Need Help Understanding Novus Ordo Funerals
  • StPatrick
    Posts: 14
    Hello friendly musicians.

    I was just asked by a parishioner to cover for an absent cantor at her sister's funeral at a different parish on Friday.
    I accepted, and then realized I've never attended or sung at a Novus Ordo funeral, only several Reqiuem Masses since my conversion a couple years ago.

    Here are their hymn requests: Hymns : The only requests would be the Ave Maria(Schubert) How Great Thou Art, Panis Angelicus, and the one for final prayers of Farewell(May the choir of Angels...)

    Okay...I know the Latin Hymns, but when are they wanting me to sing each one?
    I will TRY to get in touch with the people but am not confident that I will be able to.

    Is the last one they're referring to the one by E. Sands? Or are there multiple songs they might be referring to?
    Is "How Great Thou Art" usually sung at Offertory or Communion?

    AND is there usually an Entrance Hymn at NO funerals? None of these are entrance hymns.
    Is the final one a recessional hymn or does the priest incense the casket and I sing it during that?

    I have reached out to the priest and am trying to get the contact information for the music director to find out about Ordinaries, Propers, and things like that but I guess I'm just looking for some basic information about "What a "Contemporary style" Novus Ordo is USUALLY like." I realize most people are familiar with this music and I am just not at all. I appreciate any insight.

  • SponsaChristi
    Posts: 675
    Before anything, you need to pastor’s permission first before you can fill in. You need to get the person who asked you to fill in to get in contact with the pastor to get permission (especially since you don’t know what you’re doing) and to get into contact with you. Otherwise you’re just some random person.
  • StPatrick
    Posts: 14
    Who knew! Thanks. Like I said, I'm trying to contact the priest.
  • Jeffrey Quick
    Posts: 2,238
    When you figure it out, let me know.
  • trentonjconn
    Posts: 790
    What a mess. Sounds about like 99% of the NO funerals I've ever played or attended. You have my sympathies.

    With the "May the Choirs of Angels"...you could just sing "In Paradisum" and ask for forgiveness instead of permission. It is technically what they're requesting...
  • irishtenoririshtenor
    Posts: 1,424
    The music director at the church where the funeral is going to be held should be sending you a comprehensive lineup of music, sheet music for everything you need to sing, and setting up a time to rehearse with you. They should be guiding you on the timing of everything ("When does this happen?" "What's my cue for this?")
Add a Comment