I heard the Mass was beautiful....

Our Thursday practice was in the crying room at St Margaret’s, although we went into the back of the church to hear the reverberations at the end.
Alan had produced booklets for the Saturday Mass, some for us and several for the congregation.

Our practice began with Alan introducing the Introit hymn 'Salve sancta Parens'. A new prayer for us all. But we cracked-on.

 There are simple English language  Introits for each Mass. I wonder if Parishes might sing these Introits each day as implied in the Missal and Canon Law, rather than substituting an 'opening hymn'. But that's never going to happen because we are all so happy to sing together.

Father Joe recites the Introit at dailiy Mass. Perhaps we the people could offer to sing it instead?
Perhaps we could propose chanting the Introit after or before the 'opening hymn' on Sundays?

There are several English settings for the Introits such as these:
 http://www.chantcafe.com/2012/12/hymn-tune-introits-at-daily-mass.html


We thought that we were ready for the Mass of the Blessed Virgin 'In Sabbato' at Cambuskenneth on Saturday. Apart from the Alleluias. In the end we gave up on these.

Our team arrived early and Jack noted that I had brought 'our strip'.

We didn't look too bad (although those attending will know a small secret about one of us and our cassocks).
The schola had to stand in the doorway  for enough light to see our square dots and Latin words.

George and I were outside the doorway.

We two couldn't hear the full 'chant-effect' but apparently it was very moving.
Our Catechist Leader in St Margaret's rushed by this morning and said  'I heard the Mass was beautiful'.

Our next Thursday rehearsals will be the Vespers settings in anticipation of praying in the Holy Rude and the Chapel Royal..
I will not be there, rather I will be in Sicily on hols.

Next steps, prep for Vespers and agree a date with Fr Joe to sing Kyrie and another Mass prayer at our regular 11.00 Sunday Mass.