Cantor Schedule(Sep 10 to Nov 5)

Date	Psalm	MPB - 5PM	MPB - 8:30 AM	MPB - 10 AM
Sept 10 - SOT 23SOT	CC-99: Praise the Lord My Soul	Teri	Silke	Cathy
Sept 17 - 24SOT	RA-163	Michael	Michael	Laurie C.
Sept 24 - 25SOT	SS2-259: The Lord Upholds My Life	Teri	Cathy	Cathy
Oct 1 - 26SOT	CC-19: Lord, You have the Words	Katie	Silke	Tim
Oct 8 - 27SOT	Blest Are Those Who Love You (Haugen)	Michael	Michael	Laurie C.
Oct 15- 28SOT	RA-175	Teri	Lisa	Tim
Oct 22- 29SOT	CC-26 : Lord, Let Your Mercy	Michael	Silke	Laurie C.
Oct 29- 30SOT	CS2: God has done great things for us	Katie	Michael	Cathy
Nov 1 - All Saints	CC-13: Lord This is the people(sing and read)		Cathy(7PM only)
Nov 5 - 31SOT	SS2-411 - I love you Lord	Teri	Lisa	Tim

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time B - September 17, 2006

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time B - September 17, 2006

Context from http://liturgy.slu.edu/24OrdB091706/theword_working.html

Key words and phrases from the Gospel: "You are the Christ," must suffer . . . be rejected . . . be killed . . . rise, come after me, take up . . . cross

To the point: This gospel reveals and explains the identity of Jesus as the Christ (= "messiah"): he is the One who must suffer, be rejected, and die to accomplish his mission. Christ's identity, in turn, reveals the mission of disciples: take up the cross.

Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: This passage from Isaiah (the Third Song of the Servant of the Lord) is otherwise found only on Palm Sunday (all three years) and on Wednesday of Holy Week. The tradition of associating this reading with the passion of the Lord makes it an appropriate complement to this Sunday's gospel prediction of the Lord's forthcoming death.
Connecting the Gospel to culture: In a consumer society we think that what we acquire or have reveals who we are. As Christians, we reveal who we are by what we give up—our lives.

Understanding Scripture:
Jesus, suffering Messiah: This Sunday's passage stands at the very middle of Mark's gospel and signals both a climax and a change in focus.

The persistent question about the identity of Jesus which has shaped the gospel to this point finds an answer in Peter's response to Jesus: "You are the Christ."

But, like the blind man who is healed in stages (Mark 8:22-26), Peter's profession is at first imperfect: he fails to see that this Messiah must suffer and die.

Peter's error is understandable. He identifies Jesus as "the Christ": this is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word "messiah" which means "anointed one." The name "Jesus" is the word for "savior." Thus, the name "Jesus Christ" means, "the anointed savior."

In the Old Testament kings, priests, and occasionally prophets were anointed when they began their office. The term is especially associated with the Davidic kingship.

When Peter identifies Jesus as the Messiah and Jesus apparently accepts that designation, Peter is perhaps thinking that Jesus is the anointed savior-king who will defeat the Romans and restore homerule to Judah This kind of messiah will be triumphant and glorious!

But Jesus quickly disabuses Peter of his misunderstanding by launching into a prediction of his forthcoming suffering and death.

Indeed, the meaning of Christ's messiahship becomes the focus of Jesus' teaching for the remainder of the gospel. His prediction, that the Son of Man "must suffer . . . be rejected . . . be killed . . . and rise," is the outline of the plot from this point on.

Along with Jesus' teaching about the Messiah goes a pronounced emphasis on what it means to be a disciple of this kind of Messiah: those who follow Jesus likewise deny self, take up the cross, and lose their life.

It is therefore ironic that Peter immediately attempts to become the master and teacher by "rebuking" Jesus! Jesus sharply reminds him that the proper place for a disciple is "behind" (8:33) or "after" (8:34) the Master.

Disciples of Jesus can understand their proper role—their true "selves"—only when they understand that Jesus is a Messiah who suffers and dies.

Opening: Sing Out His Goodness(see sheet)
Psalm: RA-163
Offertory: Take Up Your Cross (cc-304)(instrumental)
Com 1: Now We Remain(cc-455)
Com 2: Above All(ss2-312)
Closing: Join in the dance(ss2-321) Verses 3 and 4
CCM Closing: Amazing Love (see sheet)

Sept 10 - TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/23ot.html

Opening: Open The Eyes Of My Heart (ss2-415)
Psalm: Praise The Lord, My Soul(cc-99)
Offertory: Envia Tu Espiritu(see sheet)
Com 1: Song of the body of Christ(cc-480)
Com 2: Let There Be Peace On Earth(cc-449)
Closing: We are the light of the world(cc-396)
CCM Closing: Let The River Flow(ss-125)

September 3, 2006 - Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 3, 2006 - Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/22sot.html

CCM Opening: Light the Fire Again(see sheet)
Opening: All People On Earth Do Dwell(v1,4,5)
Psalm: Ps 15: They Who Do Justice(see sheet)
Offertory: Center of My Life(instrumental)(cc-414)
CCM Offertory: Give Us Clean Hands(ss2-303)
Com 1: Seek Ye First(cc-422)
Com 2: Whatsoever You Do(cc-512)
Closing Lift Up Your Hearts To The Lord(cc-373)

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8/14-15/06

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8/14-15/06
http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/assumption.html

Prelude:Ave Maria[instrumental]
Opening: Haily, Holy Queen(cc-320)
Psalm: Ps 45 : The Queen Stands at Your Right Hand(see sheet)
Offertory: O Sanctissima(cc-323)
Com 1: Servant Song(cc-506)
Com 2: Holy is his name(cc-325)
Closing: Immaculate Mary(cc-321)

Cantor Schedule(July 16 to Sep 3)

Weekend	Mass	Sat 5PM	Sun 8:30am	Sun 10am	Selection
16-Jul	15 SOT	Teri	Silke	Laurie	Ps 85: Show Us Your Kindness(cc-51)
23-Jul	16 SOT	Michael	Michael	Tim	CC-Shepherd Me, O God
30-Jul	17 SOT	Teri	Silke	Cathy	CC-95: I will praise your name
6-Aug	Transfiguration	Teri	Michael	Laurie	CC-65: The Lord is King
13-Aug	19 SOT	Teri	Silke	Tim	CC-27: Taste and See(Talbot)
20-Aug	20 SOT	Michael	Michael	Cathy	CC-28: Taste and See(Moore)
27-Aug	21 SOT	Teri	Silke	Laurie	RA-151: Taste and see(Schiavone)
3-Sep	22 SOT	Michael	Michael	Tim	CC-7 : Ps 19: Lord You have the words(Haas)

August 27, 2006 - Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 27, 2006 - Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/21sot.html

MPB Opening: I want to praise your name(see sheet)
CCM Opening: Be Glorified(see sheet)
Psalm: RA-151: Taste and see(Schiavone) (sing & read or chant)
Offertory: Beautiful Savior(cc-520)
Com 1: This Alone (cc-405)
Com 2: The Summons (ss-137)
MPB Closing: Shout to the Lord (SS2-396)
CCM Closing: Overflow(see sheet)

Catholic Praise and Worship

Hello all!

I just listened to a pretty inspiring and informative radio show on Catholic praise and worship. I thought that you might be to enjoy it as well.

http://catholicrockers.blogspot.com/
(Listen to the show on Catholic Praise and Worship)

In our parish activity and CCM, we've seen strong attraction to praise and worship as a way for prayer as community. The speakers really bring up a lot of practical issues regarding distribution, theology, and practical matters regarding the writing process.

The big take away for me from this program is that we(as a church) need to write more Catholic praise and worship that falls in line with the fullness of truth of the church. The speaker strongly feels that incorporating more of our Catholic tradition into this song writing can really yield beautiful fruit that may bring about unity for all Christians.

Pretty cool stuff!!

I'd love to hear what you think as well..

August 20, 2006 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 20, 2006 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/20sot.html

Reading 1: Prv 9:1-6
Reading 2: Eph 5:15-20
Gospel: Jn 6:51-58

*** CCM Mass - Make sure to teach the mass of St. Tim ***

CCM Opening: Light the Fire(see sheet)
Opening: seek the lord(cc-258)
Psalm: CC-28: Taste and See(Moore)
Offertory: My soul is thirsting(ss-68)
Com 1: Look Beyond(cc-496)
Com 2: O Sacrament Most Holy(cc-362)
Closing: You are Worthy of My Praise(see sheet)

August 13, 2006 - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Context: http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/19sot.html

Reading 1: 1 Kgs 19:4-8
Reading II: Eph 4:30—5:2
Gospel: Jn 6:41-51

Opening: Now as we Gather (see sheet)
Ps: CC-27: Taste and See(Talbot)
Offertory: Only a shadow(cc-433)
Com 1: Christians, Let Us Love One Another(cc-447)
Com 2: This is Jesus(see sheet)[see sheet]
Closing: All the ends of the earth(CC-363)

August 6, 2006 - Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Context: http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/transfiguration.html


Opening: Come Christians Join To Sing(cc-361)
Psalm: The Lord is King(cc-65)
Offertory: I Lift Up My Soul(cc-16)
Com 1: You are Near(cc-417)
Com 2: All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name(cc-313)
Closing: God of Wonders(ss2-346)

July 30, 2006 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 30, 2006 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

http://liturgy.slu.edu/17OrdB073006/theword_working.html

Reading I: 2 Kings 4:42-44
Responsorial Psalm: 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18
Reading II: Ephesians 4:1-6
Gospel: John 6:1-15

Opening: Rain Down(cc-401)
CCM Opening: Beautiful One(Hughes) [see sheet]
Ps: Ps 145: I will praise your name (cc-95)
Offertory: The Church's One Foundation(cc-464)
Com 1: Bread of Life(fisher) (cc-483)
Com 2: We Fall Down (ss2-401)
CCM Closing: Overflow(maher)(see sheet)

July 23, 2006 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Context: http://liturgy.slu.edu/16OrdB072306/theword_working.html

Reading I: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Reading II: Ephesians 2:13-18
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

Opening: This Day God Gives Me(CC-528)
CCM Opening: Here Am I To Worship(ss2-386)
Psalm: Shepherd Me, O God(CC-11)
Offertory: We Will Rise Again(cc-429)
Com 1: Panis Angelicus(cc-394)
Com 2: God of Day and God of Darkness(cc-531)
Closing: Shout to the North(see sheet)
CCM Closing: All Glory To God(ss2-339)

NPM Conference Notes

All in all, it was an amazing experience meeting music ministers who have been working for years. The following notes only represent a small fraction of the wisdom and music guidance we received from the conference. I hope that we can use some of these ideas to help shape the organization of our music program. Please drop me an e-mail if anything in particular jumps out at you.

PDF of Rosario Conference Notes

July 16th - FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

July 16th - FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/15sot.html

Opening: Here am I Lord(cc-501)
Psalm: Ps 85: Show Us Your Kindness(cc-51)
Offertory: Praise God from whom all blessings Flow(cc-371)
Com 1: Take My Life(see sheet)
Com 2: Come With Me Into The Fields(see sheet)
Closing: Lead me, Lord(ss-107)
CCM Closing: Trading My Sorrows(ss2-357)

July 9 - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Context from http://liturgy.slu.edu/14OrdB070906/theword_working.html

Opening: Faith of our Fathers(cc-146)
Psalm: Our Eyes are Fixed on the Lord(Michael Guimont)(See sheet)**
Offertory:Give Thanks(see sheet)
Com 1: Eye has not seen (cc-439)
Com 2: To Be Your Bread(CC-488)
Closing:Glory and praise to our God(CC-359)
CCM Closing: Shout To The North(see sheet)

July 2nd - 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/13sot.html

Opening: Come, Now is the time to worship(SS2-383)
Psalm: Ps 30, I will praise you Lord(CC-21)
Offertory: Because of Jesus(instrumental)
CCM Offertory: Light the fire
Com 1: O Lord, I am not worthy(CC-522)
Com 2: On Eagle's Wings (CC-418)
Closing: America, The Beautiful(CC-525)

June 24 - TWELFTH SUNDAY of Ordinary Time

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/12sot.html

Opening: Lift High The Cross(CC-305)
Ps: Psalm 136: God's Love is Everlasting(SS2-282)
Offertory: you are my all in all(see sheet)
Com 1: As the deer longs(CC-415)
Com 2: How can I keep from singing?(CC-431)
Closing: Blest Be the Lord(CC-426)
CCM Postlude: How Great is our God(Tomlin)

June 18 - BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST Lectionary #168

Emerging in the thirteenth century in response to attacks on the real presence of Christ in the sacrament, this feast was first celebrated in 1247; it was added to the general calendar in 1264. From the late fourteenth century, the most conspicuous aspect of this feast was a procession with the reserved sacrament that followed Mass, probably modeled on the Palm Sunday procession in England , in which the sacrament was carried to represent Christ the King. In Germany it became associated with a petition for good weather, and the procession included four stations at which the sacrament in the monstrance was offered in blessing in the four directions.

Today's readings focus our attention on the “blood of the covenant” and, therefore, on Christ's redeeming presence among us as the new sign of the covenant (and under the form of wine).

Exodus 24:3-8. The covenant which God offers is a matter of life and death. Once they hear the words, understand them, and commit themselves to the covenant, Moses sprinkles the people with “the blood of the covenant.” This ritual gesture suggests that violation of the covenant brings death; it is also a reminder that all of life is in God's hands because it was believed that life itself resided in the blood.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (115) 116

This song of thanksgiving, originally sung by a grateful individual, has become the song of the church as it takes up the cup of salvation in the Eucharist to give thanks to God.

Hebrews 9:11-15. Written after the destruction of the Temple (70 CE), this letter “spiritualizes” Temple ritual and applies it to Christ. Here, Christ is presented as the high priest entering the Holy of Holies, not by offering purification sacrifices but by offering himself—“his own blood”—which purifies himself as well as all who share in the “new covenant.”

Sequence: Lauda Sion

Unlike the sequences for Easter Sunday and Pentecost, this sequence is optional. If used, it may best be used as a processional piece accompanying the movement of the Gospel Book through the congregation. People planning to use this sequence should note how very long it is; they might consider using the shorter form which begins with the verse “Lo! the angel's food is given.” The Canadian Catholic Book of Worship III has a reworking of the text set to the Pange Lingua tune (#693), and the chant for the short form (“Ecce Panis”) is in the Liber Cantualis. A setting of the short form of the sequence is available in By Flowing Waters (Paul Ford, The Liturgical Press), 207. The following versions of the hymn may be used in their entirety or shortened by comparing the texts with the one found in the Lectionary.

Laud, O Zion JS 473/BB/PRM B

Praise, O Zion , Voices Raising WC 627/PMB 319

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26. In Mark's version of the Last Supper, the words over the cup are far more extensive than the words over the bread, since in this version Jesus evokes the prophetic image of the messianic banquet, celebrated with new wine “in the kingdom of God .”

Opening: Gather Your People(CC-474)
CCM Opening: Salvation Belongs To Our God(see sheet)
Ps: Ps 16: Our Blessing Cup(CC-78) [sing and read]
Offertory: Eat this bread(CC-491)
Com 1: Behold the lamb(CC-481)
Com 2: Adoration by Matt Maher
Com 3: Litany for the Holy Eucharist (1,Ps,2,G) WC 643
Closing: Salvation Belongs To Our God(see sheet)
CCM Closing: Thanks Be To God(see sheet)

June 11 - TRINITY SUNDAY Lectionary #165

We celebrate the mystery of God as Trinity, not in splendid self-isolation but as for us. In the opening prayer for today's Mass, we give thanks to the Father, who “sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy,” for “through them we come to know the mystery of [divine] life.”

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40. Moses solemnly evokes the memory of who God has been for Israel : the one who chose them and liberated them, who spoke “from the midst of fire” and gave them the Torah.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (32) 33
Selected verses from this hymn praise God as the creator and also as the one who watches over the faithful (“the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him”).

Romans 8:14-17. We are more than God's chosen people. By the power of the Spirit working within us, we have been made children of God and joint heirs with Christ.

Matthew 28:16-20. The formula for baptism was already in its fixed, ritual form when Matthew placed it here, at the end of his Gospel.

Opening: Sing Out, Earth and Skys (CC-388)
CCM Opening: Hosanna (see sheet)
Ps: Ps 33: Happy the People You Have Chosen(CC-24)[sing and read]
Offertory: Abba Father(cc-365)
Com 1: Holy, Holy, Holy(cc-299)
Com 2: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name(CC-355)
Closing:Shine, Jesus Shine (SS-202) [v 1 and 3]

June 4th - PENTECOST

SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST YEAR B Lectionary #63B
Since it is the final feast of the Great Fifty Days, how does Pentecost complete Easter?

Acts 2:1-11. The Spirit fills the disciples and sends them out to preach to the whole world. God's Spirit, like God's love, is missionary; it impels us beyond ourselves and our own concerns.
Psalm of the Day: Ps (103) 104
A hymn of praise to the Creator who also sustains the whole of creation especially through the gift of water (verses 10-18 and 27-35). See the commentary on the water imagery used at the Easter Vigil.

Galatians 5:16-25. Paul's version of the morality of two ways—the way of life and the way of death—contrasts the “deeds of the flesh” with the “deeds of the Spirit.” He reminds the Galatians that they are in the Spirit, so they should put into practice what they affirm about themselves. (The second reading for Year A may be used in place of this text.)

John 15:26-27; 16:12-15. The Spirit will testify to Jesus, and so will the church. In fact, the Spirit will testify through the church.

Opening: Let the fire fall(see sheet)
Ps: Ps 104: Lord, Send out your spirit(cc-76)
Offertory: Come, Holy Ghost(instrumental) (cc-293)
Com 1: We are many parts(cc-516)
Com 2: Send us your spirit(cc-295)
Closing: Everyone moved by the spirit(see sheet)
CCM Closing: Let the river flow

May 21 - SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/6se.html

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B Lectionary #56

In the readings, we reflect on what authentic love can mean. For the early Christians, it meant reaching out to the Gentiles. What barriers do we put in the way of Christ's love in our time?

Acts 10:25 -26, 34-35, 44-48. After his vision of the meal on the rooftop, Peter is shown reaching out to Cornelius and his family because “God shows no partiality.”

Psalm of the Day: Ps (97) 98

God is enthroned not only as the ruler of Israel , but as sovereign over the whole world, for “all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.”

1 John 4:7-10. We know what it means to love because God has first loved us and sent his Son into the world to give us life.

John 15:9-17. If you want to show your love for me, Jesus says, then love one another.

Opening: They will know we are Christians by our love(cc-513)
Ps: All the ends of the earth(see sheet)
Offertory: O, Santisima (cc-323)
Com 1: Seed, Scattered and Sown(cc-495)
Com 2: I have loved you(cc-399)
Closing: Holy is the Lord (see sheet)

Meditation on Ministry

Hello all!

I thought this meditation on ministry was kind of cool. Hope you enjoy it!


The content was taken from http://www.wau.org/meditations.

****************

John 13:16-20

Have you ever had a day like this? You wake up determined to make a difference in the world by living for Christ and being his humble servant. You spring out of bed, zealous to be the messenger of his love—just the kind Jesus had in mind when he said, “Whoever receives one whom I send receives me” (John 13:20). By evening, though, the spring in your step is gone, and you wonder what happened. You tried hard to live as an ambassador for Christ. You really wanted people to know that Jesus is the source of your joy. Yet looking back on the day, you still had a sense that something was missing. It was as if all your efforts were inadequate—not sufficiently persuasive, faithful, or even loving.

Days like this are bound to come, but when they do, we should look at them as special gifts from God. It’s on these kinds of days that we are reminded that on their own, human efforts will always be inadequate! Just as Peter and the other apostles had to let Jesus wash their feet, the same is true for us (John 13:3-12). It’s only as we let Jesus minister to us that we will be made fit to minister to others.

Picture yourself at the bottom of a massive staircase, with Jesus standing at the top. The sight of his glory, and the sense of love coming from his heart captivate you and make you want to be with him. But every time you try to go up a step or two, you slip back. Finally, frustrated and a little bit sore from all your falls, you cry out for help. In an instant, Jesus descends to the lowest step, sweeps you up in his arms, and carries you up to the top.

Don’t let today become “one of those days”! Instead, start out by placing yourself in the Lord’s presence through prayer and peaceful openness. Let him sweep you up in his arms and wash your feet. It’s true: You’ll never become a messenger of God’s love on your own. But then again, God never intended you to. May this truth fill all of our hearts with joy and encouragement!

“Jesus, you love me enough to send me to share you with others. Give me a heart of gentle humility, that I may serve as you served.”

Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 89:2-3,21-22,25,27

May 28 - Ascension of the Lord

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/ascension.html

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION (A, B, C) Lectionary #58B

The ministry of Christ is continued in the ministry of the church. In accord with the decision of the U.S. bishops (1998) as confirmed by the Holy See (1999), this solemnity may be transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter in certain ecclesiastical provinces of the United States .

Acts 1:1-11. Luke's second volume begins with the ascension of Jesus and his commission to the apostles to wait for the promised Holy Spirit.

Psalm (46) 47

This enthronement psalm, dating probably to the reign of David and Solomon, has three sections: praise of God as the “most high,” the enthronement of God as sovereign in heaven, and the tribute given to God on earth.

Ephesians 4:1-13. Paul urges the Ephesians to live in accord with their faith, and he reminds them that Jesus became one of us in order to empower us with the gifts we need to live that way. (The second reading for Year A may also be used.)

Mark 16:15-20. This is the “longer ending” to Mark's Gospel, which contains a description of the miraculous signs that will confirm the truth of apostolic preaching. Use of this text might take some extra explanation.

opening: Let Heaven Rejoice(cc-286)
ps: Ps 47 : God Mounts His Throne (cc-35)
offertory: Holy is His Name (cc-325)
com 1: Bread, Blessed and Broken( see sheet )
com 2: All Hail Power Of Jesus' Name (cc-314)
closing: Lord, I lift your name on high(ss-189)

May 14 - 5th Sunday of Easter

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B Lectionary #53

In the 2006 U.S. secular calendar, this day is Mother's Day. In the calendar of the Easter Season, the readings say that the vine has many branches, but if they are not connected to the central vine, the branches wither.

Acts 9:26-31. This summary of Paul's early ministry after his conversion on the Damascus road and his protection by the Jerusalem Church ends with a statement that the communities in Jewish Palestine were at peace. (The Book of Acts from this point focuses on the mission to the Gentiles.)

Psalm of the Day: Ps (21) 22

Though this is a psalm of lament, whose first verse was quoted by Jesus on the cross, the verses selected for today's psalm come from the end of the text—an invitation to all the ends of the earth to join in singing God's praise.

Psalm 66 has three parts: a hymn to divine mercy (vv. 1-7), a communal thanksgiving for deliverance from some danger (vv. 8-12), and an individual thanksgiving (vv. 13-20).

1 John 3:18-24. John calls on his communities to live the love they profess. The letter also shows that the community relies on the “inner Spirit” as its guiding principle rather than on apostolic authority, as the other Christian communities did.

John 15:1-8. Jesus is the true vine. A branch cannot bear fruit if it is separated from the vine.

*** FIRST COMMUNION @ MPB -- Wahoo!! ***

Opening: He Is Exalted(see sheet)
Psalm: Psalm 22: I will Praise You, Lord(Guimont)(sing and read/ see sheet)
Offertory: We Have Been Told(cc-460)
Com 1: One Bread, One Body(cc-490)
Com 2: Hail Mary Gentle Woman(cc-319)
Closing: Holy Is The Lord(see sheet)

Impressions of Matt Maher and "Life On the Road"

Impressions of Matt Maher and "Life On the Road"

Wow! I wish every Catholic friend I’ve ever had could have been at this concert. Matt Maher was an awesome man of God to meet. In less than five minutes of arriving at the Life on the Road event, I bumped into Matt Maher; I probably sounded like a complete dork talking to him because I admire his ministry so much. He, however, seemed really peaceful and humble in everything he did.

The first part of the praise and worship concert started like most do. The worship started with lots of cool driving tunes from the new album. (Overflowed) To help people sing along to the new praise and worship songs, they had a projector with all the lyrics to the song. It was interesting to note that they tried to put all the lyrics to the song on one slide… This enabled the praise and worship leader to jump around the song a little bit more and underscore certain parts of the song without driving the projectionist crazy. I probably do this to Matt Desalvo all the time at CCM!

Sarah was definitely happy that a certain Jewish sounding praise song called “It is Good” was played. I have avoided playing this song with CCM for a long time, but it was really cool to see how Matt used it. I’ve never seen so many people dance joyfully before the Lord. It was really a cool moment.

One signature of Mr. Maher is his ability to mix extremely classic melodies and prayers together with new material. I loved how he introduced “Resurrection Day” with an old “Glory and Praise” song with lots of Amen’s. You’d know the song if you heard it… At the end of adoration, they played a really neat setting of the divine praises mixed with “His name is Jesus” by ThirdDay for the refrain. It was really a well crafted prayer.

So… All of this is good and cool… and then Jesus shows up! Matt Maher mentioned that during the middle of the concert they would have a little bit of time for Eucharistic adoration. The whole dynamics of the event changed from being just another Christian concert to true Catholic worship and praise! It was really moving for me to see some of our students from CCM break into tears just from joy for the Lord. At this point, the whole focus of the worship was on Christ. I greatly noticed that Matt left a lot of room in the worship for God to speak. There were long extended moments where he was doing nothing more than picking his guitar.

On a personal note, this event made me reflect upon all of the work of the past year with our new parish and our students at CCM. It made me think hard about how God had moved in our lives… It got me excited about the work that’s to come! It was really awesome for me to witness this mini-retreat. Praise the Lord!

Needless to say, after adoration, the praise and worship was absolutely through the roof. I hope I can post some pictures soon. It’s amazing how powerful praise and worship can be when Christ is really REALLY there! Lots of praise… Lots of dancing! (Yes.. dancing!!)

It was really an awesome pleasure to see Matt Maher in action. Though he’s a very gifted song writer and prayerful man, he does not seem to like to be the center of attention. Like every cool man of God, he simply points to Christ through his actions, music, and attitude. I really thank Matt for taking special time to visit with our CCM’ers too. It ment so much to them that he just “hung out” and “chatted” with them. The rest of Matt’s band had the same attitude too. After this evening of worship, it really made me excited to go home to praise the Lord again with Most Precious Blood! Thank you Lord for putting such wonderful servants into our church family!

Spirituality in music ministry

Talk by:

Randy Raus
Vice President
Parish Ministries
LIFE TEEN Office
Marietta, GA
800.809.3902 or 480.820.7001
rraus@lifeteen.com
18 years of service

http://www.lifeteen.com/default.aspx?PageID=CTHOME

Personal spirituality and God comes first

• Order of operations: God, Family, (everything else)
• Give yourself the best gift – silence
• Some of the best adoration time is just being quiet before the Blessed Sacrament; Let the Lord speak to you.
• “How are you?”
• If your most common answer is “I’m busy”, it might become important to adjust some aspects of your prayer life
• Thought to pastoral workers – Speaker strongly encourages time in daily mass
• Try to avoid comparing yourself spiritually to others; evaluate the quality of your spiritual life with God! He’ll let you know how you’re doing
• Let God shape you!
• Let God work on you!
• Make sure not to minister to yourself during worship; For this reason, it’s important to keep your spiritual life thriving!
• Pay attention to lyrics!
• We sing about amazing realities of the universe!
• Inspirational exercise – Try getting one of your best lectors to do a dramatic reading of a common praise and worship song ;
• The church wants authenticity!
• Therefore…
• Don’t feel like you have to be a comedian
• Just try to bring people to prayer
• Be real!
• Music
• It’s always about God
• It’s never about us
• It does have a profound impact in helping people to pray together
• Cool Story : St. John Bosco
• St. John Bosco had a great love of teaching children to love the Lord. For his young men, he had a very clever way of getting them to enjoy prayer; He would encourage his students to play outside in the heat… Immediately following, he would lead them into a very cool prayer chapel with Eucharistic adoration. This sound like something Josh would do!
• Cool Story 2
• A traveler was visiting a Catholic mission; This humble mission in some third world country would serve various workers of the village and the spiritual needs of the children; During adoration, they would always encourage the children to be closer to the Blessed Sacrament; They found that the older members of the church were so encouraged and inspired by observing the developing lives of children and seeing how they react to the Lord’s presence.
• Cool Story 3
• The speaker told us a little bit about his brother who had passed away from illness. His brother, who was not always close to the church, had some form of cancer. (I think?) In this story, the speaker recounts how encouraged his brother to deeply consider becoming Catholic with the time he had remaining. His church and the community at large really had a large role in helping make his brother feel welcome and loved by God. Because of the small efforts of so many faithful people and lots of love from God, the speaker was very proud to profess that his brother is Catholic and probably in heaven… Since he is part of the community of saints, he is now praying for them now. This helps underscore how God can use our efforts in ministry.
• Random other tips
• Interaction with teens (or your congregation) before and after mass is extremely important. Try to make yourself available and willing to “hang out” with your church.
• “Be God’s” (Common Quote from Rich Mullins)
• Be available to pray with your teens or church members. Taking time for personal prayer with someone in need can really show the love of Christ.

Playing Vs. Praying

Notes from Matt Maher

• "Singing Isn't Always Praying"
  Matt Maher, the famous voice behind XLT, puts down his guitar and steps in front of the camera to explain how singing isn't always praying.
• http://www.lifeteen.com/default.aspx?PageID=MEHOME&__DocumentId=33213
• “Be Context Sensitive”
• Become profoundly aware of where you are…
• Know who you are praying with…
• Adjust your music and temperament for your environment
• Thoughts on “Blessed Be The Name” by Matt Redman
• http://www.justworship.com/worshipsongs/blessedbeyourname.html
• At some point Matt Maher was going through some form of chem-o therapy. At this very vulnerable time of his life, he talked a bit about how he emotionally reacted to this song just driving in his car. Though this was a very powerful song to him at this time, he mentioned that he was glad that he didn’t immediately use this song in worship. It just wasn’t the right time or context for him and his congregation.
• Teens, Young Adults, the church long for authenticity – Just be real… Don’t force yourself to do things that don’t feel natural to your personality. (i.e. Don’t feel like you have to be a comedian)
• Important things to consider when leading worship
• What’s the KEY of the song?
• If you’re struggle to vocally hit notes or form chords, your congregation will be struggling pray with you too.
• Context, Context Context
• Warm UP’s with the congregation – Do them!
• Opportunity to teach new music
• Opportunity to for you as a music minister to engage the congregation to sing and worship
• Opportunity to pray
• Order
• Music, Music
• Cell Phone
• Silence (very important)
• “Congregation Warm up” starts at published mass time! Not 10 minutes before the start of mass.
• Make sure to do simple things well.
• Try to become part of the assembly; If EVERYONE in your church knows you by name, how cool you are, and how technical of a musician you are, then something needs to change. Again, mass is about God… Not you!
• In the best of all cases, try to become as invisible as possible
• I really like this idea… I think I want to call this Ninja Music Ministry(“you must become za shadow..”)
• How does the Congregation song?
• Catholics unlike protestants sing in octaves
• Men are always one octave below woman
• Fact: Women sing more than men!
• Therefore, play to the women when possible…The men will catch on..
• If songs have musical phrases that consistently hit notes above C# or D, you will probably start losing some of the women… Be aggressive in changing keys!
• Be mindful of your vocal style
• If people are having trouble understanding your words, focus on pronunciation and diction
• Be very careful who you emulate – Avoid trying to model yourself after Michael Jackson or other pop artists who use a lot of “style.” Watch out for Chris Tomlin who sings much higher than normal men should! (i.e. How many people can actually sing along with Indescribable? This comment is probably good for Michael W. Smith too)
• Great quote about Chris Tomlin: “He’s an extremely small human being.” [Let the record show that I love Chris Tomlin… He really rocks and is a Holy man! I just thought it was funny to hear Matt talk about him this way.]
• Try to sing like you say simple words. Clearly and boldly… Avoid weird and strange vibrato
• What if your congregation is not singing?
• Make it your goal that the congregation sings the Psalm response well.
• Make it your goal that the congregation sings the closing song well.
• It’s okay to review more songs with the congregation including the Psalm. Be bold during your congregation warm up!
• Don’t give what you don’t have… Make sure to you fill your own spiritual cup! (Most important)
• On recording CD’s
• Great songs take time. Matt talked about instances where good songs failed to sell simply because the author did not take the extra time to really refine his or her work.
• Want to make a CD?
• There’s no better marketing agent than the Holy Spirit
• Make sure what you write or perform is prayerful.. God will do the rest
• DON’T CALL YOUR MUSIC MINISTRY A BAND – LIFE TEEN BAND—BAD!
• Little bits on Matt Maher’s music background
• Jazz – Helped Matt learn what NOT to play
• Classical
• On planning
• If you’re the only person planning your liturgy, Matt greatly encourages directors to find another model. Ego does not belong in mass. Plan with a team of people who really care about making the liturgy powerful, prayerful, and Christ centered. The team should also include people who aren’t musicians.
• Plan with your priest(s)!!!!
• Note from Fr. J.
• http://www.lifeteen.com/default.aspx?PageID=FJHOME
• Do something revolutionary… Use the SACRAMENTRY! “The mass is glorious!” Some of the best ideas for enhancing liturgy is to just to do what the little red book says!
• On Political correctness
• God = Father = Abba
• “Father, forgive them… They know not what they do..”
• Therefore, there is no need in lyrics to remove the “Father” from God
• On The Psalm
• There’s a new resource published by OCP by Craig Holson(sp?) that will provide Psalms for all 3 church years
• When it’s really hard to find a psalm response for a week, here’s some things you can do
• Read the verses! The US Conference of Catholic Bishops calls us to really try to stay as close to the verses as specified by the lectionary; There’s a greater degree of freedom on the “refrain” of the Psalm.
• On the authority of the music director
• Matt had a really funny way of expressing the music minister’s authority; if the bishop of your diocese had the ability to sing and play guitar at all the masses in the diocese all at the same time, he would! Since he can’t, music ministers are called to lead worship in the form of music; the music minister extends the power of your pastor and the bishop; you, therefore, should feel empowered to make hard choices at times in regards to the direction of your ministry and helping people to pray. Again, try to plan with your priests or pastor! We are always called to show respect and consideration towards our priests in what we plan.
• Stay up to date on your reading in regard to official teachings on music in liturgy
• Big take away! True prayer is the key to everything.. That's what we're called to do in the mass. Amen!
  

May 7, 2006 - Fourth Sunday of Easter

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B Lectionary #50

Traditionally, because of the gospel reading, in the Catholic liturgical calendar this Easter Sunday is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, and it is traditionally a day to pray for vocations.

Acts 4:8-12. Following on the healing of a cripple in the name of Jesus, Peter affirms the heart of Christian faith: “There is no salvation through anyone else.” (This does not mean, however, that there is no salvation outside the Church, as Vatican II affirmed.)

Psalm of the Day: Ps (117) 118

1 John 3:1-2. The church is the incarnate promise of the coming kingdom.

John 10:11-18. I am the good shepherd.

Opening: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (CC-366)
Psalm: This is the day the Lord has made (see sheet)
Offertory: Mary's Song(CC-105)
Com 1: Gift of Finest Wheat(CC-484)
Com 2: Like A Shepherd(CC-402)
Closing: You Grace Is Enough (SS2-403)

April 30 - THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/3se.html

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER B Lectionary #47

The readings present Jesus as the fulfillment of the Torah and the prophets and as the one who offers true forgiveness and reconciliation.

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19. Luke presents a “typical” sample sermon of the apostolic church that links Jesus to Jewish history and presents the approach that the church took in its preaching to contemporary Jews—Jesus is the fulfillment of the divine promises.

Psalm of the Day: Ps 4

Though this is actually a lament, it is filled with great trust in God and is an appropriate expression of personal trust in God's presence and power.

1 John 2:1-5a. Jesus is not only our advocate when we sin; he is the expiation for our sins.

Luke 24:35-38. The story of the journey to Emmaus echoes, in a sense, the structure of the liturgy: the proclamation and interpretation of the Scriptures followed by the meal in which we recognize Jesus “in the breaking of the bread.” It also summarizes Luke's practice of setting major teaching in the context of a meal.

Opening: Alleluia! Sing To Jesus (CC-312)
Ps: Lord, Let Your Face Shine upon us (ss2-246) ( sing and read)
Offertory: Alleluia No. 1(CC-290)
Com 1: Jesus, Come To Us(CC-411)
Com 2: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name(CC-355)
Closing: God of Wonders(SS2-346)

April 23 - SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/2se.html

EASTER SEASON, YEAR B

Unlike other seasons of the liturgical year, the first reading in the Easter Season is taken from the Acts of the Apostles instead of from the Hebrew Bible. This fact invites us to reflect on how the early church responded to the Good News in its life as well as in its texts.

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER B: DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Lectionary #44

The readings for this Sunday describe a community of believers who held everything in common, caring for the needy, loving the children of God, bringing effective peace and forgiveness to all.

LITURGICAL NOTE: Pope John Paul II added a new title to this Sunday, but nothing else has changed. The Divine Mercy devotion—a private devotion—should not be part of the Sunday liturgy. It may, of course, be celebrated apart from Mass on this day.

Acts 4:32-35. Luke paints an idealized picture of the earliest communities. Here, he points out how holding all things in common followed from the preaching of the resurrection as a way to care for the community's needy members.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (117) 118

This song of thanksgiving has become, in Christian practice, the song of the resurrection. Picture Jesus singing it as he comes out of the tomb.

Suggested Common Psalm: Ps (117) 118

This is the Day the Lord Has Made

See additional suggestions for Easter Day

1 John 5:1-6. Written to support a struggling community—and to condemn those in the community who disagree with the writer's interpretation of Christ—the First Letter of John describes fidelity to God and to the commandments as best expressed in love for God's children.

John 20:19-31. This account of Jesus' resurrection appearance to the disciples on Easter in Jerusalem describes the risen Christ's gift as “shalom”—that deep peace which comes from being in union with God through forgiveness of sin. It ends with the story of Thomas and a promise to future believers that they are “blessed,” even though they did not witness the resurrection personally.

Prelude: Kindness
Opening: Gather Us In(CC-471)
Psalm: Ps 118: This is the day (SS2-118)
Offertory: You are mine (CC-435)
Com 1: How Great Thou Art(CC-387)
Com 2: Cup of life (see sheet)
Closing: City of God(CC-509)
CCM Closing: Holy Is the Lord (see sheet)
CCM Postlude: Prince of Peace (see sheet)

Easter Sunday

Context from : http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/easterday.html

A lot of parishes go all out for the Triduum, reaching a dramatic peak at the Vigil. Consequently, a lot of places have little energy left for the Masses on Easter Day. Yet for most parishioners, this is "Easter," and Holy Week consists of Passion Sunday, possibly Good Friday, and Easter Day Mass. We need to plan a rich celebration of all the Masses of Easter, so that all believers may share in the joy of the resurrection.

Acts 10:34a, 37-43. Peter's sermon is a summary of the early preaching of the Gospel and a reminder that our faith depends solely on the witness of those "who ate and drank with [Jesus] after he rose from the dead."

Psalm of the Day: Ps (117) 118

This individual song of thanksgiving becomes for us Jesus' own celebration of the resurrection and our assurance that the "rejected stone" of the crucified Christ has become the "cornerstone" of our faith.

Colossians 3:1-4. Paul's understanding of baptism is that it grants us a share in Christ's death as a promise that we will one day share in the resurrection.

Or:

1 Corinthians 5:6-8. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed! Let us keep the feast. This alternative second reading reminds us that the Eucharist is an Easter sacrament.

Sequence

The "Victimae Paschali" should be sung. During the singing, if your liturgical space permits it, you might want to process the Gospel Book through the congregation and use incense (if you can get away with it).

John 20:1-9. In the Eastern Churches, Mary Magdalene is honored as the "witness to the resurrection and co-equal of the Apostles." To her witness the Fourth Gospel adds the testimony of Peter and the beloved disciple.

Opening: Sing A New Song (CC-372)
Ps: This is the day (SS-277)
Sequence: ???
Gospel Acc: Celtic Allelluia
Offertory: All Creatures Of Our God and King(CC-358)
Lit. Of Eucharist : Mass of Creation
Com 1: The Supper Of The Lord(CC-486)
Com 2: Better Is One Day(SS2-381)
Com 3: We will Sing ( see sheet )
Closing: Jesus, Christ is Risen Today ( CC - 275 )
Thanks Be To God(see sheet)

Easter Vigil

Planning references can be found at the following websites

• http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/vigil.html
• http://www.usccb.org/nab/041506.shtml
  

Outline of worship

Commentary I: Introduction

Solemn Beginning/Easter Fire: LCMS Plaza

Procession: Christ Our Light 2x in center aisle

Commentary II: Liturgy of the Word

Presider Prayer

First Reading Genesis 1:1,26-30

Psalm
Ps 104 : Lord, Send Out Your Spirit (CC-296)

Presider Prayer

Second Reading Genesis 22:1-2,9,10-13

Psalm
Ps 16: For You Are My God (CC-425)

Presider Prayer

Third Reading Exodus 14:15--15:1

[The M.C. then moves from the font to the Easter candle near the ambo. He touches the candle and sings alone:

“Christ Our Light” from Paschal Candle

Exultet: Candidates line up at Sanctuary Steps with candles

[RCIA Candidates come forward and stand in front of the steps. The Director and Assistant then take the flame from the Easter candle and spread the light to the Candidates. When all is finished the Exultet begins. Candidates remain until end of Exultet.]

Gloria: Lights, Bells, Altar Cloth
Mass of Creation Gloria

Epistle: Rom 6:3-11

Alleluia
Celtic Alleluia(CC-118)

Homily -- Gospel :Mk 16: 1-7

Commentary III: Baptism/Confirmation

Calling of the Elect

Presider Prayer

Litany of Saints
Litany (SS2-330)

Profession of Faith

Procession to Baptismal Font in Narthex
Ps 42: As the deer longs (CC-415) -- Instrumental

Blessing of Baptismal Water

Rite of Sprinkling (moving back up towards Sanctuary)
Ps 42: As the deer longs (CC-415) -- Sung

Baptisms (shell font near Ambo): Candidates come forward from Narthex
Allelluia from Mass of a Joyful Heart

Clothing with White Garment

Presentation of Lighted Candle

Calling of Candidates for Full Communion

Act of Reception

Calling of All Candidates for Confirmation

Celebration of Confirmation Invitation

Laying on of Hands

Anointing with Chrism

Commentary IV: Liturgy of the Eucharist

Collection

Offertory
All Creatures Of Our God and King(CC-358)

Sanctus( Mass of Creation )

Eucharistic Prayer( Mass of Creation )

Our Father

Sign of Peace

Lamb of God( Mass of Creation )

Communion
Com 1: The Supper of the Lord (CC-486)
Com 2: Better Is One Day (SS2-381)
Com 3: May God Bless You (CC-335)

Announcements and Expression of Gratitude

Prayer After Communion

Solemn Blessing

Recessional Hymn
Jesus, Christ is Risen Today (CC - 275 )
Thanks Be To God (see sheet)

GOOD FRIDAY: CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION (A, B, C) Lectionary #40

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/goodfri.html

GOOD FRIDAY: CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION (A, B, C) Lectionary #40

The second ritual of the Triduum. We find ourselves between Eucharists, on a day when "according to the Church's ancient tradition, the sacraments are not celebrated." As with Passion (Palm) Sunday, the focus today is on the proclamation of the Passion, though just as on last Sunday, the popular focus for many people is on a secondary rite; in this case, the veneration of the cross. Planning should recognize that popular focus but still find ways of calling attention to the Passion narrative in the Fourth Gospel.

Isaiah 52:13–53:12. The "fourth song of the servant" repeats the image of the "lamb" from Holy Thursday's first reading, and it adds terrible details of the pain borne by the "man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity." Though all the details don't fit the story of Jesus' own suffering (for instance, he had no direct descendants), this song has helped us interpret Jesus' Passion as a redemptive act. Certainly "by his stripes we were healed."

Psalm of the Day: Ps (30) 31

An individual lament that reveals immense trust in God. As used by the church, it is placed on the lips of Jesus to express his trust in God even on the cross.

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9. Though he was not a member of the priestly tribe of Levi, Jesus is described in the Letter to the Hebrews as "a great high priest" who has broken the mold of priestly identity. As the "source of eternal salvation for all who obey him," he has the right to appropriate any title that helps us to understand what that salvation might mean for us.

John 18:1–19:42. Like Matthew (see Passion Sunday Year A), John presents Jesus as in charge of his own destiny. John goes farther, however, showing Jesus as totally in control of what happens to him, almost manipulating people into the pattern that will lead to his death. Jesus is the equal of all who address him, speaking on even terms with the high priest and the Roman governor. Note the anti-Jewish feeling in John's narrative. This stems from several events that preceded the final form of this Gospel: the expulsion of some Christians from the synagogues, in some places, and their denunciation as heretics; the first persecutions of Christians by Roman officials, which encouraged the Gospel writers to play down Roman involvement in Jesus' death; and particularly a theology of Jesus' death which included a belief that he died for the sins of the people, that is, for his own Jewish community, though many Jews did not accept him or his sacrifice. Misunderstood, such anti-Jewish sentiments were used in the past to justify persecutions, pogroms, and even the Holocaust.

Gathering Song: Silence
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 31: Father, I put my life in your hands. (CC-23)
Gospel Acc: None
General Intercessions: O God Hear Us(CC-200)
Procession with Cross: Behold the wood of the cross(CC-274)
Veneration of the Cross: Behold the Lamb of God (CC-262)
Procession with Blessed Sacrament/Dressing of Altar: ???
Return Procession with Blessed Sacrament: ???
Com1: O Sacred Head (CC-269)
Com2: Now we remain (CC-455)
Com3: Pieta (see sheet)
Recessional: Silence

PASCHAL TRIDUUM

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/paschal.html

Lent ends at sunset on Holy Thursday. The Paschal Triduum runs from the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday evening through evening prayer on Easter Sunday night. In your planning, remember that the Triduum actually ends with Evening Prayer II for Easter Sunday. Is there any way you can incorporate evening prayer into your celebration?

Apart from the specific suggestions for the psalms for Holy Thursday and Good Friday and music for the footwashing on Holy Thursday, given under those titles, for other music for the Triduum consult the Lenten suggestions and the Easter Sunday selections given before and after this section.

HOLY THURSDAY: MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER (A, B, C) Lectionary #39

The first ritual of the Triduum. It begins like a regular Mass, but it includes a dramatic action after the Gospel, and it doesn't exactly end. Instead, it remains open-ended, pointing us toward Good Friday.

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14. This reading, as re-interpreted in the Book of Revelation, has given us the "Lamb of God" image for Jesus. Passover is a memorial feast for "all generations" because it marks the beginning of God's great acts of liberation.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (115) 116

This song of thanksgiving, originally sung by a grateful individual, has become the song of the church as it takes up the cup of salvation in the Eucharist to give thanks to God.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Paul recounts the tradition that he has received concerning the Lord's last supper. The basic pattern has remained the same from the church's earliest days. Paul also points out the eschatological nature of the Eucharist: We proclaim the death of the Lord until his return in glory.

John 13:1-15. John's account of the last supper does not include the institution narrative; he has given us his Eucharistic theology in the "bread of life" sermon in chapter 6. Instead, John tells of Jesus' humility in taking on a servant's role (echoes of the "kenosis" hymn) as an example of the way that those who are bound together by the Eucharist should care for each other.

Prelude Music: ???
Opening: Table of Plenty( CC-475 )
Gloria: Mass of Creation Gloria (CC-185)
Ps: Our Blessing Cup (CC-78)
Gospel Acc: Lenten Gospel Acc. (see sheet)
Foot Washing: As I Have Done for You (CC-265)
General Intercessions: O God, Hear Us (CC-200)
Pres. of the Holy Oils: Out of Darkness (see sheet)
Offertory: Lord You Have Come (CC-458) (english and spanish)
Liturgy of the Eucharist: Mass of Creation
Com1: Taste and See (CC-28)
Com2: Christians, Let Us Love One Another(CC-447)
Procession of Blessed Sacrament: Sing, My Tongue, The Savior's Glory(CC-266)
Stripping of Sanctuary: Perhaps we can have some quiet pre-recorded music prepared for this time...

*** Other thoughts ***
We may need one or two more songs for adoration..

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S - April 9

Procession with Palms

Gospel at the Procession: Mark 11:1-10. Jesus is in charge of his own destiny. He enters Jerusalem the way a king would, riding instead of walking.

Opening Antiphon and Procession

At the Mass

Isaiah 50:4-7. The third Song of the Servant is actually more the song of a disciple who listens and learns and lives by what God says.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (21) 22

An individual lament whose opening line is quoted by Jesus on the cross (see Mark 15:34 in today's passion narrative.) After listing his trials, the psalmist affirms faith in God and promises to praise God “in the midst of the assembly.”

Philippians 2:6-11. This is the “kenosis” (“emptying”) hymn—a Christian hymn that Paul borrowed and inserted here, adding the phrase “death on a cross” to make his point that Jesus was actually a human being (and not a divine being who merely seemed human) who died and was exalted.

Mark 14:1–15:47. Note the rubric: “The Passion begins directly, without the greeting or the acclamation of the people, but concludes in the usual manner.” Mark's account of Jesus' suffering and death interweaves a series of betrayals with a series of surprising acts of fidelity. Through it all, Jesus is presented as knowing what is coming and choosing his fate. The betrayers include Judas Iscariot, Peter (several times), James and John (in the garden), the leaders of the Sanhedrin, and Pilate. Jesus even has doubts about God ( 15:34 ). Those who are faithful include Simon of Bethany, the woman with the perfumed oil, the man with the water jar, Simon the Cyrenian, the centurion, the women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, Salome, and other women—and Joseph of Arimathea. God, of course, as we learn on Easter, is the most faithful of all.

LITURGICAL NOTE: If you intend to read the Passion Narrative in parts, the traditional division is threefold: narrator, Christ, and crowd (all other voices). Some communities expand the number of voices, though it is probably not a good idea to give the congregation the "people's part" of this narrative, because that puts them in an adversarial relationship to Jesus. Instead, they should experience themselves as sharing not only in the sin that led to Jesus' death but also in his act of self-sacrifice to which they will soon join themselves once more in the Eucharist. Therefore, it might be good to proclaim this reading with the traditional three readers (which helps to hold attention), but break it at several points for a sung acclamation by the people: Some appropriate acclamations or responses are included in the list of music below.

Opening: The King of Glory (CC-315)
Opening 2: Hosanna (see sheet) [Not sure if needed...]
Ps: My God, My God (see sheet)

No Gospel Acc.

Offertory: Were You There (CC-271)
Com 1: Now We Remain (CC-455)
Com 2: You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Closing: Jesus, Remember Me(CC-270)

Fifth Sunday of Lent - April 2, 2006

Context taken from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/index.html

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT A Lectionary #34
The Third Scrutiny: Life. There are various forms of life and various forms of resurrection. There is the restoration to life that the people experienced when they were allowed to return from Exile; there is the restoration to life that people experience when they have a religious conversion; and there is the miraculous resurrection that Lazarus received. But the resurrection of Jesus surpasses all these, offering us more than we could possibly imagine.

Ezekiel 37:12-14. God promises to restore the people to their homeland and to give them a rebirth of faith.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (129) 130
Psalm 130 is another traditional "penitential psalm." Like Psalm 51, it is used by the church during seasons and rituals of repentance. It sings of another kind of "resurrection"—the restoration of someone who is suffering, who has experienced God's mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.

Romans 8:8-11. Paul uses “flesh” to mean those who have not come to belief in Christ and “spirit” to mean those who have. For those who believe, the Spirit is at work restoring all of creation and raising it to the new life given us in Christ.

John 11:1-45. The story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus makes some points similar to those made in the previous week's Gospel: You need to see things from God's perspective in order to understand them. Jesus is the source of true life. Though he is “the Christ, the Son of God,” he is also very human, deeply touched by the sorrow of his friends at the death of Lazarus. God is acting through him not only in this miracle but also throughout his ministry (“I know that you always hear me”).

Opening: Let the fire fall (see sheet)
Ps: Ps 130: With God There Is Mercy (CC-90) - (need to make sure this is good)
Offertory: Precious Lord, Take My Hand(CC-343)
Com #1: I am the bread of life (CC-478)
Com #2: Give Me Jesus (CC-349)
Closing: Abba, Father (CC-365)

March 20 - FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT A Lectionary #31

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yeara/4sl.html

The Second Scrutiny: Light. Enlightenment by Christ through initiation allows us to see things as they really are, with their full meaning.

1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13. The prophet Samuel sees David's spirit and God's election of David, even though on the surface he does not appear to be the obvious choice to be the "Lord's anointed."

Psalm of the Day: Ps (22) 23
Faith allows us to see beyond the dangers of "the dark valley" to the presence of God at our side.

Ephesians 5:8-14. The light of Christ should not simply shine on us; it should shine out from inside us. We should "live as children of light." We should see things as God sees them and act in ways that please the Lord.

John 9:1-41. Jesus sees things in the light of God, so he knows that problems like physical blindness are not the result of sin. But, as the former blind man discovers, once he has been given his sight, there is a kind of blindness that can afflict our spirit, which keeps us from seeing God's hand at work in our world and in ourselves. The former blind man does not suffer from such blindness, but those around him do. The very presence of Christ reveals those who suffer from blindness of spirit and those who "have eyes to see."

Opening: Open the eyes of my heart (see sheet)
Ps: Ps 23: The Lord is my shepherd( sing and read) (SS2-250)
Offertory: O Sacrament Most Holy (CC-518)
Com #1: Eat this Bread(CC-491)
Com #2: Amazing Grace(CC-423)
Closing: Beautiful Savior (CC-520)
CCM Closing: In the light(SS-186)

March 19 - THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Context from : http://www.npm.org/Planning/yeara/3sl.html

The First Scrutiny: Water. Immersion in the font of baptism brings much more than cleansing from sin. The water of baptism slakes our thirst for God and unites us to Christ, making us, like him, "living water."

Exodus 17:3-7. By God's mercy, using Moses as the divine instrument, water gushes from a barren rock at Horeb. The miracle is two-edged, however, because the people doubted that God could provide water in the desert, so it goes down in memory as a kind of edgy blessing. (Tradition held that because Moses hesitated and doubted God at Horeb/Massah/Meribah, he was denied entrance to the Promised Land; he was only allowed to view it from a distance, from the top of Mount Nebo.)

Psalm of the Day: Ps (94) 95
Though this psalm praises God as savior and creator, it also retains the "downside" memory of Horeb. Used by the church as the daily "invitatory" to begin the liturgy of the hours, Psalm 95 encourages us to use "today" to hear God's voice, and not to doubt as the people did "at Meribah/as in the day of Massah in the desert."

If Today You Hear His Voice (Haas) GC 89/PCY1 70/RS 129

Romans 5:1-2, 5-8. God provided water in the desert, but Christ laid down his life for us. “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” There is no greater love.

John 4:5-42. The story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman is used by John to make several points. The Samaritan (who is also a woman) believes and gives witness to Jesus when even his followers don't understand who he is. He is "living water" which comes alive in believers as the source of eternal life. Jesus' disciples do not need to go to a particular place to worship, because they worship "in Spirit and truth." Finally, the church is on mission in the world, sent to reap the harvest that has been planted without our involvement.

Opening: Gather Your People (CC-474) Vs. 1,2,4
Ps: Ps 95: If Today You Hear God's Voice (CC-59)
Offertory: Breathe on me Holy One (see sheet)
Com1: O Lord, I Am Not Worthy (CC-522)
Com2: Be Not Afraid(CC-424)
Closing: Save Your People (CC-254)
CCM Closing: Kindness (see sheet)

Lent and Easter Schedule

Hello all!

I just wanted to let you know some key dates for our lent and easter season. Please try to talk and pray over some of these dates with your family. Please drop me an e-mail by March 17th in regards to which Holy week services you might be able to play for...

Thank you always for all that you do four our parish community and CCM ... It's awesome to see God working through our music teams. Wise man once say... "YOU ROCK!!!"



Penance service - April 3rd
- 7PM
- This will probably be held at LCMS

Palm Sunday - April 9th
- Regular mass schedule

Chrism mass - Wed. April 12
- 11AM
- WHERE: Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine
- Interested? A crew from MPB/CCM will be carpooling from the parish office

Holy Thursday - April 13
- 7:30PM
- Mass of the Lord's Supper
- LCMS Cafeteria
- Eucharistic Adoration after mass; Until 10PM(LCMS Choir Room)

Good Friday - April 14th
3pm - Veneration of the cross (LCMS Cafe)
7:30PM - Stations of the cross (LCMS Cafe)

Holy Saturday
- 9:30AM - Practice for Easter Vigil
- 8PM - Easter Vigil (LCMS Cafe)

Easter Sunday
-- 6AM - Sunrise service( Don't worry... We'll feed ya!! )
-- 8:30AM - Mass-English
-- 10:00AM - Mass-English
-- 12PM - Mass spanish

Check out Matt Maher's MySpace

Matt Maher, an extremly youthful and gifted Catholic song writer, is going to be releasing a brand new album very soon. We've done a few of his songs before including "I love you Lord", "You know who I am" and "Your Grace is enough." The album talks about themes of baptism. Last I checked, the album will be called "Overflowed..." There's two samples on the site. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.myspace.com/mattmahermusic

How to wrap cable -- 101

Hello there!

I just thought that you might find this educational yet amusing. Paul sent me a link regarding how to correctly wrap cables.. It's a neat little video lesson. Hope you enjoy!

http://stagecraft.theprices.net/gallery/cablewrap/cablewrap-qt.html

While we're on the subject of cool music resources, do you have any favorite links or Christian bands? Drop me some links in the comments of this post! Hope Lent is going well for you! God bless!