If you choose to use an outside musician, OLMC has required that I approve the music for liturgical correctness and textual accuracy. I am also the contact person regarding the use of the piano, organ, microphones, and other sound equipment. Because of this, there is a $100 bench fee, payable by cash or check (made out to Mark Middleton) that can be delivered to the OLMC office.
Outside musicians will be strictly held to the guidelines presented in this document.
The most important consideraƟons on my end are less about the musicianship of the person/people you are bringing in. I am sure you have heard the musician(s) already through demos or live performance. Where I am most concerned is with the liturgical aspect of the music. The text/lyrics of each piece have to be appropriate, and the musician(s) have to know the current guidelines and order of the Catholic Mass.
It is important that, in addiƟon to the hymns, they must use a Mass Seƫng with the EXACT words (The United States Congress of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, is very specific and clear about this). No words are to be added, removed, or changed with the excepƟon that a word or phrase can be repeated due to musical consideraƟons. (Example: in the “Glory to God” the words are “Glory to God in the highest.” Two of our musical seƫngs repeat the first three words “Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest.”) An example of what cannot be changed is in the Mystery of Faith. The acceptable translaƟon is “we proclaim your death, O Lord, unƟl you come again.” Using a version with the text “we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, unƟl you come in glory” would not be allowed.
* The Gloria must be sung at the Mass, this is part of the rite! (Exact words as described above). * The Responsorial Psalm is sung. This should be as close as possible, but doesn’t need to be exact to the text. * The Gospel AcclamaƟon is sung. * The Holy is sung (must be exact). * The Mystery of Faith is sung (must be exact). * The Great Amen is sung (must be exact). * If the Our Father is sung, it must be exact. It also needs to be a musical seƫng that the people in attendance can sing (the Our Father is a community prayer). Typically, on Sundays this is recited. * The Lamb of God is sung (must be exact).
Once the final selectons are made, please submit them to me so I can double-check them, as we again want make sure everything is liturgically correct.
Regarding instruments and microphones:
Please keep me up-to-date with your sound requirements. If you need to use microphones or not, if you need more than 4 music stands, etc. The piano is OK to use as-is, but all other instruments are privatelyowned and do not belong to the church. They are not to be used without prior permission.