Music Policies for Weddings, Funerals, and Quinceañera
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Liturgical Issues
Music is a very important part of any church ceremony. It enriches the
experience for you, your family, and guests. However, it is important to
remember that these ceremonies, while celebrating the individuals involved, are public expressions of religious faith for the entire Incarnation community. For this reason, care is taken in the selection of the music for Sunday liturgies and the same care must be exercised for family celebrations in church. Some guidelines for selection of music include:
- Seek the guidance of the Music Director and other liturgical musicians from the parish when selecting music,
- The Bereavement Committee will help you with vigil and funeral ceremonies,
- The music must be primarily religious music, preferably from our parish "Gather" hymn books,
- Non-liturgical pop or rock music is not permitted, except as prelude or postlude music and only if appropriate and respectful of the church environment,
- Classical music and traditional art music including classic processionals and recessionals are generally approved if fitting and appropriate,
- The Gloria and the Creed are only done on Sunday or Holy Day liturgies,
- The Our Father is a group prayer, so it is not sung as a solo by a singer, but may be sung by the entire assembly.
- Congregational music is preferred over having vocalists sing "concert-style" pieces.
| Suggestions for Weddings: |
| Prelude (seating of guests) may use popular music, quiet instrumental music often best, |
| Processional (parents, sponsors, bridal party, bride) Canon in D by Pachelbel Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach Bridal Chorus by Wagner Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke Trumpet Tune by Purcell Psalm 19 by Marcello Air II by Handel |
| Responsorial Psalm Ps. 34 Taste and See Ps. 34 The Cry of The Poor Ps. 103 The Lord is Kind and Merciful Ps. 121 Our Help Comes From the Lord Ps. 145 I Will Praise Your Name |
| Gospel Acclamation Celtic Alleluia Halle, Halle, Halle Mass of Remembrance Mass of Creation |
| Lighting of the Unity Candle, Coin, Lasso, Veil Ceremonies are very short, so a short instrumental is recommended The Unity Candle Song One Hand, One Heart |
| Preparation of the Gifts I Have Loved You We Have Been Told Here, I Am Lord Behold the Lamb Panis Angelicus |
| Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen, and Lamb of God Mass of Creation Mass of Remembrance Mass of Light Jesuit Mass |
| Communion One Bread, One Body Bread of Life Pan de Vida In the Breaking of the Bread |
| Meditation/Offering to the Blessed Virgin Ave Maria by Schubert Ave Maria by Bach/Gounod Hail Mary, Gentle Woman |
| Recessional Wedding March by Mendelsssohn Allegro Maestoso by Handel Rondeau by Mauret Rigaudon - Campra |
| Suggestions for Funerals |
| Prelude (seating of guests) best to have quiet instrumental music, |
| Will the remains be already present for a viewing? or will there be a |
| Reception at the church door, followed by a Procession (cross, altar servers, celebrant, remains, family) Be Not Afraid Amazing Grace |
| Responsorial Psalm Shepherd Me Oh God Ps. 34 The Cry of The Poor Ps. 103 The Lord is Kind and Merciful Ps. 121 Our Help Comes From the Lord Our God is Compassion Ps. 33 Let Your Mercy Be On Us |
| Gospel Acclamation Celtic Alleluia Halle, Halle, Halle Mass of Remembrance Mass of Creation |
| Preparation of the Gifts I Have Loved You We Have Been Told Here, I Am Lord Behold the Lamb Panis Angelicus Hail Mary/Gentle Woman Recuscito Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace |
| Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen, and Lamb of God Mass of Creation Mass of Remembrance Mass of Light Jesuit Mass |
| Communion One Bread, One Body One Is The Body Taste And See Let Us Be Bread Bread of Life Pan de Vida I Am The Bread Of Life In the Breaking of the Bread Blest Are They Here I Am, Lord |
| Meditation Ave Maria by Schubert Ave Maria by Bach/Gounod Hail Mary, Gentle Woman |
| Recessional On Eagle's Wings |
| Final Commitment, Incense and Blessing Saints of God In Paradisum |
- The quinceañera is commonly celebrated within a Mass and is offered for the individual girl. However, the ritual of the quinceañera is extremely rich. Another form of celebration may be the quinceañera ritual in itself without a Mass, or a group quinceañera may be celebrated with other girls of the parish. It should be clear that the priest/deacon presiding at the quinceañera is open to various forms of celebration, especially if these forms emphasize the religious aspect of the passage from youth to adulthood, and if they emphasize simplicity (that is to say, a simple celebration -- without going to great expense).
- The celebration of the quinceañera emphasizes the commitment of the young woman's life to God. Therefore, care must be taken to make sure that the quinceañera not resemble a wedding ceremony.
- Please take care to observe that the traditional gifts that can be offered in the church are these: (1) Bible, (2) Rosary, (3) Medal, (4) Crucifix and (5) Flowers presented to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cushions can be part of the procession. The ring and the crown, as well as other jewelry, may be worn by the candidate; however, they are not to be presented nor blessed during the ceremony. Other gifts can be presented elsewhere but not in the ceremony.
- Music at the Mass is strongly recommended but not required. However, all music used in the ceremony must be religious in nature. Secular songs are not appropriate for the liturgy. In the quinceañera mass, we sing our love songs to God.
Fees:
Organist/Pianist: $ 200
Cantor/Soloist: $ 150
Parish Choirs: negotiable, contact Melissa Bridge
Other Instruments: Upon Request
Wedding rehearsal fee (if desired): $ 100
Bench Fee/Music Fee $100
Parish Music Staff
The following is a list of musicians at Incarnation and their specialties. Please contact
the Director of Music to engage any of the following musicians for your
ceremony.
Melissa Bridge Music Director, piano, organ 818-517-9956.
Susan Chakmakian vocals web page
Jeff DeFrancisco organ, piano
Dennis Doyle piano, vocals, harpist web page
Eric Hansen guitar, bass, mandolin
Renee Hansen vocals, guitar
Mary Hearn piano, vocals, children's choir web page
Pius Oller vocals, guitar, bereavement coordinator
Patty Pontrelli vocals, guitar
Craig Shadburn vocals, guitar
Kristen Shadburn vocals web page
Vickie Van Paddenburg vocals
Ferris Ellen Gluck 10:30 choir, piano