Why do we Sing at Eucharist?

The American Conference of Bishops recently met to discuss the importance of music in Catholic Worship.  We are called upon to participate fully, to sing freely and fervently.  Our full and active participation represents our unity, our communion as the Body of Christ.  Emphasis on singing is particularly stressed during the communion procession.  According to the Conference of Bishops, dialogues between the presider and the congregation, the acclamations (Alleluia, Great Amen, etc) and the communion antiphons are of primary importance and, therefore, should be sung well.
Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ should not be a private act, but a unifying community sharing.  Therefore, lifting our voices together at this time helps bring us together as family, as community, as the Body of Christ!

So, why  sing?

• Congregational song is a form of powerful prayer

• Singing is an invigorating way to thank, praise, and worship God

• Song texts reiterate and reinforce God’s word in memorable ways

• Making the effort to open the hymnal and join in represents a willingness to be vulnerable before God and neighbor, sharing and supporting one another.

• Song is a part of all human celebrations inside and outside the liturgy

• Refraining from singing discourages others and detracts from a feeling of unity!

So, whatever voice God gave you, make the effort to open the hymnal and support your community in song.  Sing the antiphons as you process to and from communion.  Respond to the cantor and to your neighbor.  Singing also is good for your heart, your lungs, and your spirit - you might be surprised to see how your heart and soul may be moved when you sing freely.

In an effort to help you to sing the communion antiphons we will be projecting the texts on the video screens as you process to and from communion.  In this way you can see the words and follow along as you move through the church.

Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory. - Exodus 15