Which is the greatest commandment ?

This is the question asked of Jesus by the Pharisees after he had silenced the Sadducees. Before I give His answer, I'll bet that most of us couldn't really explain who these people were. The image that immediately springs to mind for me is of John Cleese in the film 'Life of Brian' ! And I probably shouldn't own up to seeing that yet alone enjoying it - it does, however, contain in choirboy's view one of the funniest scenes in any film. Back to the subject of these mysterious people who crop up regularly in the scriptures. They seem to provide Jesus with the perfect foil with which to illustrate the divine nature of his ministry. You can read more about the Pharisees here and the Sadducees here.
The answer - well that's here in Matthew's Gospel 22:34-40.

Entrance Hail Queen of Heaven

Kyrie Taize Kyrie

Gloria Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth alleluia

Offertory Gifts of bread and wine

Holy Holy Gathering Mass

Mem Accl Christ has died

Amen A-men, we lift our hearts and voices to you as we sing A-men
so shall it be forever Amen.


Agnus Dei Newquay mass III
Communion Love is His word
Confitemini Domino

Recessional I’ll sing a hymn to Mary

Social death ?

Odd title, odd concept - this was the message from Father Mark on the fate awaiting Catholic converts ! OK - it's out of a necessity in a way for the Church to be unfashionable and unmoving in its beliefs, not simply following the social mores of the day.

The gospel reading had on the other hand both a secular and a spiritual message - 'render unto Caesar'

Musically we survived a depleted congregation, an absent Laura (Choirboy sang the Kyrie), a broken string on Choirboy's guitar (and the disintegration of the offertory hymn), an incorrect number for the final hymn (mea culpa) and a problem with Gill's throat (he was due to be singing a solo) ! Phew....

Entry O purest of creatures

Kyrie Taize Kyrie

Gloria Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth alleluia

Credo Credo/I believe

Offertory Lord we come to Your table

Holy Holy Gathering Mass

Mem Accl Dying You destroyed our death, rising you restored our life
Come, Lord Jesus come, come again in glory.
Come Lord Jesus come, come again in glory (rpt)

Amen A-men, we lift our hearts and voices to you as we sing A-men
so shall it be forever Amen.

Agnus Dei Newquay mass III

Communion Be still for the presence of the Lord
Bless the Lord my soul
1st time instruments/hum 2nd time all sing 3rd In Polish

Recessional Holy Virgin by God’s decree

Wedding Banquet - are you coming ?

You are invited to the wedding feast - are you coming ? For 'Many are called but few are chosen'.

There was an apt theme to today's gospel as we celebrated John and Frances Whybrow's Diamond wedding anniversary. On a beautiful day, the Church was full with regulars and visitors. We were fewer in number in the choir today as Jimmy and Paul were absent (they were at a charity ball last night - draw your own conclusions) and Choirboy's daughter sat out, tired after spending most of last week in hospital. She is now minus her appendix and judging by her bossy demeanour is on the road to recovery. October is the month of Our Lady and our music liturgy today strongly reflected this.



Entry Immaculate Mary


Gloria Gloria

Responsorial Psalm As the deer pants


Alleluia Plymouth alleluia

Offertory Blessed be God


Holy Holy Gathering Mass

Mem Accl Dying You destroyed our death, rising you restored our life
Come, Lord Jesus come, come again in glory.
Come Lord Jesus come, come again in glory (rpt)


Great Amen Amen, Amen, Amen
We will sing of Your love forever. We will sing Your praise forever Amen
Amen, Amen, Amen

Agnus Dei Newquay mass II

Communion There is a longing in our hearts


Recessional O Mother Blest

Plymouth 150

If you didn't go or haven't heard of this event, you can look here.

Last weekend the young people of our diocese (helped by a few oldies) celebrated their faith in joining together for a day of prayer, reflection and song starting at Plymouth Cathedral. Choirboy was fortunate to have been part of this magnificant event and the memory of the Cathedral rocking to the sound of 'Glory, glory I believe' will live with him for a long time. If somehow we can catch the essence of that joy in our parish liturgies then surely we need not worry for the future of our Church. Let's hope so - next stop National Youth Sunday, we'll see if we can give it a go.