Feast of The Holy Family

The feast of The Holy Family was celebrated today in the absence of many of our families (presumably either on holiday or at another celebration) and without the benefit of an organist. Choirboy has not found many seasonal musical offerings that are best suited to the guitar. Indeed as a seeming aknowledgement of this fact there was a distinctly lacklustre approach to the entrance carol (Come, come, come to the manger) - a fact that Father Stephen could not help observing as he started mass. However, we ploughed on and despite losing a string during the offertory hymn, we managed to reach the refuge of the CD player which was used for the Communion Hymn. Choirboy first heard 'Thorns in the Straw' performed by Graham Kendrick earlier in the year at Carnglaze Caverns and was struck by the beauty of the words and music. He has been looking for an opportunity to introduce it into the liturgy for some time. Graham Kendrick is a marvellous composer and performer, most of you will probably know his most famous composition, 'Shine Jesus shine'.

Entry: - Come, come come to the manger

Gloria: - Gloria (Anderson)

Alleluia: - Plymouth Alleluia

Offertory: - Blessed be God

Holy Holy: - Gathering mass

Mem Accl: - Dying you destroyed our death

Amen: - We lift our hearts

Lamb of God: - Newquay mass (ii)

Communion: - Thorns in the straw (played on CD)

Recessional: - Ding dong merrily on high

Christmas Day 2006

Our Christmas Day family service at 1030 was sadly bereft of families. Perhaps they had all gone to the vigil service (see below). Luckily some of the choir had surpassed themselves and came (unexpectedly, but to choirboy's delight) to the morning mass. We were fortunate to have four guitars in all including AJ's drop D tuned jazz guitar as well as recorder and Djembi drums for the Kyrie. In a joyous celebration of the birth of Christ, the music was a mix of the traditional and experimental with a reprise for Let it Be, Jesus is the answer sung by Jimmy, Louise and Choirboy. Jimmy's dulcit spoken voice was also used to great effect during When a child is born. Despite the fact that Choirboy had been up with some of the more junior members of the choirboy family since 0230 hrs, he managed to get through the service in one piece and without falling asleep. Father Stephen gave a thrid reading to his Christmas homily which he assured us was getting shorter with each reading. I am reliably informed that it lasted a full 30 minutes at the Vigil Mass, so I suppose we were fortunate to get only the 20 minute version ! Still this was somewhat shorter than Choirboy's phonecall with one of his Dublin cousins this Christmas - a man who can truly talk the hind legs off a donkey (and that is up against some stiff opposition in the Choirboy family).
A very Happy and peaceful Christmas to fellow bloggers and all readers.


Entry: - Hark ! the herald angels sing

Kyrie: - Newquay (ii)

Gloria: - Gloria ! (Anderson)

Alleluia: - Alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia
Today our Saviour is born
Today we welcome our King
Alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia

Offertory: - This is my body

Holy Holy: - Gathering Mass

Memorial Acc: - Lord by Your cross

Great Amen: - We raise our hearts and voices

Agnus Dei: - Lamb of God (Newquay ii)

Communion: - The Servant King
Let it be/Jesus is the answer

Reflection: - When a child is born

Recessional: - Angels we have heard on high

Vigil Mass

This year our vigil mass started at 9pm and saw the church packed out, with people outside and sitting in the aisles. A traditional service was preceeded by carols: -


The Angel Gabriel

O little town of Bethlehem

While shepherds watched

See amid the winter's snow

The first Nowell

On Christmas night

Hark the herald angels sing

It came upon a midnight clear

The mass settings for the vigil service came from the Mass of Peace and the music was led by Mary on the organ.

Entry: - O come all ye faithful

Light the Christmas candle

Gloria: - Missa de Angelis

Offertory: -Joy to the world

Sanctus: - Mass of Peace

Mem. Acclam: - O come let us adore Him

Agnus Dei: - Mass of Peace

Communion: - What child is this/Sleep Holy babe

Recessional: - Away in a manger/Silent night

Nearly there - 4th Sunday in Advent

Because of the close proximity of the 4th Sunday in Advent to Christmas Day, the music liturgy was almost stripped bear today. There was no catechism class, no sermon and no homily ! There was, however, an unsceduled mobile phone call - but even this did not detract from the joyous anticipation implicit in the celebration. To cap it all Mr and Mrs Choirboy won a hamper in the Christmas draw! We now look forward to our Christmas celebrations with Mary leading the liturgy at the Vigil Mass and Choirboy and Jimmy taking charge on Christmas morning.

24 th December 2006 (4th Sunday in Advent. Year C)

Entry: - Holy Virgin, by God’s decree

Light the Advent Candle 4

Offertory: - All that I am

Holy Holy: - Gathering Mass

Lamb of God: - Newquay

Communion: - Lord I am not worthy/Wait for the Lord

Recessional: - Our God reigns

3 rd Sunday of Advent

Following the excitement of the previous day (see convalidation post below), Choirboy stuck with a long planned liturgy for the 3 rd Sunday of advent. Unfortunately Father Stephen did not as he promptly forgot Light the Advent Candle and then missed the sung Kyrie ! Oh well, at least everyone turned up, even if Louise didn't have her guitar.

Entry: - O come , O come Emmanuel

Light the Advent Candle 3

Alleluia: - Advent Alleluia

Offertory: - One bread, one body

Holy Holy: - Gathering Mass

Mem Accl: - Lord by Your Cross

Lamb of God: - Newquay (II)

Amen: - We lift our hearts

Communion: - Eat this bread

Bless the Lord my soul

Recessional: - Maranatha

Convalidation - it's a wedding kind of thing !

Saturday 16 th of December was a very special day in the life of Choirboy and Mrs Choirboy - they got married again ! It's all rather complicated but the Choirboys had both been previously married within the Catholic Church. These marriages broke down and when they got together they obviously could not get married in Church, but instead had a civil wedding ceremony. Over the years they toyed with the idea of trying to annul their previous marriages but never quite got around to it. Finally after listening to a sermon of Father Stephen's one Sunday, they decided to investigate the annulment process. Happily after much work, prayer and encouragement from Father Stephen, their previous marriages were annulled and they were free to marry within the Catholic Church. 150 guests including family were at Holy Trinity to help the Choirboys celebrate their marriage in a service of convalidation. It was a most joyous occasion full of music old and new (written especially by choirboy for the occasion). The choir were magnificent with solo performances from Jimmy and Louise singing Let it be/Jesus is the answer. Mr and Mrs Choirboy would like to thank everyone who helped make the day so memorable - we are truly grateful. Finally, before I post the music, we managed to collect £665 which is to be split between Tukae and St Petrocs.

Ceremony of Convalidation for Peter and Mary-Rose Merrin
The Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Newquay.
Saturday 16 December 2006


Entrance Hymn: - Be still for the presence of the Lord (No 72 Celebration Hymnal)
Kyrie (Newquay Mass II)

Cantor Kyrie eleison All Kyrie eleison
Cantor Kyrie eleison All Kyrie eleison
Cantor Lord have mercy on us All Lord have mercy on us

Cantor Christe eleison All Christe eleison
Cantor Christe eleison All Christe eleison
Cantor Christ have mercy on us All Christ have mercy on us
Repeat Kyrie eleison

First Reading: - Genesis 1:26-28.31

Psalm: - Ps 32:12. 18. 20-22. (R v.5 – The Lord fills the earth with His love)

Second Reading: - First letter of St John 4: 7-12

Alleluia (Plymouth Alleluia, Paul Inwood)
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
Open your ears, open your eyes, open your hearts, to hear God’s word.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Gospel: - John 15:9-12

Credo/I believe
Chorus: - Glory, glory Lord, I believe. Glory, glory Lord, I believe. Glory glory Lord, I believe. I believe in You, Lord, I believe
We believe in one God the father, the almighty. The maker of all, seen and unseen.
We believe in Lord Jesus Christ, the only son of God, Eternally begotten, God from God. Chorus
Light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, three persons in one.
For all mankind and for our salvation, by the power of your Spirit, He came down to earth Chorus
And by that same power of the Holy Spirit, He became incarnate of the Virgin Mary (pause) For the sake of man, He was crucified died and was buried to rise again. Chorus
He will come again to judge us all, living and dead, His kingdom has no end.
We believe in the Spirit, the giver of life with the father and son we shall glorify. Chorus
We believe in the catholic church the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin and life without end
Chorus

Bidding Prayers: - Lord Hear Our Prayer, Lord Hear our prayer x 3

Offertory: - This is my body (No 731 Celebration Hymnal)
Holy Holy : - Gathering Mass (No 433 Celebration Hymnal, Paul Inwood)

Memorial Acclamation
Dying You destroyed our death, rising You restored our life. Come Lord Jesus come, come again in glory (repeat)
Come Lord Jesus come, come again in glory. Come Lord Jesus come, come again in glory

Amen
(Forever Amen by David and Jane Glynn-Whitehead)
A-men, we lift our hearts and voices to you as we sing A-men so shall it be forever Amen. (rpt).

Lamb of God
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of all the world
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of all the world
Lord have mercy on us
And grant us Your peace
Grant us Your peace

Pre-Communion: - Lord I’m not worthy, to receive You, I’m not worthy. Lord I’m not worthy, just say the word and I shall be healed (repeat x4)

Communion: - Let it be, Jesus is the answer

Reflection: - You set us free (written and performed by Peter Merrin)

Final Hymn: - I will be with you (No 289 Celebration Hymnal)

Exit: - Here comes the Sun !

Retiring collection for Tukae (an aid project in Tanzania run from Newquay) and St Petrocs (our local charity for the homeless)

Kyrie, Credo/I believe, Lord hear our prayer, Dying You destroyed our death, Lamb of God, Lord I am not worthy and You set us free © petermerrin, carnebo hill, goonhavern and CCLI.
Plymouth Alleluia ©Paul Inwood
Forever Amen © CJM music
Let it be, Jesus is the answer – plagiarised and arranged by Jimmy O’D/Pete M

Are you ready ?

The theme of this second Sunday of Advent is the biblical arrival of John the Baptist preparing a way for the birth of Christ. This week Choirboy was well prepared with copies of our musical liturgy available for the congregation. He was taking no chances on the photocopier, so had prepared all in advance. With no Jimmy, who has gone to Ireland for a few days, the space next to Choirboy was taken by Louise. Fortunately Danny was being entertained by Jill B, although I think mum was a bit anxious about not being needed ! With some of our liturgy being a bit unfamiliar to the congregation it will probably take until the end of Advent until we get it right - c'est la vie !
Some of Choirboy's music is taking a Christmas vacation to the Philippines. One of our congregation is getting married in her home country and has asked Choirboy to produce the music for Hail Holy Queen so she can have this at her wedding. He was happy to provide not only the music but also a CD with a recording of it (he is not altogether confident in his ability to translate what is in his head to the stave). Good luck Maria !
On a completely different note, did you know that spiritual food is full of transubstantiated fats ? Confused ? Just ask Louise or Maz to explain.

Entry: - Gather us in

Light the Advent Candle 2

Kyrie: - Newquay Mass II

Alleluia: - Advent Alleluia

Offertory: - In bread we bring

Holy Holy: - Gathering Mass

Mem Accl: -Lord by Your Cross

Agnus Dei: - Lamb of God (Newquay mass II)

Amen: - We lift our hearts

Communion: - Living Lord

Recessional: - On Jordan’s bank, the Baptist’s cry

Prepare a way for the Lord

The start of Advent Year C was marked with the presentation of some new music. The (rather small) congregation were reminded by Deacon Brian that advent is a time for preparation. Choirboy has penned an Advent Alleluia - "Prepare a way for the Lord, prepare a way for our King" in addition to a new Agnus Dei rather originally called Lamb of God. Unfortunately the only people in posession of the words were the choir as the photocopier decided to give up the ghost 30 minutes before mass. Choirboy immediately reported the breakdown to Father Stephen which left him feeling like a naughty schoolboy, "It wasn't me Sir, honest". He was also told off by teacher for making a rather basic spelling error (now corrected) in a previous post on this blog. Choirboy's spelling is poor as he learnt to read and write using a phonics system known as ITA ( and if that rings bells it's either because you are a teacher or a child of the 60s !). The good news was that Louise (and Danny) managed to make it - somewhat of a surprise as Danny's pram was last seen floating in Newquay boating lake minus Danny but with Louise's handbag, keys etc ! Most of the congregation know how the pram felt as on a truly wild and rainy morning, sanctuary was sought in the hall, now resplendent with new radiators thanks to Jimmy !
The mass setting for advent is printed below and is followed by today's music: -

Kyrie

Cantor Kyrie eleison
All Kyrie eleison
Cantor Kyrie eleison
All Kyrie eleison
Cantor Lord have mercy on us
All Lord have mercy on us

Cantor Christe eleison
All Christe eleison
Cantor Christe eleison
All Christe eleison
Cantor Christ have mercy on us
All Christ have mercy on us

Repeat Kyrie eleison

Holy Holy: - Gathering mass No 433 in Celebration Hymnal (Paul Inwood)

Mystery of faith
Lord by Your cross and resurrection, You’ve set us free, You’ve set us free. You are the saviour of the world. You are the saviour of the world (repeat)
Saviour, Saviour Saviour, Saviour
You set us free, You set us free. You are the saviour of the world. You are the saviour of the world

Amen (Forever Amen by David and Jane Glynn-Whitehead)

Lamb of God, You take away the sin of all the world
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of all the world
Lord have mercy on us
And grant us Your peace
Grant us Your peace

Kyrie Eleison, Lord by Your cross and Lamb of God © petermerrin, carnebo hill, goonhavern and CCLI
Forever Amen © CJM music


Entry: - Sweet heart of Jesus

Light the Advent Candle 1

Kyrie: - Newquay

Alleluia: - Advent Alleluia

Offertory: - This is my body

Holy Holy: - Gathering mass

Mem Accl Lord by Your Cross

Lamb of God Newquay (II)

Amen: - We lift our hearts

Communion: - Abba Father send Your Spirit

Recessional: - We are one in the Spirit