Singing the Psalms, by Father Michael Gilligan, is a clear introduction to the use of Psalms in the liturgy, with down-to-earth suggestions for the song leader or cantor.

A compendium of useful, practical ideas for every parish.

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Singing the Psalms

• How to make good use of the Psalm tones and the refrains of the ACP Psalter. How Chant is really easier than any other method of singing the Psalms. How you can foster participation by the people, through Common Refrains, Common Psalms, and metrical Psalms.

• How to appreciate verbal accents in the texts. How to make sense of Hebrew prayer. How to sing the Psalms effectively, with full participation. How the Psalter works with your Leaflet Missal prayerbook and your Lectionary.
  
  
• Specific examples of real leadership in the parish. Concrete methods that can work for you. Stories of success in three parishes, in three different situations. How the song leader or cantor can be best prepared for the task.
  
  
• A glossary of terms used in the liturgy and in the Psalms, with clear definitions of each concept. No double-talk. A reference that's invaluable for liturgy planning groups, parish priests, and musicians.
  
  
• A list of other publications that you can use to foster liturgical renewal in your own parish. Resources for deeper understanding of the Psalms, more proficient singing, and more effective participation.

  
  

  Here's a review of Singing the Psalms, by Leroy Hommerding:
  
  This book is a companion to the ACP Psalter, edited by Jeanette Szudy Dandurand and Mark Russakoff, which offers complete settings of the Psalms for Sunday Mass, as used after the First Reading. As a companion resource, this book is an informative introduction to the liturgy's use of the Psalms.
  
  There is a chapter devoted to why sing the Psalms, and another on how to make use of the Psalm tones and refrains. Another chapter helps the reader appreciate verbal accents in the text; another chapter is devoted to practical considerations. A glossary and a list of other publications aid in fostering liturgical parish renewal.
  
  Every song leader or cantor, liturgist, pastor, and musician will be helped by this resource. Sections included in the parish bulletin or some explanation when introducing refrains will lead many in the assembly to appreciate and deepen their experience of the Psalms.
  
  [From Ministry and Liturgy]

 

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