Each hymn has a mission
Entrance hymn
To gather. It opens the celebration and makes a single body out of scattered people. Choose one that is rousing and unifying.
Responsorial psalm
To meditate on the Word. It is not an “extra hymn”: it is the Word itself sung. Give care to the refrain.
Communion hymn
To accompany the procession and to interiorise the gift received. More contemplative.
Sending forth hymn
To send out. Brief, luminous, turned towards the world outside.
The common mistake
Lining up four joyful, powerful hymns in a row wears out the congregation and flattens the liturgy. Think in terms of breathing: alternate momentum and inwardness.
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