Music During Lent

Today, Ash Wednesday, begins the season of Lent.

Music during Lent has a different flare from the rest of the year.  You may hear more Gregorian chant than typical.  We won't be ending Holy Mass with a Recessional Hymn, but will instead end in silence.  There may be less instrumental music than what is typically heard.  Songs may express our sorrow for our sins and the depth of our God's forgiveness more often than during the rest of the year.

Lent is a time for us to reflect on our lives and seek to bring ourselves closer to God - let the hymns that are sung during Mass lead us closer as we endeavor to live a righteous life.

On March 11th at 7:30PM we'll be holding a concert by the Hamilton College Choir from New York.  Though this will not be a "Lenten" concert, you may be inspired by the songs used at this concert during the Lenten season.  Please consider coming out and supporting your Parish Music Ministry by attending this event - it is free, but a free-will offering will be collected to support St. Joan of Arc Music.

On March 26th at 7:00PM there will be another concert - during which the Book of Jonah will be read in its entirety.  With short instrumental breaks, one will be able to reflect on the Word of God and on the message of this Book of the Bible which can certainly be a part of one's Lenten journey.  Again, the concert is free but a free-will offering will be taken up.

On Fridays throughout Lent we'll be praying the Stations of the Cross on Friday Evenings at 7:30PM.  This wonderful devotion includes singing parts of the Stabat Mater - the traditional Sequence for the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.  Come and join in song as we reflect on Mary, watching her Son and our Lord crucified.  Each evening will end with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament during which the traditional hymn O Salutaris and the traditional chant Tantum Ergo are sung.  There is no better way to enter into this holy season than by praying the Stations of the Cross and then being able to receive Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament!

We hope to see you at these events - be sure to check out the bulletin for further information on opportunities for spiritual growth during Lent.