New Mass Parts
Latin Chant Ordinary
Teaching videos for the Gloria, Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, and Agnus Dei
This year we have been learning new music for the parts of the Mass the remain the same each week (the “Ordinary”): the Gloria (Glory to God), Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), Mystery of Faith (Mystery of Faith), and Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). For these parts, we will use Latin chant settings that, while perhaps not familiar to everyone in our parish, are among the most well-known and widely used at Masses throughout the Church, regardless of language or culture.
There are a number of reasons for learning these chants, the first of which is this universality. Using these chants both symbolizes and strengthens our unity with our fellow Catholics around the world, and it also strengthens our bond with the saints who have gone before us, as they have been in use for centuries – it is entirely possible that our parish patron St. Francis would have sung the very Sanctus we will be learning! For this reason, we will be using these chants at all our Masses, both English and Spanish.
Similarly, these chants connect us with our tradition and heritage. Generations of teachers, artists, preachers, composers, and writers have been steeped in these melodies, shaping their faith and the ways they have passed on that faith to us.
They are our clearest examples of sacred music, consecrated or set apart for the sole purpose of worshipping God. They are also ideal for unaccompanied singing, allowing them to belong fully to the assembly. These chants are among those Pope Paul VI asked the people of God to learn following Vatican II, in which the Church also instructed us to give a certain pride of place to chant and the Latin language.
Gloria
The below video shows one or two phrases at a time, and each phrase is sung twice: once, so you can hear what it sounds like, and again so you can practice singing along. At Mass, you can find this music at number 370 in the hymnal.
Sanctus
The below video shows one or two phrases at a time, and each phrase is sung twice: once, so you can hear what it sounds like, and again so you can practice singing along. At Mass, you can find this music at number 377 in the hymnal.
Mystery of Faith
Below is a demonstration video for the Mystery of Faith. At Mass, you can find this music at number 240 in the hymnal.
Agnus Dei
Below is a teaching video for the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). At Mass, it can be found at number 384 in the hymnal.
