The Recovering Choir Director

(See the previous episode for background.)

Looks like we’ll be using “Hold Us in Your Mercy” for the Penitential Rite after all. Names have been blotted out to protect those involved. <tongue-in-cheek>Call it a cover-up if you wish—our Church has been adept at that, and I’m proud of continuing that tradition.</tongue-in-cheek>

Dear xxxxx xxxxx xxxx xx,

My mistake…the musical setting we’re using DOES have the assembly responding to the cantor’s “Kyrie eleison” with “Hold Us in Your Mercy.” But the general consensus from the priests is that “Hold Us in Your Mercy” is a perfectly apt translation of “Lord Have Mercy.” It does not have to be word for word.

We shall continue to use this musical setting, therefore, since it is what was decided upon by those of us that met to plan our Lenten liturgies.

Checking in with the Diocesan Office for the Liturgy, it was confirmed that the Penitential Rite is one area where there is a lot of leeway and many, many settings to choose from. The cantor singing the “Kyrie” and the people responding in English is certainly allowable.

Thanks for your inquiry!
xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx

Again, I admit I have no patience for this sort of thing. These worship wars make it very difficult for me to lift my thoughts to the divine.

The first thing I’m going to do once I leave this position (and area) is to attend Mass with no music whatsoever for a couple of weeks. It sounds addictive, actually.