Lent;  From the Anglo- Saxon Lencten which means "Spring"  The 40 days leading up the Feast of Easter.  The most obvious ritual during Lent is the receiving of Ashes marking the first day of the Lenten season.  Another practice is giving up something as a sacraficial offering.  Others may reveal they have not only given up something but have added something to their normal Catholic practice.  The Stations of the Cross are offered here every Friday of Lent.  Penance, Fasting and Almsgiving are all part of the Liturgical Season

Lent is more than a time of penance and the practice of doing good acts.  The Church calls us to metanoia.  Which is Greek for "a change of mind and heart".  Thus marking a whole new way of thinking and acting.  The Church asks us to pray that the Lord's power will come upon us,. 

How does this affect our music?  Music in worship adds delight to prayer and fosters unity of minds.  It functions in opening up a space and freedom for the heart of a believer.   Music has the ability to celebrate the richness and diversity and communicates to all, the rhythm of the Church year.  The rich texts  bring to life the scriptures each Sunday in a clear and powerful way.  Christ is here and actice in our lives,  being well prepared, spiritually enguaged with the Lenten season and active in our own prayer ilife is critical.

During Lent there is no Gloria sung and all music containg Alleluia's should be avoided.  This includes the Gospel Acclamation which "Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ" is substituted.  This practice is done so that we may experience the full Glory of Christ's resurrection on Easter.  Instrumental music should be done sparingly to accompany the music only.  No instrumental solo's.  Chant and Acapella music is encouraged.  Do not feel the need to fill the Mass and those built in silent times with extra music.   The restraint  for musicians to use simple melodies, less accompaniment is challenging for all musicians.  Following the Church guidelines allow us and all the assembly to experience the rich flavor of each Liturgical seasonl

 After the Communion Rite during the cleaning of vessels, silence is golden!  If a Prelude is done it shoulg be appropriate, with a lenten text and again, a limited accompaniment.  The opening and sending forth songs should convey the season of Lent.   Hymns which emphasuze the passion and death of Christ should be used, only in the last week of the Lenten season.

May God fill you with His love and grace this season!