CNP Feedback - Palm Sunday Kyrie?

by Gary D. Penkala

The "Feedback Box" on the CanticaNOVA Publications website has proven quite effective in promoting communications on a variety of subjects, and expressing concerns of liturgists and musicians. From time to time, we'll compile a few of these questions or comments and put them in public view, with the hope that others with similar concerns may benefit from their content.

Q. Dear CNP:

You are always able to save me countless frustrating hours searching for accurate information. Your site is a true blessing, one I regularly consult for ideas as well as encouragement as I try to maintain the traditions of the church.

Do we sing the Kyrie on Palm Sunday, or does the blessing of palms and procession take the place of the Penitential Rite?

Pennsylvania Musician

A. Dear Pennsylvania Musician:

Thank you for your very kind words about our website. We hope you continue to find it effective in your work.

About the use of the "Kyrie":

There are two times during Lent when the Penitential Rite is suppressed: Ash Wednesday (when a more elaborate rite - the distribution of ashes - takes its place), and Palm Sunday (when the Procession or Solemn Entrance supercedes all other elements of the regular Introductory Rites except the Opening Prayer).

One exception to the above rule exists, however. See below.

There are three different ways to begin Mass on Palm Sunday (now properly titled in English, "Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion").

1. The Procession assumes that the celebrant (possibly wearing a cope), ministers and people assemble outside the main church (e.g. in a secondary church, chapel, auditorium, courtyard). An antiphon/psalm or other song may be sung as the celebrant arrives. After a greeting and instruction ("Dear friends in Christ, for five weeks of Lent...") the palms are blessed and sprinkled with holy water. The deacon (or priest) proclaims the Gospel reading of the Lord's entrance into Jerusalem. A brief homily may be given. After the celebrant's invitation ("Let us go forth in peace..."), the thurifer leads a grand procession into the church. An antiphon/psalm or other song is sung until all take their proper places. The celebrant may incense the altar. Once everyone has arrived, the celebrant changes to a red chasuble and sings (or says) the Opening Prayer for Mass. Everything else from the normal Introductory Rites of Mass is suppressed, including the Penitential Rite. This elaborate procession is given as the first option for the obvious reason that it is recommended as ideal; it should occur at the principal parish Mass and may not be repeated at other Masses.
    
2. At other Masses, or when the Procession cannot take place at all, the Solemn Entrance should occur. The people assemble just outside the church door or inside the church. The celebrant and ministers go to a place outside the sanctuary where all can see; an antiphon/psalm or other song is sung. The blessing of palm branches and Gospel reading take place as above. The celebrant and ministers then process through the church to the sanctuary; an antiphon/psalm or other song is sung. Once everyone has arrived, the celebrant sings (or says) the Opening Prayer for Mass. Everything else from the normal Introductory Rites of Mass is suppressed, including the Penitential Rite.
    
3. If even the Solemn Entrance cannot be held, the Simple Entrance may begin Palm Sunday Mass, although for liturgical reasons this is less than ideal. The celebrant and ministers process to the altar while an antiphon/psalm or other song is sung. Mass begins as usual with the Greeting, and continues with the Penitential Rite and Opening Prayer. This is the only form to begin Palm Sunday Mass that incorporates a Penitential Rite. This form exists only as a third alternative and is less than desirable because it avoids all the ceremony that makes Palm Sunday distinct from other Sundays of Lent.

In my opinion, the ideal situation would be to schedule the full Procession at the principal Mass. Ahead of time, invite everyone to gather in another place (courtyard, front lawn, back lawn, school auditorium, parking lot) at the proper Mass time. The procession into church should be accompanied by hearty singing, perhaps even lead by some brass instruments. Parish groups (CCD, school, First Communion class, Confirmation class, women's groups, men's groups, RCIA class) should be formally involved. At other Masses, schedule the Solemn Entrance, with everyone in place in their pews at the beginning of Mass. Don't even consider the Simple Entrance except for very small Masses (in nursing homes, chapels, etc.).

A rather long answer to a simple question ... hope this helps.