Like a Deer That Longs

- John Edward Sittard

Use: General, Easter, Easter Vigil, Baptism
Required Resources: SATB choir, organ
Language: English

John Edward Sittard has used Psalms 42 and 43 for this beautiful responsorial work. A refrain for SATB choir ("Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God.") surrounds four verses from the Grail Psalter (1963). The congregation may also sing the soprano line on the refrain.

Verses 1 and 2 are set for cantor. Verse 3 is scored for 3-part women's choir, and Verse 4 is for SATB choir. The same independent organ part accompanies each verse.

This music could easily serve as a baptismal processional (from the sanctuary to the font) at any baptism, or at the Easter Vigil. It could even be used during the procession of the neophytes back to the church, particularly as the latter two verses are reminiscent of the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar in the 1962 Missal: "O send forth your light and your truth..." and "I will come to the altar of God..."