Bear Music
Music for the Liturgy
New Lectionary - Advent 2024
Like many others I have been updating psalms for the new Lectionary which comes into use on First Sunday of Advent 2024. Psalms for Advent and Christmas are now available:
Also updated is the Helmsley Alleluia – with Advent verses from the new Lectionary.
Music for Rites
Responsorial Psalms and Antiphons are available for:
- Sacraments of Initiation including:
- RCIA
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Funerals
Psalms
Psalm settings for Sundays, Solemnities and Sacraments can be found here in a variety of styles. Simple settings are provided for the Common Psalms which include other settings where the same psalm occurs in the Lectionary.
The page includes a list of psalm settings and of Sundays etc.
Mass Parts
At any Mass it is important to sing the Mass rather than just sing at Mass. Key to that principle is for the whole congregation to participate in the parts of the Mass: the Penitential Act, the Gloria, Gospel Acclamation, Eucharistic Acclamations (Sanctus, Memorial Acclamations and Amen), and Lamb of God.
Other Music
Here will be found a variety of pieces which are not Mass Parts, Psalms or Antiphons. These includes songs with congregational refrains and pieces for choirs written for a variety of occasions. There are ‘short songs’ or chants which can be used in different circumstances. read more…
- Current Settings
Advent & Christmas
- 1st Sunday of Advent
- 2nd Sunday of Advent
- 3rd Sunday of Advent
- 4th Sunday of Advent
- Nativity of the Lord
- Holy Family
- Mary, Mother of God
- 2nd Sunday after the Nativity
- Epiphany of the Lord
- Baptism of the Lord
Proper of Saints
Antiphons: Solemnities & Feasts of the Lord
- 8 December — The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Recent Additions
Neither Death nor Life
Based on Romans 8 and 6 this setting forms the one and half songs of the subtitle. The refrain, which can be sung by SATB, may be sung independently or with the optional verse — which can also stand alone. It is part of a collection of short songs: From Paul. Neither...
Put on love
To put on love is to become more like Christ. To become people of the word, of peace, people who give thanks. The text is taken from Colossians 3:12-17 and the verses can be sung in two parts with a unison refrain accompanied by keyboard and guitar. It is part of a...
We are ambassadors
A song about reconciliation and becoming a new creation based on 2 Corinthians 5:17–20. There is a strong refrain and the verses can be sung in two parts. Accompaniment is for keyboard and guitar. It is part of a collection of short songs: From Paul. We are...
The Spirit comes to help
This short song is based on Romans 8: 26–27. The refrain can be sung SATB and could be used independently. The verses are for Cantor and keyboard. It is part of a collection of short songs: From Paul. The Spirit comes to help (pdf) The Spirit comes to help - assembly...
What we have received
A simple round based on 1 Corinthians 11:23 — What we have received from the Lord Jesus Christ; this we pass on, this we pass on. The form of the round articulates the passing on of faith. It can be used as part of reflections with catechists or on the Eucharist. It...
What does the Lord require?
Based on two passages of scripture: Micah 6 (What does the Lord require?) and Matthew 12 (The Beatitudes). It is a song about the invitation to live simply and fully. The Beatitudes are often used as the Gospel on Saint's Days — including All Saints — so they offer...