WO WEEKS AGO, I wrote this post about the importance of Liturgical Catechesis and how it can help prepare your congregation for the “fancy program” that you might be doing for the Triduum. Now, Holy Thursday is only two weeks from today and I would like to offer another suggestion that would help your congregation to actively participate in the Liturgy.
Unfortunately, we do not have a missal like the St. Isaac Jogues Illuminated Missal currently at my parish. That makes it very difficult for the people to understand the Propers that my Scholae chant at Sunday Masses. I have to print out three hundred copies of translation sheet every week. I usually include the translation of the antiphons, motets, the name and numbers of the congregational hymns, and occasionally some Catechesis about Sacred Music or the Liturgy. It is very important to help people to understand the Church’s traditions and the text of the music. I have to admit that typing up a translation sheet every week can be annoying, but this “extra effort” is so important that every music director should do.
In two weeks, we will be celebrating the Sacred Triduum and the Liturgies for those three days are the longest and richest in the Liturgical Year. I prepared a booklet instead of the regular translation sheet for each day of the Triduum. These booklets have the translation of all the Propers and motets, and also the special rites and prayers during Holy Week. Traditional music is definitely very important and should be preserved. But at the same time, we must help people understand these Catholic traditions and pray through them. Don’t be the Pharisees and scribes.
These pictures are very useful if you want to include some art works in your programs.
