My 16 hymns

 Here is my answer to the quiz I set myself, to choose sixteen hymns to be the initial core repertoire for a small but growing catholic mass community with more musical enthusiasm than established talent.

 

You might want to read or re-read my previous blog before continuing with this one. I found it fun as a quiz, and plainly having a solution prepared in advance detracts from its potential value.

 

My sixteen comprise four opening songs full of joyful energy, four reflective offertory songs, four songs to evoke the eucharist itself, and four of triumphal celebration. These stipulation are not rules. There are many denominations and demographic differences that can be taken account of, and many available books. Most of mine came from Journey Songs, and a few from Laudate. I hope I have not committed any sins of copyright.

 

Here is the list:

 

Opening

Lift High the Cross

Joyful Joyful we adore you

Sing to the Mountains

Glory and praise to our Lord

 

Offertory

O God beyond all praising

Be thou my vision

The King of love my shepherd is

Dear Lord and Father of mankind

 

Communion

Behold the lamb of God

One Bread, one body

Here I am, Lord

Be not afraid

 

Recessional

The Church’s one foundation

Praise my soul the King of Heaven

Guide me O thou great Redeemer

How Great thou Art