Christmas 2008-2009

The Baptism of the Lord
Sing to world of Christ (1) – Patrick Lee and Ernest Sands
Song of Isaiah: Sing for joy – Nick Baty
Summer Alleluia – Nick Baty
Water of life – Stephen Dean
Sing to world of Christ (2) – Patrick Lee and Ernest Sands
Acclamations: San Domingo Mass – Nick Baty
Jesus, Lamb of God: San Domingo Mass – Nick Baty
O praise ye the Lord

Introduced Sing to the World of Christ today and we split it into two – first two verses at the beginning and three more are the offertory. It helped the assembly get used to it and they appeared to enjoy it. In fact, Elaine loved it so much that I think we're expected to use it every week.

Feast of the Epiphany
Christ be our light – Bernadette Farrell
Glory, glory to God in heaven – Paul Inwood
Ps 71: All nations shall fall prostrate – Nick Baty
Summer Alleluia – Nick Baty
We three kings of orient are
Acclamations: San Domingo Mass – Nick Baty
Fraction Song: Communion Song 3 – Paul Inwood
What child is this?
The light of Christ has come into the world

Feast of the Holy Family
The First Nowell
Glory be to God in heaven
Ps 127: O blessed are those who fear the Lord – Paul Inwood
Alleluia Veni Emmanuel – Nick Baty
Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us
Eucharistic Acclamations – Bernadette Farrell
Fraction Song: Agnus Graemus – Nick Baty
What child is this?
God rest you merry, gentleman

Christmas Day
O Come All ye Faithful
Glory be to God in heaven
Ps 95: Today a Saviour has been born to us – Nick Baty
Alleluia Veni Emmanuel – Nick Baty
While Shepherds watch their flocks by night
Eucharistic Acclamations – Bernadette Farrell
Fraction Song: Communion Song 3 – Paul Inwood
Peace Child – Bernadette Farrell
Hark the Herald Angels Sing

And, no, I don't like using a strophic Gloria but I swear this will be the last year ever.

Christmas Eve
Once again we joined with our sister parishes of St Anthony and Our Lady of Reconciliation. And once again we threw open the doors and formed a community choir for the occasion. These sort of ad hoc arrangments mean we have to keep the music fairly simple – but this is more the compensated for by the enthusiasm and joy of the singers. One lady even drove from West Derby to join us – now that's keen.

Before Mass the band played Adam’s O Holy Night and we all warmed up with God rest you merry, gentlemen.

Gaudete Christus est natus from Piae Cantiones
O Come All ye Faithful
Glory be to God in heaven
Ps 95: Today a Saviour has been born to us – Nick Baty
Alleluia Veni Emmanuel – Nick Baty
The Holly and the Ivy
Eucharistic Acclamations – Bernadette Farrell
Fraction Song: Agnus Graemus – Nick Baty
Peace Child – Bernadette Farrell
Silent Night
Hark the Herald Angels SIng

And the band played us out with John Rutter’s Shepherd’s Pipe Carol.

This is the first Christmas in ages that Jayne and Rona haven't been to play for us (trumpet and flute). Regulars John (trombone) and Cliff (Horn) were joined by Brian and his nine-year-old son, Cameron (both on trumpet). Cameron did really well. I am constantly amazed that all these professional musicians give us so much of their time for free. God bless 'em!