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pbirchcatholicdos.orgDirector Office of Worship
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Covid-19 Directives for Pastoral Musicians
PDF of Directives
Here are the COVID-19 directives we’ve been given concerning the sung liturgy in the Diocese of Superior, listed chronologically:
First directive
(From Bishop’s letter dated June 3, 2020)
14.- Piano or organ music alone is suggested at this time.
- (Further clarification: non-wind instruments, only.)
- However, a cantor and an accompanist are allowed but NO choirs or congregational singing at this time.
- (“Cantor” in this context could be interpreted as “soloist.”)
- Mass parts are to be spoken so as not to elicit a sung response by the people.
- If it is not sung, the Gospel Acclamation (“Alleluia”) should be omitted.
- (Paul thought this would be a way to insure that at least ONE sung acclamation would be eventually tolerated, but many parishes simply began reciting—and unfortunately continue to recite—“Alleluia, alleluia.”)
Second directive
(From “2020 Fall School Liturgy Guidelines” – September 2020)
Cantor/Moderator/Leader/Musicians: One cantor is advised, but no more than 3 will be allowed, and then only if the correct amount of physical distancing can be maintained. Each cantor must have their own individual mic. They may be led by an accompanist or a music director.- All must wear a mask, including those who sing. A singer may temporarily remove their mask only when they are singing as part of their liturgical role.
- All musicians and those providing leadership to them must maintain at least 6’ of physical distance between themselves, liturgical ministers in the sanctuary and members of the assembly.
- If cantors are included, when they are singing the amount of physical distancing must be increased to at least 12’ between themselves and the other musicians, liturgical ministers in the sanctuary and members of the assembly. Under no circumstances should one cantor sing from behind another.
- Accompaniment or solo instruments may not be blown into (no brass or woodwinds at this time).
- Plexiglass partitions or barriers between individual musicians and between the musicians and the assembly are not recommended because they prevent existing HVAC systems from properly changing the air as designed. (Of concern are the "dead zones" created by these partitions where aerosols can build-up.)
No choirs, servers, or gift bearers will be used at this time.
No Presentation of Gifts at this time. Monetary collections would be arranged according to local custom of each parish (in the case of a holyday of obligation).
Miscellaneous Considerations [part of second directive]:
Advent/Lent seasons: effort will be made to incorporate fresh settings of seasonal music, new to the students’ repertoire (to be taught to cantors the previous month)—to encourage students to actively listen, rather than to sing along.
Music staff will explore new/unfamiliar settings of gospel acclamations—again, to lessen the natural inclination of students to sing along. Use motions, when possible.
This time of “no singing” is an opportunity to introduce and encourage the use of Gregorian chant and chant-based hymns, to sustain the Church’s tradition and heritage of hymn tunes that children may not know.
In addition to developing more active listening skills through new music, the children can learn to participate through body motion and percussion instruments.
Introductory Rites (no procession)
Opening Hymn:
A short song/hymn, possibly a seasonal song repeated for several weeks, and/or a traditional hymn not familiar to students. Sung by cantor(s). (Accompaniment could include handbells and percussion instruments in addition to piano/organ.)
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading:
Student reader will read (at ambo) from a disposable piece of paper, copied from the Lectionary.
Resp. Psalm:
Responsorial psalm will be offered in the Liturgy of the Word, from the cantor podium, according to the pandemic guidelines of each parish/school; i.e. by reciting/reciting-singing combination/singing by an adult or other experienced psalmist and shared so as not to elicit a response. (Accompaniment could include chimes, handbells and percussion instruments.) If sung, the response should only be sung at the beginning (once) and at the end.
Gospel Acclamation:
If the gospel acclamation is not sung it should be omitted. If sung, the musical setting should be unfamiliar so as not to elicit a response. It may be best to diversify the settings and sing it refrain/verse/refrain rather than a double refrain to begin with.
Gospel:
Proclaimed by presider/deacon, wearing his own wireless mic.
Homily:
(Same as above.)
Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful:
Read at the ambo by same reader who proclaimed the first Reading (above).
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts/Altar:
Instrumental music—may include handbells and other instruments.
Eucharistic Prayer: led by presider, recited
Holy, Holy: recited
Mem. Acc.: recited
Doxology/Amen: recited
Communion Rite
Lord’s Prayer: recited
Lamb of God: recited
Comm. Hymn:
Appropriate hymn sung by musicians or an instrumental piece. (Accompaniment could include handbells and percussion instruments.)
Concluding Rite
Sending Song:
Unfamiliar song/hymn sung by musicians with movement or gestures (when possible) to involve all students but with no singing. (Accompaniment could include handbells and percussion instruments.)
Third directive
(From Bishop’s letter dated September 14, 2020)
One thing that is becoming somewhat problematic, especially in parishes that border neighboring dioceses, is the issue of music, or more specifically the lack thereof. Let me quote item number 14 from my letter of June 3, 2020. “Piano or organ music alone is suggested at this time. Mass parts are to be spoken so as not to elicit a sung response by the people. If it is not sung, the Gospel Acclamation (“Alleluia”) should not be said.” This being stated, I am going to give you permission to relax the restrictions a little if you believe your worshipping assembly is ready for it.- A maximum of 3 cantors/musicians may be used if social distancing of no less than 12 feet can be maintained and no one is singing behind another person.
- Choirs of more than 3 singers are NOT to be enlisted yet.
- Also, though discouraged, you may begin to reintroduce congregational singing WITH masks on. I would suggest using only one verse of the song and the music/acclamations should be familiar, simple and low-keyed.
- No music books or hymnals should be in the pews.
Fourth directive
(From Bishop’s letter dated November 20, 2020)
At this time, I am also instructing those parishes which have begun to reintroduce congregational singing to stop. If we offer this up as part of our Advent sacrifice, by God’s grace we will hopefully be able to joyfully join the choir of angels as they proclaim, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
- Piano or organ music alone is suggested at this time.
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Materials for February 6 virtual rehearsal/meeting of the Diocesan Chorale
How Can I Keep From Singing - PDF of Melody only
Facebook Video of the Song: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=646341216160836 -
Music Ministry Team
Paul Birch (Superior) 715-394-0233
Barbara Johnson (Ashland) 715-682-7620
Jan Huseby (Tomahawk) 715-453-2878
Mary Ament (Merrill) 715-302-8214
Holly Spiegelhoff (Rhinelander) 715-362-3169