Something "old" that never gets old

I have often said that my main goal when choosing and leading music at liturgy is congregational singing, or assembly singing.  I think when an assembly actually really hears themselves sing, they are more inspired to continue. This is one of the reasons I always jump at the opportunity to get away from the mic and take my hands off of the keys, even if for just a short time.

This past Sunday evening we celebrated the 6:00 pm mass as usual. I had chosen "Blessed One" by Aaron Thompson as a second communion song, in honor of Mother's Day and our Blessed Mother. Emily led the song beautifully, and we ended like we normally would. Then, as the rest of the musicians went to receive communion, I stayed at the piano, played a brief instrumental verse, then invited the assembly to sing. I played along for one refrain, then asked them to sing again. This time, I physically stepped away from the piano to receive communion while the assembly continued to sing on their own.

Listen here:

http://youtu.be/1bnvahM-NE4

It's beautiful. It's a sound that is as old as music itself, yet it never gets old. The human voice...especially the singing, praying human voice.

Look for those opportunities to let your assembly sing without the drums and guitars.  It's an amazing sound and, while in church, I think, an amazing worship experience.

June 2, 2013 – Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

(Once again, I asked my fellow composers and friends to suggest some of their own songs they felt would work well for the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

Come to the Feast by Craig and Kristen Colson (spiritandsong) - (from Spirit and Song 2)
Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Communion

He Lives In Us by Amelia Acosta (WLP)
Suggested use: Communion

Heavenly Bread by Aaron Thompson (WLP) - (from the CD 10,000 Angels)
Suggested use: Communion

If I Touch Him by Danielle Rose (WLP) - (from the CD I Thirst)
Suggested use: Second Communion

In This Place by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong) - (from the CD In This Place)

Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory

Jesus Reigns by John Angotti (WLP) - (from the CD We Gather In Love)

Suggested use: Offertory, Dismissal

Many and One by Steve Angrisano and Sarah Hart (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Inescapable Love)

Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Communion

Miracle of Grace by Curtis Stephan (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Amid Passing Things)
Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

O Salutaris Hostia/O Saving Lamb by Tom Booth (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Captured)
Suggested use: Communion

Panis Vere by Brian Flynn (WLP) - (from the CD Beyond the Veil)

Suggested use: Communion

See You In the Eucharist by Danielle Rose (WLP) - (from the CD Pursue Me)
Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

So Beautiful by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) - (from the CD Every Day)

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Taste and See by Steve Angrisano (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Welcome Home)
Suggested use: Psalm, Communion

That We Might Live by Josh Blakesley, Sarah Hart, and Marc Byrd (spiritandsong) - (from the CD You are the Light)
Suggested us: Offertory, Communion

True Love by Amelia Acosta (WLP)
Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

We Belong to You by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong)

Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

We Come to You by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Waiting)
Suggested use: Communion

We Gather as the Body of Christ by John Angotti (WLP) - (from the CD We Gather in Love)
Suggested use: Entrance. Offertory

You are All I Need by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Christ in Me Arise)
Suggested use: Second Communion