Missing from our music next Sunday will be the “Gloria” and the “Alleluia”; both are reserved until the day of resurrection: Easter Sunday.  Lent is a season of penitence and calls us to journey with the Catechumens toward Easter Sunday when we will renew our baptismal promises and celebrate their full initiation into the Church.

This Lent we have chosen a piece entitled: “Gathering Rite: Penitential Litany” to begin our Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses. The melody is based on the Latin Chant, “Parce Domine” which translates, “spare your people, Lord.” The assembly follows the cantor in singing, “hold us in your mercy.”

Lent is an introspective season calling us to inner conversion and more contemplative prayer. That is not to say that we can’t have a great rousing song  now and then, but generally our music will be more subdued.

I have asked the music groups to use instrumentals at the end of mass. Denise Peykanu, our wonderful new parish organist, will present special repertoire for solo organ at the close of mass. Hearing an instrumental will jar us a bit and remind us that we are now in a different season. It is in a sense a musical fast; we will do a little less singing this Lent. Please allow the closing song to sing for itself by not talking over it as you leave.

Permit the music of Lent to inspire and transform your personal Lenten journey. Let your own spirituality blossom with an appreciation of God’s love for you. We musicians will endeavor to motivate and encourage you as we too prepare to renew our own call to follow Jesus and witness his resurrection on blessed Easter morn.  (February 26, 2006)