Liturgy is central to our life as a worshipping community and careful thought is given to its preparation. Our Liturgy Group meets once a month. It comprises the music group leaders, two cantors, the parish priest, assistant organist and others with experience in liturgy.
We reflect on the themes of the next month's services, choose appropriate music, discuss new mass settings and songs, and any other changes which might improve our worship. We also co-ordinate our team of 20 to 30 readers and ensure there are different readers for each mass and someone to lead the bidding prayers.
The Music Group also meets once a month to practice new songs and polish old ones. It has two leaders, two cantors, three flautists, two violinists, a clarinetist, a recorder player and a guitarist.
Most of our musicians are students and this is a good way of keeping young people involved in the liturgy. The musicians are supported by adult singers who give a lead to the congregation. It is our policy to sing all parts of the mass which are intended to be sung - and we are always on the lookout for new, sensitive and singable settings to enhance our worship.
Music group practices
The music group currently practises for a quarter of an hour each Sunday before the main mass. We also have separate practices during the Easter and Advent seasons. We welcome new musicians or singers to join us.
Liturgy Archive
View our comprehensive archive of previous liturgies. New music
Ideas for new music (discussed at planning meeting):
God has chosen me (Farrell)
Let us build a house where love can dwell
Taste and See (CJM)
Come, now is the time to worship
Cantate Domine (Taize)
Nada Te Turbe (Taize)
We shall go out with hope of resurrection (Boyce-Tillman)
Plainsong Mass for the Dead
May the choirs of angels
As if you were not there (Iona)
Christus Vincit
We are marching in the light of God
Lord make me a sing of your peace
Awake from your slumber
Marty Haugen's Kyrie
New music we are working on
The Benedict Mass Gloria has now been introduced.
We are currently practising the following:
Bread for the World broken (Farrell)
Rain Down, Rain Down has been introduced.
The Benedict Mass penitential rite has been introduced.
Holy Holy (Haugen) Mass of Creation was used during Lent.
As if you were not there (Iona)
Come Lord Jesus Come
We will be looking at:
Taste and See (CJM)
Nada te turbe (Taize)
103 in blue book
Here is bread...
Readers
Sacred Heart has a large team of readers. There are three readers for each weekend Mass - two for the scripture and one for the prayers of the faithful. Training is provided and a rota of readers is regularly updated and published in the parish newsletter.
Children's Liturgy and Satellites
 Many parents have said how much they appreciate the opportunity for their children to be engaged in the Liturgy at a level appropriate to their understanding. The children really enjoy coming out to the Hall. Since we began some years ago the number of young families at the 9.30 Mass has increased and continues to do so. The liturgies follow the same format as the Mass itself with emphasis on the Gospel of the day. A teaching input using visual aids, music, prayer and practical work fill the half-hour or so before returning to the church for the Preparation of the gifts. Representatives of the children take part in the Offertory procession. Those who have made their First Communion go to Satellites which offers a deeper reflection on the scriptures and tries to pose a challenge for the week to come in their everyday lives. This continues to be popular and effective up to early teens.
The Church's Liturgy
Service Music
Independent site run by two musicians. Includes music you can download for free.
Taize Community
Ecumenical community in France devoted to prayer and worship.
Wellsprings
Resources for liturgy, including some interesting prayers.
CJM Music
Birmingham-based music ministry for young people.
|
