Singing Christmas Vigil Readings
  • ElJefe
    Posts: 4
    For the vigil Mass this Christmas, the first reading is from Isaiah, and the second is from Acts of the Apostles. During Easter when the first reading is often from Acts, we use the prophecy tone. In this case, it's the second reading, and I've never heard the epistle tone used for Acts, but it seems like that's the one we should use. Can anyone give me any guidance regarding which tone to use for the second reading?
  • SponsaChristi
    Posts: 417
    According to icelweb.org, which is posted on the CCCB’s website for liturgical resources, you use this tone.
  • MatthewRoth
    Posts: 2,367
    Acts always gets the epistle tone at the TLM. It is already bizarre to have two NT readings, so I suppose the tone assignment is to allow some distinction.

    If Acts is the actual epistle, that answers your question; that also means, following the older practice as a guide, if there is only one reading, use the epistle tone. The prophecy tone is for readings before the collect of the Mass (Ember Wednesday and Saturday; the Paschal Vigil and that of Pentecost before its abolition; a handful of other days in Lent; there’s an argument for the first reading of Good Friday).
    Thanked by 3CHGiffen tomjaw M. Jackson Osborn
  • GerardH
    Posts: 481
    The 1974 Graduale simply labels the two tones 'Lectio I' and 'Lectio II vel unica ante Evangelium'. It also says that any tone accepted in practice may be chosen, and that the first tone may be used instead of the second.

    Basically, don't sweat it.
  • ElJefe
    Posts: 4
    I really appreciate all your feedback, thank you!
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