The Adoremus Hymnal

 

This coming fall will mark the second anniversary of the beginning of the use of the Adoremus Hymnal here at St. John’s.  Its presence, during these last two years, has graced our Masses, and has added much to the celebrations of the Church’s many feasts and seasons.

 

As we have all seen, the hymnal has sections for sung Masses, and hymns for the appropriate seasons of the Church year.  What many may not know, however, is that it also can be used as a missal during Mass, allowing one to follow along with the prayers being said by the priest.  One finds, in fact, that the hymnal is more thorough than the missalette, having not only the prayers, but the explanations of what is happening in the various parts of the Mass as well.  Starting on page 12 the hymnal follows the Mass, with the exception of the daily readings, from beginning to end in both English (on one side) and Latin (on the other).  This feature allows one to follow along when parts of the Mass are being said in Latin.  Also found are sung responses for the different parts of the Mass, something most useful for congregational participation with the choirs.

 

Another feature found in the hymnal is one that is useful at benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  Found at #700, in the back of the book, are all of the prayers and hymns used at this special service, along with explanations of what is happening at the various parts.

 

We would urge you to try using these two features of the hymnal the next time you come to either Mass or benediction here at St. John’s.

 

May God bless you all.

Ron and Mary Smisek  (Music Directors)