How to choose songs for Mass...

Our personal take on choosing songs for Mass.

Our entire focus is on congregational singing. It’s about them, and their ability to enter in and worship.

Gathering song - most important selection for getting people to participate and sing. We never, ever use an unfamiliar hymn as a gathering song. If you don’t give the congregation something to jump into here, you’ll lose them for the entire Mass.

Gathering song should be steady, and set the tone for the Mass or season. Mid to up tempo depending on season.

Psalm - if we have choices on setting, we always pick the most intuitive for people to sing.

Offertory - we look for songs here that I can get into and out of easy because of our tempo of Mass at Holy Trinity. We avoid songs here with long sections example…(Here I Am, Lord), so I don’t get stuck. This is a good place to introduce new or newer hymns.

Communion - We don’t use Marian hymns for Communion. Focus is on singable, Eucharistic hymns. People are walking up and won’t have their hymnals. Familiar hymns here are good.

Second communion - reflective, or newer hymns are good here.

Song of sending - hopeful! Joyful!

What have you found to work best within your parish?