­­­­St William’s of Norwich
Argusville, N.D.

Music Liturgy



Spreading God’s word through music

• The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song is united to words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.

• Sacrosanctum Concilium

 

• Holy Scripture, indeed, has bestowed praise upon sacred song [42], and the same may be said of the fathers of the Church and of the Roman pontiffs who in recent times, led by St. Pius X, have explained more precisely the ministerial function supplied by sacred music in the service of the Lord.

 

• Therefore, sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites. But the Church approves of all forms of true art having the needed qualities, and admits them into divine worship.

 

• Accordingly, the sacred Council, keeping to the norms and precepts of ecclesiastical tradition and discipline, and having regard to the purpose of sacred music, which is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful, decrees that a more noble service is celebrated in song, with the assistance of sacred ministers and the active participation of the people.

Piano & Organ:

• Anyone interested in playing at Mass should contact Robin Lacher, 701-781-7792

Cantors:

• Cantors are experienced singers who lead the congregation singing at our liturgies and also proclaim the Word of God from the ambo as psalmist. Those interested in cantoring should contact Robin Lacher, 701-781-7792

Choirs:

•  Mixed Choir

The choir is open to all adults and school aged students. For new members, please contact Robin Lacher for a mass music schedule and potential practice times.
 

• Children’s Choir

During the school year the Children’s Choir will present at the Children’s Mass, celebrated once or twice during the year. Participation in the choir provides students a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the different parts of the Mass and their meanings. Practices will generally be held during regular class times at Wednesday CCD.

• Funeral Choir

The funeral choir gathers on short notice to provide this invaluable service to families who are grieving the loss of a loved one or family member. If you are able to participate in this ministry, please contact Robin Lacher.

Music Ministry for the Mass
St William’s uses the Breaking Bread Missal, filled with music that honors our Catholic Heritage. The Missal contains hymns, entrance antiphons, and Communion antiphons as well as official chants used for other support liturgies. The Breaking Bread Missal provides several Mass settings that are used at St William’s.

Music Liturgy for Weddings
Music chosen for weddings will be made from the song suggestions made in meetings with the priest. All music not on the list provided must be approved by the priest. All music selections will be given to the music liturgist at St. William’s at least one month prior to the wedding.

• Prelude
• Processional
• Gathering Song
• Responsorial Psalm
• Gospel Acclamation
• Lighting of Unity Candle (Optional)
• Preparation of Gifts
• Holy Holy Holy
• Memorial Acclamation
• Great Amen
• Fraction Rite
• Communion
• Congregational Hymn (Optional)
• Recessional
• Postlude

Music Liturgy for Funerals
The family will meet initially with the priest in conjunction with the funeral home director. Funerals are Parish liturgies offered for the families of the deceased as well as all the people of the parish. After funeral arrangements have been made and consultation with the family, the music liturgist will make the song selections that follow the liturgy of the Mass, in conjunction with the priest, from the recommended list:
Prayer Vigil

• Entrance/Gathering Song
• Responsorial Psalm
• Sending Forth

Funeral Mass

• Call to Worship
• Entrance/Gathering song
• Responsorial Psalm
• Gospel Acclamation
• Preparation of the Gifts
• Holy Holy Holy
• Memorial Acclamation
• Great Amen
• Lord’s Prayer
• Lamb of God
• Communion Processional
• Song of Farewell
• Procession/Postlude