Responsorial Psalm Part 2

THE MASS: ABOUT THE MASS ICON 

Continuing the Jewish Synagogue practice, Christians traditionally sang a psalm or biblical canticle after the first reading. The cantor began the chant and the soloist/cantor sang the verses.  The congregation responded with a short refrain which was frequently taken from the psalm itself. As more florid melodies evolved, the psalm text was abbreviated and the choir sang the psalm on behalf of the people.

With the aftermath of Vatican 11 and Mass being celebrated in the vernacular, the structure of the Mass was ‘revised’.  The responsorial psalm was restored to its important place. Since that time, the whole congregation participate by singing of the psalm response (hopefully including those of us who say we can’t sing). As St Augustine reminds us, ‘those who sing pray twice’. 

When the responsorial psalm is NOT sung, the responsorial psalm is meant to be recited in a manner conducive to meditation on the Word of God. The responsorial psalm is not just a response to the First reading.  It helps us as the congregation to create an atmosphere of prayer, one in which all can recall what God has done and continues to do. It serves as a meditative prolongation of the First reading

HOW TO SING THE RESPONSORIAL PSALM

There are two established ways of singing the Responsorial psalm:
(1) Responsorially and (2) Directly.

In responsorial singing, (which is to be given preference) the psalmist or cantor sings the psalm verse, and whole congregation joins in by singing the response. 

In direct singing of the psalm, there is no intervening response by the congregation; rather, we all sing it together. Singing the psalm is meant to be a help and foster understanding and meditation of the psalm’s spiritual meaning. Singing a hymn that is unrelated to the psalm chosen lessens this opportunity for the congregation.Therefore, it is important to keep the focus on the theme of the scriptures and psalm first and also the theme of the day when choosing an alternative hymn.

Even through it should not need to be said, the cantor, especially if he/she is a trained singer should not sing it as if it is a performance. No, obviously singing it accurately musically is important but what is far more important is that it is sung prayerfully- that your focus is totally on God and helping the congregation to respond prayerfully as well.

Where the singing of the Responsorial Psalm becomes a performance either by the cantor or choir, the focus has been lost and a mentality switch is required.

PRACTICAL METHOD FOR PARISHES.

However not every parish or congregation have suitable cantors - either musically they lack the skill and/or lack confidence in singing in front of a congregation for a whole psalm.
It can be effective for the lector, if trained enough to sing the response and for the congregation to sing the response followed by the proclaiming of the verses (read).. If there is an organist/pianist accompanying it, they can improvise a few chords and play softly underneath whilst the verse is being read.

.I offer workshops for parishes in Australia and through Skype/zoom for international countries to assist with training of cantors and music in the parishes.  You can contact me through my website here  Send me an email with your requirements and I will get back to you.

Whether it is ‘responsorially’ or directly sung or recited, Jesus speaks to us in the Psalms. Every Sunday, (weekdays too) we are invited to read a page of Jesus’ story, and to discover an aspect of His face. 

How will Jesus speak to YOU in the Responsorial Psalm each week?