The Triune God Flashcards
What does the Catholic Church teach about the value of music in worship?
Catholic Church uses music in its praise of God
Over the centuries, many composers have written music for the Mass or for other services
The bishop at the Second Vatican Council stressed that music:
- Unites people in praise
- Increases the beauty of worship
- Helps people to feel more involved in their prayer
Music helps people to feel involved in worship and has inspired people to become fully involved in the praise of God
What is a quote to show value of music in worship?
“For he who sings praise, does not only praise but praises joyfully” St Augustine of Hippo
How do the psalms link to music in worship?
The Psalms in the Old Testament are pieces of poetry, originally written down to be sung during Jewish prayer
- The Catholic Church uses these psalms every day
- They form the backbone of the Divine Office (a collection of psalms and readings that priests, monks, and nuns must say at least four times a day)
- Where possible, the Divine Office is sung
The psalms are centred around the praise of God but they touch on all aspects of life (sickness, seeking forgiveness…)
- The psalms acknowledge that everything that people have comes from God and without Him, they are nothing.
“O sing to the Lord a new song… Declare his glory among the nations” Psalm 96(95)
What is the liturgy?
Liturgy – a formal religious ceremony, with rituals and customs. We talk for example of the liturgy of the mass (i.e., rites ad rituals of the Mass).
Where is Plain/Gregorian chant used in the Church?
Plain/ Gregorian chant:
- Ancient form of music
- Unaccompanied
- Used often with Latin
- “Should be given pride of place”.
It creates a solemn atmosphere. It’s beautiful and can be used for congregational singing e.g., the Gloria, Kyrie, Eleison, or Creed. Its Latin can be difficult to understand.
Where are Traditional Hymns used in the Church?
- The hymns that have been used for generations. Traditions hymns were only used in devotional services until mid 1960’s
- Their ability to raise hearts and minds to God hasn’t been limited by time. These are still sung alongside modern hymns to involve all ages.
- Most of these were written to be accompanied by an organ.
Where are Contemporary worship songs used in the Church?
- Often use musical instruments that are modern, rather than the organ. More upbeat but also many reflective songs.
- People think music both speaks to them and reflects what they want to say to God
- Some people think its disrespectful. However, most welcome it and see it as the church responding to the 21st century.
Where is mass setting music used in the Church?
- Parts of mass that are sung rather than said. Many people see this as part of the mass rather than a performance. Usually intended to be sung by a choir, rather than a congregation.
- Simple melodies to be easy to join in with, this helps mass appeal to all.
How do modern praise and worship compare with Gregorian plainchant?
- Easier for people to join in – more communal
- More appealing to modern society
- Requires more talent
- Often sung in Latin
What does the church say about music in the liturgy?
There is a hierarchy of music
- Single line chant
- Polyphony
- All other so far as they point to the glory of God
What is an acclamation?
- Expressions of great joy to praise and glorify God.
- The two Eucharistic acclamations are: Sanctus and Mystery of Faith.
- The two acclamations for the Liturgy of the Word are: The Gloria and the Alleluia.
How is the Gloria used in Mass?
- The Gloria is based on the hymn of the angels.
- “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”
- The Gloria is a great hymn of praise to God to try to convey our feeling of thankfulness to God for all his care and love.
- The Gloria is not said during the seasons of Advent and Lent, which are more penitential periods when the Church is preparing to celebrate the coming of Christ (Advent) and remember Jesus’ suffering (Lent).
How is the alleluia used in Mass?
- ‘Alleluia’ is a Hebrew word that means ‘praise God’.
- At the easter vigil, alleluia is sung three times to announce the resurrection.
- It is a hymn of joy, triumph, and praise to God.
- Alleluia should never be used during Lent as it’s a penitential season that prepares for the celebration of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
- At every mass, except during lent, the Gospel is introduced by an Alleluia and a short verse from the Bible, sung to greet the presence of Christ, the Word of God, as the Gospel is proclaimed.
How is the sanctus used in Mass?
- The word ‘Sanctus’ is Latin for ‘holy’. It is the first word of the hymn sung just before the Eucharistic Prayer at every mass.
- The Sanctus is based on the vision of Isaiah in the Temple, when the angels cried out: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory’. The three-fold repetition of ‘holy’ is showing that God is completely holy and the idea of the three Persons in one God symbolises the trinity being thrice holy adds another dimension to this great hymn of praise.
- The Sanctus is a hymn that is to be sung in a reflective manner, showing the peace and harmony of the heavenly court, where angels and people are together in the presence of God. It can also be sung as a jubilant hymn of praise to God.
How is the mystery of faith used in Mass?
- The Mystery of Faith is acclaimed immediately after the consecration, when the bread and win become the Body and Blood of Christ.
- This acclamation should be as powerful and wholehearted as it can possibly be in response to God’s love.
