Home / Blog

Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus: singing the Ordinary of the Mass

Practical · 23 May 2026 · Pierre-Arnaud Destremau

Beyond the hymns chosen for the occasion, the Mass has a backbone: the Ordinary. Singing it, and singing it well, transforms the prayer of the congregation.

What is the Ordinary?

These are the pieces present at almost every Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Agnus Dei. Singing them from one and the same “Mass” (a coherent set) gives unity and depth.

Why favour a coherent Mass setting

  • The congregation memorises a whole rather than scattered pieces.
  • Musical unity supports the unity of prayer.
  • You save precious rehearsal time.

Advice

Choose one Mass setting per liturgical season (one for Ordinary Time, a more festive one for the great feasts) and hold to it. Here, regularity is a virtue.

A reminder: only distribute scores or lyrics for works in the public domain, your own compositions, or duly authorised works.

Do you need a hymn written for your celebration? Write to me.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ordinary of the Mass?

The Ordinary refers to the five pieces whose text does not change from one Mass to another: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei. By contrast, the “Proper” changes with the Sunday (entrance hymns, psalm, alleluia, offertory, communion).

Should one choose a single Mass setting (Saint-Boniface, Saint-Jean, Glorious)?

Yes, as far as possible. The unity of a Mass setting, all the Ordinary pieces by the same composer, gives sonic coherence to the celebration. If the choir knows several, choose the one that fits the liturgical season (Messe de Saint-Jean, simpler, for Advent/Lent; Messe Glorious for solemnities).

Should the Credo be sung?

A recited Credo is legitimate and common: it belongs to the shared profession of faith. Singing it (to the Gregorian Crédo III, or in French) demands an effort from the congregation and is fully justified only on solemn Sundays.

Hymns related to this article

The hymns from the albums Vivant and Ephata most relevant to this theme.

Listen to Cantiamo

I have a question
← Back to the blog