July 2023

Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

• When the Mass for Independence Day is used, the Gloria should be either said or sung. 
• Vestment: White
• The Optional Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Portugal is perpetually transferred from July 4 to 5. 
• PN For the general intercessions, one may use the adaptation of the prayer composed by Archbishop John Carroll for the inauguration of George Washington, as found in BB, no. 1965. See also HB, 176.
• Independence Day may also be appropriately acknowledged in the Homily, Universal Prayer, and closing hymn during the liturgy.

• In July in the United States, the observance of Natural Family Planning Week takes place beginning on the Sunday before July 25 and ending on the following Saturday.  

• In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (July 26). The theme for the 2023 celebration selected by the pope is “His mercy is from age to age” (Lk 1:50). 
  
• The U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. to the first weekend after Labor Day in September to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States as many local communities, schools, and parishes have celebrated for some time. 

• The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments expanded the Memorial of St. Martha to become the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus. 
• The Gospel for this memorial is proper (Lectionary no. 607). The first reading may be taken from the weekday, the reading found at the link below, or from the Common of Holy Men and Women, nos-737-742. 
• The interim mass formularies in English and Spanish are found here.  

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August 2023

• Priests may want to read the letter of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI proclaiming a year of priest in 2009. Click here to read.

• The Feast of the Transfiguration takes precedence over the Mass of the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

• Vigil Masses may be celebrated on August 14 after 4pm.
• Vestment: White
• Gloria is said or sung.
• Creed is said.

• Vestment: Red
• Gloria is said or sung
• No Creed

1. The music that is rendered within the Liturgy is truly sacred and liturgically appropriate in nature, espouses the Word of God, and is drawn primarily from Scriptural or liturgical texts (RS, 57).
   *It is noteworthy to mention that while there is a wide selection of Christian music that is inspired by sacred scripture, not all is appropriate for use in Catholic Worship, which is (among other elements) Eucharistic-centered. Additionally, not all music that speaks about love and/or God is theologically sound and appropriate for the use in the Catholic Mass. 
   
2. The music of the Liturgy reflects the season of the Liturgical Year or Feast that is being celebrated, as well as the scripture readings that are proclaimed at the Liturgy. (STTL, 112)
3. The music of the Liturgy, along with its effective preparation, fosters the maximum participation of the gathered faithful. (STTL, 122)
4. The music of the Liturgy is rendered competently, which in turn, serves the Church well at prayer. (STTL, 50)
5. The members of the choir possess a full understanding of their ministerial roles as supporters of the gathered faithful’s singing. In addition, there are times when the choir exercises its ministry by singing alone – in doing so, it draws from the treasury of sacred music, singing compositions by composers of various periods, and in various musical styles. Music that expresses the faith of the various cultures that enrich the Church is also encouraged. (STTL, 28, 30)
6. Cantors are well-prepared and encourage the singing of the gathered faithful. In doing so, they make sure to not overpower the faithful nor take their place as solo vocalists. (STTL, 38)
7. In choosing the parts of the Liturgy that are to be sung, preference is given to those that are of greater importance and especially to those which are to be sung by the Priest or the Deacon or a reader, with the people replying, or by the Priest and people together (GIRM, 40). For example, Glory to God, the Eucharistic Acclamations (Gospel Acclamation, Holy, Mystery of Faith, Amen), and the Lamb of God. The responsories between the Priest and the people are encouraged to be sung (e.g., The Lord be with you…and with your Spirit).
8. Moments of silence are observed within the Liturgy – this allows the community to reflect on what it has heard and experienced, and to open its heart to the mystery celebrated (STTL, 118).                                     Places within the Liturgy where silence is especially called for are in between the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm, between the Responsorial Psalm and Second Reading, between the Second Reading and Gospel Acclamation, after the homily, and after Communion.
9. Music is considered a normal and ordinary part of the Church’s liturgical life – therefore, the use of music in the Liturgy is always governed by the principle of progressive solemnity. This principle includes not only the nature and style of the music, but how many and which parts of the Rite are to be sung. For example, greater feasts such as Christmas Day or Easter Sunday might suggest musical selections that contain more complexity than what is regularly sung, thus adding an extraordinary richness to these special celebrations. The use of additional musical instruments also reflect the season of the Liturgical Year or feast that is being celebrated. In addition, those days of the greater feasts might suggest a sung response at the Prayer of the Faithful, but a recited response might be more appropriate during Ordinary Time. And at other times, the liturgical season calls for a certain musical restraint. In Advent, for example, musical instruments are used with moderation and not anticipate the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. In Lent, musical instruments are used only to support the singing of the gathered assembly. (STTL, 110, 112, 113, 114)
10. Gregorian chant, along with liturgical music that is composed in various styles, is included within the liturgy as to reflect the generational and cultural diversity of the gathered faithful. The musical selections, regardless of style, correspond to the spirit of the liturgical action and that they foster the participation of all the faithful. (GIRM, 41)
11. The organ is given pride of place amongst the musical instruments used within the Liturgy. In addition, other wind, stringed, or percussion instruments might be admitted into divine worship, according to longstanding local usage, in so far as these are truly suitable for sacred use or can be made suitable. (GIRM, 393)

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