I recently completed a new hymn text based on the Advent Mass of The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Although the Feast of the Visitation is celebrated on May 31, the Gospel is also proclaimed on the Fourth Sunday of Advent in Year C. The text draws directly from the Mass formulary, including the readings, antiphons, prayers, and preface. Themes of Daughter Zion, the Incarnation, Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant, Elizabeth's greeting, John's leap of joy, and the Magnificat are woven together into a congregational hymn in 87.87 D meter.

The hymn may be sung to HYFRYDOL (Alleluia! Sing to Jesus) or HYMN TO JOY (Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee). I like HYMN TO JOY myself. 

I'd be interested in any comments or observations from fellow hymn writers and church musicians. 

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Title: Shout For Joy, O Daughter Zion!
Meter: 87.87 D

Verse 1
Shout for joy, O Daughter Zion! 
With your heart, exult be glad! 
See, the King of Israel triumphs,
In your midst, He takes His part! 
God has come to set us free now, 
Mighty Savior raised to save, 
Mary bears the fruit of blessing, 
Hasting through the hills so brave.   

Verse 2
Mary enters house and dwelling, 
Where her greeting voice is heard; 
Ark of the New Covenant, who
Bears the saving Word of God. 
For the infant in the womb leaped, 
Leaped for joy at Mary's voice; 
Blessed is the Virgin Mother, 
Who believed and made her choice!   

Verse 3
"Now my soul proclaims His greatness, 
And my spirit shall rejoice, 
In the Lord, my God and Savior," 
Sings the Virgin with her voice. 
He has looked upon his handmaid, 
Thrown the rulers from their throne, 
Lifted up the low and humble, 
Filled the hungry as His own.   

Verse 4 (Doxology)
Praise to God, the Father Holy, 
Praise to Christ our Savior King, 
Praise the Holy Spirit pouring 
Gifts of joy that make us sing! 
God of Abraham our father, 
One true God whom we confess, 
Lives and reigns for endless ages, 
Whom all generations bless!

Responsorial Psalm 95(96):1,3-5,7-10 for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A - WORDS + CHORDS
Key of E
Capo 2

                        D                      A G          D
Response - Give the Lord glory and power.

      G                  A                    D
O sing a new song to the Lord,
 A                    G                  D
sing to the Lord all the earth.
  G                          A                   Bm
Tell among the nations his glory
                 G                                        Asus4 A
and his wonders among all the peoples.

                        D                      A G          D
Response - Give the Lord glory and power.

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/KKxAqVi4lVA

Salmo Responsorial para Domingo 29 Ordinario A - Salmo 95 - Cantemos la grandeza del Señor. Leccionario: 145. Descarga gratuita de partituras en el siguiente enlace. Todos los versos del salmo están disponibles. / Responsorial psalm in Spanish for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Free download of sheet music at the following link. All the psalm verses are available.

insong.org/product/domingo-29-ordinario-a-salmo-95-cantemos-la-grandeza-del-senor

Music © 2019, Anthony Moran, insong.org
Arranged and recorded by Richard Schletty, schlettysound.com

This cover of the English adaptation of the O Sanctissima is recorded in a faster tempo. With such spritely mood, church musicians can use it as a lively opening or sending forth hymn. Here it is. The handwritten chord sheet is attached.

This is a great Advent song because it is easy to sing and play on guitar. This cover by the Catholic Church Hymns is recorded in a slightly faster tempo using the chord D - which is lighter on fingers on guitar compared to Eb when it was originally composed. It is also smart lengthwise, not too long for most parts of the mass. Handwritten chords attached.

 

I just wanted to play this spritely hymn of Mary's Magnificat simply through an acoustic guitar. So here is: just me and my nylon-stringed guitar. It is Marian and would suit during the month of the Holy Rosary, feast of the Immaculate Conception, and other Marian feasts but it will equally enliven the music of the mass if used as an entrance or recessional song. It is also easy to play on guitar. I have attached the handwritten chord sheet here. 

Composed by Australian Kevin Bates, 'Our Supper Invitation' communicates the essence of the Eucharist in its three verses. Because of that, this communion hymn can be used at mass for any season or occasion in the liturgical calendar. It also very easy to play on guitar. The key of D makes this hymn very accessible for the whole congregation. Chord sheet attached.
 

1 ) Father we're always in your care
Help us be ever more aware
That through  all trials and test
You know for us what is best

2 ) Father you will all to be saved       

Reworked my Ave Maria song. I have renamed "Graceful Queen of Heaven".

Responsorial Psalm 22(23) for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A - WORDS + CHORDS
Key of C

                                 C                 F                      C         G            C
Response - In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

            F     G            C
The Lord is my shepherd;
                 F           G           Am
there is nothing I shall want.
    F                 G                      C
Fresh and green are the pastures
                    Dm                G
where He gives me repose.
           Dm                          G
Near restful waters He leads me,
          F                G               C
to revive my drooping spirit.

                                 C                 F                      C         G            C
Response - In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

This song for the preparation of gifts at mass is so easy on guitar that I tend to play it more often. Also, the tune is easy to follow and the length just suits the timing required at the altar before the Eucharistic prayers start. 

Andrew Chinn has done a great job in composing this song. One thing I can comment on, though. It is quite high for the congregation, especially on an early Sunday mass. He had originally composed it on A. I made an effort of recording it on E. So here, it is:

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CVj00FLgcno

Salmo Responsorial para Domingo 28 Ordinario A - Salmo 22 - Habitaré en la casa del Señor toda la vida. Leccionario: 142. Descarga gratuita de partituras en el siguiente enlace. Todos los versos del salmo están disponibles. / Responsorial psalm in Spanish for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Free download of sheet music at the following link. All the psalm verses are available.

insong.org/product/domingo-28-ordinario-a-salmo-22-habitare-en-la-casa-del-senor-toda-la-vida

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CVj00FLgcno

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Introducing Sancteo through an English song of gratitude to God and Pope Leo XIV, with a music video and an invitation to share your thoughts.

The music and some of the visuals are AI-generated.

I enjoy listening to the congregation singing during mass as I accompany them with my guitar strumming. It breaks my heart when they stop singing because the pitch is so high, they can't reach it. So here's the bass or baritone version of this beloved Norbet hymn. Enjoy! Transposed, handwritten chord sheet is attached. 

 

This is basically the bass or baritone version of a Boniwell hymn. Composed in G, but most congregations could barely make it to F, let alone G. So, I tried playing it on C and it does received good participation from my parish. My transposed, handwritten chord sheet is attached.

 

Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:46-55 for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary WORDS + CHORDS

                            Am              F         G                 Am  Bb  F          C

Response - The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is His name!

 

   C             F                  C

My soul glorifies the Lord,

                     F              Dm          G   Gsus G

my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.

 

                            Am              F         G                 Am  Bb  F          C

Response - The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is His name!

Prayer Of St. Francis
 

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace: 

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon; 

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope; 

where there is darkness, light; 

where there is sadness, joy.

1 ) Dear Father - Dear Father
In your wisdom you strengthen us
Like gold that's been tested in fire
You purify our self centered desires                          
And inflame our deepest desire for you

2 ) Dear Father - Dear Lord
You allow us to be tempted 
Like yourself in the garden tested