, #33 Music chosen should be within the performance ability of all involved. The choices of sung parts, the balance between them, and the style of musical setting used should reflect the relative importance of the parts of the Mass (or other service) and the nature of each part. (Ibid. #31)
PASTORAL JUDGMENT
The music chosen should be effective for the congregation.
It should be suitable for use in a religious, liturgical service whose
primary concern is the worship of God. Therefore, the role of music in
the celebration of the Eucharist and the sacraments is threefold:
1. Music must fulfill a role of service.
2. Music must invite and involve congregational participation.
3. Music must be a fundamental part of the liturgy.
Because of the communal aspects of the celebration, the role of the soloist
has evolved into that of cantor or leader of song, thus encouraging the
congregation in its rightful role of active participation rather than
observation, while still providing some solo vocal pieces when that is
appropriate and desired.
A worship aid/program helps the congregation fulfill their
role of active participation in the liturgy. All music that the congregation
is expected to sing should be printed in the program or have hymnal/music
book reference numbers listed to facilitate their full participation and
make the liturgy truly alive. St. Vincent's has a powerpoint computer
program that may be used. We do not have an operator for weddings so you
would have to ask a friend.
PLACE OF MUSIC WITHIN THE WEDDING LITURGY
Music suggestions are merely indicative of the various types of music and texts which may be used at the Wedding Liturgy. It is necessary to consult with your parish music director well in advance of the liturgy to coordinate the planning of this important day.
PRELUDE
The arrival of your wedding guests may be accompanied by instrumental music, a vocal solo, or choir. The music selected should be in keeping with the event to follow, i.e., a period of prayerful preparation. It is not the time for performing a 'favorite piece' that is unsuitable within the ceremony itself.
INTRODUCTORY RITES
PROCESSIONAL
The procession is a liturgical action described in the Rite of Marriage, as the ritual entrance of the ministers for the liturgy. The couple, as ministers of the sacrament of marriage, is included in the procession. This also reflects the Church's understanding that the bride and groom are complementary in marriage. The actual order of the procession may be planned with the presiding priest or deacon, led by an altar server or crossbearer and a reader carrying the Book of the Gospels, but equal attention should be given to both families. The procession and the music accompanying it should reflect the joyous dignity of the moment. Many appropriate selections were originally composed for royal or state, as well as religious occasions. On Sunday, the opening hymn acts as the "processional music", and an opening hymn can accompany a wedding procession as well. Generally, however, wedding processions are accompanied by instrumental music (organ, brass, strings, etc.) or vocal music (solo or group).
The so-called "traditional wedding marches" by Wagner and Mendelssohn are not to be used. Both are "theater" pieces which have nothing to do with the Sacred Liturgy. The "Bridal Chorus" from Wagner's opera, Lohengrin, actually accompanies the couple to the bedroom, not the altar! Mendelssohn's incidental music to Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream accompanies a farcical wedding (the play is a comedy). More importantly, they have been used to accompany "weddings" in countless movies, TV shows and game shows. The majority of images these pieces conjure in the minds of the congregation may have a lot to do with sentimentality but very little to do with worship. Because of this, even though they are frequently used in the United States in Protestant churches or non-religious wedding settings, they are rarely used in Catholic churches. Your parish music director should be able to suggest and demonstrate numerous other compositions from which to choose, thus adding to the dignity and uniqueness of your wedding liturgy. Some of the more popular selections include:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J. S. Bach
http://www.youtube.com/user/lourdesmontgomery#p/a/u/1/P3h5Adf0FaM
(A string quartet at St. Vincent de paul's church in Rogers AR.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1HtJzRDXpc&feature=related
(A sample taken from youtube)
Canon in D Major - J. Pachelbel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6heUdRr-E
(A sample taken from youtube)
Trumpet Tune - Purcell/Clarke
http://www.youtube.com/user/lourdesmontgomery#p/a/u/0/E82wel5ypzI
Trumpet Voluntary - J. Clarke
(also known as The Prince of Denmark's March)
http://www.youtube.com/user/lourdesmontgomery#p/a/u/0/E82wel5ypzI
Rondeau from Premier Suite - J.J. Mouret
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atWlbaSAlm0&feature=related
(youtube sample)
OPENING HYMN
The processional may also be a congregational hymn setting
or may be followed by one.
The following are a few excellent choices:
A Nuptial Blessing #941
Joyful, Joyful We Adore You 669
When Love is Found #942
Wherever You go #943
Bridegroom and Bride #944
Blessing the Marriage #945
Love is the Sunlight #946
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling #743
Where Charity and Love Prevail #747
May Love be Ours #748
No Greater Love #748
PENITENTIAL RITE
The penitential rite is kept very simple in keeping with
the nature of the wedding liturgy. It can be spoken or sung. If sung,
a simple setting that has a short refrain for the congregation to repeat
after the cantor would be best.
GLORIA
The Gloria is normally omitted unless the wedding within Mass takes place on a Sunday outside of Advent or Lent. The opening prayer concludes the Introductory Rites.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
1ST READING - Recited
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
A brief period of reflective silence follows the first reading,
then the responsorial psalm is SUNG. The congregation sings the antiphon
with the cantor singing the verses.
Psalms 33, 34, 103, 112, 128, 145 and 148 are recommended in the Roman
Ritual. Your parish hymnal(s) will have settings of these from which you
can choose.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The Gospel Acclamation (or Alleluia) must be sung. If it
is not sung, it is omitted.
The most commonly used settings of this include the plainsong chant and
the Celtic Alleluia. There are many other Alleluias and Acclamations that
would work, especially if the music is printed in your worship aid.
RITE OF MARRIAGE
The actual Rite of Marriage does not call for any specific music, but a short acclamation of praise such as an alleluia refrain can be sung by the congregation after the exchange of vows and again after the exchange of rings.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS
An instrumental or vocal selection or a congregational hymn may accompany the presentation and preparation of the gifts. The music used here should not prolong this (minor) part of the liturgy. If a congregational hymn is chosen, it should follow the same criteria stated for the processional hymn. If a vocal solo is done it should reflect God's love for you and his blessing on your marriage.
A few ideas are:
Classical:
Wedding Song -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1v84WKC6Pg
(Sung by a male vocalist)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utdPh1Ec1Ws&NR=1
(Sung by a female vocalist)
Contemporary:
When Love Is Found - #942
A Nuptial Blessing - Joncas or Proulx #941
This would be the best place to sing the Ave Maria
EUCHARISTIC ACCLAMATIONS
In the eucharistic celebration the acclamations which ought
to be sung are: Holy, Memorial Acclamation and Great Amen. These acclamations
should be led by the cantor and sung in familiar musical settings in order
to maximize congregational participation. Some of the most well-known
Eucharistic Prayer acclamations in our parish include:
Mass of Creation - Haugen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvj64BztuQA
Mass of Light - Haas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=becVlVGZWj8&feature=related
Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante - Hurd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAL10uiygk4
COMMUNION RITE
LORD'S PRAYER
The Lord's Prayer is the congregation's common prayer, and the people should be able to participate. Generally it is spoken, but may be sung if the majority will be familiar with the setting. A solo version is not appropriate.
LAMB OF GOD
The Lamb of God is a litany which accompanies the breaking of the bread. It is preferable to do a Lamb of God setting from the same Mass setting as the Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations when that is possible.
COMMUNION SONG
Congregational singing is appropriate here because it gives expression to our unity in the Body of Christ. Preferably a song with repeated refrain for the congregation should be sung. A suitable vocal or instrumental solo or a choral piece could also be used here. Some ideas for a congregational song are:
Our Blessing Cup psalm 116 #155
Let us Break Bread together #911
I Received the Living God #913
One Bread, One Body #915
In Christ there is a Table Set for All #916 or any hymn from the Ritual
songbook #909-933
CONCLUDING RITE
RECESSIONAL
A festive instrumental piece of music is most effective
as accompaniment to the recessional.
DEVOTION TO MARY
Where the custom exists of placing flowers at the shrine
of Our Lady, a Marian song, or an instrumental piece is appropriate. It
should take place after the Prayer after Communion before the Dismissal.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:
All resources are available for use from the Liturgy Library
at the Office for Liturgy & Spirituality, (858) 490-8290.
CELEBRATING MARRIAGE
Paul Covino, ed.; The Pastoral Press
GIFT & PROMISE - bilingual
Instituto de Liturgia Hispana, Oregon Catholic Press
HANDBOOK OF CHURCH MUSIC FOR WEDDINGS, Mary A. Simcoe, ed.
Liturgy Training Publications
PREPARING THE WEDDING SERVICE - Novallis
(video), Kenneth Hendrick; Liturgical Press
PARISH WEDDINGS
Austin Fleming; Liturgical Training Publ.
TOGETHER FOR LIFE
Joseph Champlin; Ave Maria Press
WHEN LOVE IS FOUND
Jeanne Cotter & David Haas; GIA
SEVERAL SHORT VIDEOS OF A STRING QUARTET AT OUR CHURCH:
Jesu Joy of Men's Desiring by J.S. Bach
http://www.youtube.com/user/lourdesmontgomery#p/a/u/1/P3h5Adf0FaM
Trumpet Voluntaire
http://www.youtube.com/user/lourdesmontgomery#p/a/u/0/E82wel5ypzI
Air on the G String by J.S. Bach
http://www.youtube.com/user/lourdesmontgomery#p/a/u/2/XLs56k6J3aM
Entrance of the Queen of Sheba by Handel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1-6D74W3xA
Lourdes Montgomery, Music Director
Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
1416 West Poplar St. Rogers, AR 72758
(479)636-4020 ex. 15
E-mail: lourdesm@svdprogers.com