Category Archives: blog

Hymns for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, Year A (March 8, 2026)

blog, Ordo Missae, ,

Divine Thirst: The Theme for the 3rd Sunday of Lent

The liturgy for the Third Sunday of Lent in Year A centers on one of the most powerful symbols in scripture: water. Specifically, the readings explore how Jesus is the only source of living water that can truly assuage our spiritual thirst. In addition, we are reminded that God pours His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, our musical choices should reflect this movement from dryness and hardening of hearts toward the refreshing grace found in Christ. Consequently, the following selections are designed to help your congregation enter deeper into this mystery.

Liturgy of the Word: Readings and Responsorial Psalm

In the first place, let us examine the scriptural foundations for this Sunday, which provide the context for our song selections.

  • First Reading (Exodus 17:3-7): The people complain to Moses of their thirst. As a result, he appeals to God, who guides him to strike a rock at Horeb to draw water.
  • Second Reading (Romans 5:1-2, 5-8): Saint Paul explains that the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, he highlights that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
  • Gospel (John 4:5-42): In this famous encounter, Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for a drink at the well and offers her “living water.”

Responsorial Psalm 94

R/. O that today you would listen to his voice, harden not your hearts.

  1. Come ring out our joy to the Lord.
  2. Come in, let us bow and bend low.

Suggested Hymns for the 3rd Sunday of Lent

Because this Sunday has such a clear focus on “Living Water” and the “Rock of Ages,” we have gathered a wide variety of hymns. Specifically, these songs are categorized to help you plan a cohesive Mass.

Entrance and Gathering Hymns

To begin the celebration, these hymns focus on approaching God with an open heart:

  • Amazing Grace
  • I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
  • O Praise our Great and Gracious Lord
  • Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
  • Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer

Offertory and Preparation of Gifts

Similarly, during the presentation of gifts, these selections reflect our offering and God’s mercy:

  • Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
  • What Wondrous Love Is This
  • What Can We Bring to Offer (CHB 67B)
  • Vaster Than Any Ocean
  • There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

Communion Hymns

During the distribution of the Eucharist, focus on the theme of being refreshed by the Living Water:

  • Come to the Springs of Living Water
  • Come Let Us Drink of that New River
  • Shepherd of Souls, Refresh and Bless
  • Jesu, Lover of My Soul
  • The King of Love My Shepherd Is
  • Let us Break Bread Together
  • My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (Watts)

Recessional and Dismissal

Finally, as we are sent forth to be witnesses, these hymns provide a powerful conclusion:

  • Shall We Gather at the River
  • Wade in the Water
  • Glorious Things of You Are Spoken (Especially Verse 2)
  • Church of God, Beloved and Chosen
  • Have You Been to Jesus for the Cleansing Power?

Conclusion: Preparing for the Liturgy

In conclusion, it pays to invest time in the proper preparation of the Liturgy. By doing so, you ensure that the music is not just a background element, but a true vehicle for the Word of God. Ultimately, as the psalmist says: “I will forever sing of your love, O Lord.”

SONG SELECTION FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026: SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, (YEAR A)

blog, Ordo Missae, ,

The Vocation of Abraham and the Christian: Theme for the 2nd Sunday of Lent

The life of a Christian can be compared to a journey undertaken in the company of the Master. For example, Abraham was the first to set off on this journey because he answered a call from God. Similarly, every catechumen today is invited to leave his “country” to follow Christ. Furthermore, the Gospel shows us the only light that the catechumen should follow—the glory of the Transfiguration. However, the second reading reminds us not to be discouraged when we meet difficulties, as God’s grace sustains us. Therefore, we look to this Sunday as a call to move from darkness into His wonderful light. Ultimately, this journey leads us to the mountain of prayer.

Liturgy of the Word: Readings and Responsorial Psalm

To begin with, let us look at the scriptural foundations for this Sunday’s liturgy.

FIRST READING: “The call of Abraham, the father of the people of God.” (Genesis 12:1-4a.)

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 33:4-5. 18-19.20 and 22 (R. 22) R/. May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord.

SECOND READING: In addition to the first reading, we hear that “God calls and enlightens us.” (2 Timothy 1:8b-10).

GOSPEL: Finally, the Gospel illustrates that “His face shone like the sun.” (Matthew 17:1-9).

Recommended Hymns and Song Selection

Below is the curated list of songs suitable for the liturgy on March 1, 2026. Specifically, these selections align with the themes of the Transfiguration and the call to discipleship.

Entrance Hymns

To start the Mass, you may choose from these powerful hymns:

  1. Immortal, Invisible (Tune: ST. DENIO)
  2. God of Mercy and Compassion (NCHB 111/ CHB 194)
  3. Tis Good, Lord, to be Here (Tune: CARLISLE, Lockhart)
  4. Hear, O Thou Bounteous, Maker (NCHB 147/ CHB 12)
  5. Hark my Soul (NCHB 137/ CHB 11)

Offertory Songs

Additionally, for the presentation of gifts, consider these options:

  1. Trust and Obey (NCHB 433/ CHB 61)
  2. O brothers of Christ Jesus (NCHB 264/ CHB 51)
  3. Take my Hands (NCHB 364/ CHB 59)
  4. Take my Life and Let it Be (Tune: ST. BEES/ MOZART)
  5. Ocean of Mercy

Communion Hymns

During the distribution of the Eucharist, these reflective songs are recommended:

  1. Transfigure us O Lord
  2. Take and Eat
  3. Be Thou my Vision (Tune: SLANE)
  4. Take me deeper in love (NCHB 363)
  5. Once more my soul (NCHB 305/ CHB 101)
  6. Praise to the Holiest (NCHB 322/ CHB 104)
  7. Misericordias Domini

Dismissal/Recessional Hymns

Lastly, as the congregation departs, these hymns provide an uplifting conclusion:

  1. Shine Jesus Shine
  2. How great Thou Art
  3. O God our Help in ages past (NCHB 274/ CHB 144)
  4. The King of love my Shepherd Is (Tune: DOMINUS REGIT ME)
  5. Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens (NCHB 321/ CHB 148)

Compiled by: Ben Ogangwu Approved by: Rev. Fr. Peter Osuntope – Director

Download Choir Songs in Solfa Notations (PDF)

blog

Are you looking for choir songs in solfa notations? You’re in the right place! At Chorals and Hymns, we provide a rich collection of choir songs in solfa notation, along with their sheet music and audio.

Many choir members and music enthusiasts struggle to find well-arranged solfa notation PDFs for their favorite hymns and choral pieces. That’s why we have made it easy for you to access and download them directly from our website.

🎶 What You’ll Find on Our Website:
✅ Well-arranged solfa notation PDFs for choir songs
✅ Sheet music for learning and practice
✅ Audio recordings to help with rehearsals

👉 Visit ChoralsAndHymns.com today to explore and download the best choir songs in solfa notation!

Sing with confidence, and let the music flow! 🎵✨

SONGS SELECTIONS FOR ASH WEDNESDAY

blog, Ordo Missae

THE SEASON OF LENT is a time for the preparation for the celebration of Easter. The liturgy prepares the catechumens for the celebration of the Paschal mystery by the various stages of Christian initiation; it also prepares the faithful, who recall their baptism and do penance in preparation for Easter (LYGN27).

The beginning of Lent is marked with the blessing and imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday or, for pastoral reasons, on the First Sunday of Lent. The act of putting on ashes symbolizes our fragility and mortality as well as our need to be redeemed by the mercy of God.

DURING LENT, ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ACCLAMATIONS IS USED INSTEAD OF ALLELUIA AS A RESPONSE TO THE VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL
Glory and praise to you, O Christ.
Glory to you, O Christ, Wisdom of God the Father.
Glory to you, O Christ, Word of God.
Glory to you, O Christ, Son of the living God.
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
Great and wonderful are your works, O Lord.
Salvation, glory, and power belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Wisdom 11:24.25.27
You are merciful to all, O Lord, and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook the sins of man, to bring him to repentance, for you are the Lord our God.

The Penitential Act is omitted, and the Distribution of Ashes takes its place.

FIRST READING
“Tear your hearts and not your garments.”
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Joel 2:12-18

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 51:3-4.5-6ab.12- 13.14 and 17 (R. cf. 3a)
R/. Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your merciful love;
according to your great compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me completely from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin. R/.
e
My transgressions, truly I know them;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done. R/.

R/. Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Create a pure heart for me, O God;
Renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence;
take not your holy spirit from me. R/.

Restore in me the joy of your salvation;
Sustain in me a willing spirit.
O Lord, open my lips
And my mouth shall proclaim your praise. R/.

SECOND READING
“Be reconciled to God. Behold, now is the acceptable time. ”
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, (2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:2)

Glory and praise to you, O Christ.
Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Glory and praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL
“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 6: 1-6, 16- 18)

ENTRANCE

  1. Attende Domine (CHB 321)
  2. Yes I shall arise (CHB 316)
  3. Hear o thou bounteous maker (CHB 12)
  4. I come to thee (CHB 346)
  5. All the way to Calvary

OFFERTORY

  1. God of mercy (CHB 194)
  2. Jesus my Lord (CHB 196)
  3. My God accept my heart (CHB 251)
  4. Pay back time
  5. Take my life
  6. Lord accept the gifts (CHB 56)
  7. Take our bread (CHB 60)

COMMUNION

  1. Hear us O Lord (CHB 13)
  2. God our Father (CHB 195)
  3. Just as I am (CHB 90C)
  4. Rock of ages (CHB 106)
  5. As I look unto the cross
  6. Close to the Cross
  7. Lord Jesus think on me

DISMISSAL(6-7)/DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES(1-5)

  1. Ashes
  2. Nearer God (CHB 199)
  3. Forty days and Forty nights
  4. Throughout these Forty days O Lord
  5. Ashes of Repentance
  6. Ave Regina Coelorum (CHB 323)
  7. Sweet Saviour bless us (CHB 150)

Courtesy……..Songs Selection Committee of LAMCOM (Lagos Archdiocesan Music Commission)

SONGS SELECTIONS FOR Sunday, February 5 2023, FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A.

blog, Ordo Missae

THEME OF THE SUNDAY
The Christian Is Salt and Light. The theme of the Sunday is contained in the two parables of the gospel. The figure of light is given more importance than that of salt and, in fact, the first reading refers also to the theme of light. The second reading is related to this theme. Paul states that good works are the sign of the presence of the Spirit. They are the concrete proofs of the truth of the beliefs proclaimed by Christians.

FIRST READING
Your light shall break forth like the dawnA reading from the Book of Isaiah (58:7-10).

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 1 1 2: 4-5. 6-7. 8a and 9 (R.4a)  
R/. A light rises in the darkness for the upright.

A light rises in the darkness for the upright; he is generous, merciful and just.It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. R/.

He will never be moved;forever shall the just be remembered. He has no fear of evil news;with a firm heart, he trusts in the Lord. R/.

With a steadfast heart he will not fear. Open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm forever.His might shall be exalted in glory. R/.

SECOND READING
“I have told you of the mystery of Christ crucified.”A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians: (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John 8:12
Alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“You are the light of the world.”A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5: 13-16).

ENTRANCE
1. Laudate Dominum
2. Christ be our light
3.  Shalom
4. O God thy people gather CHB 24
5. Lee’m Dinwenum
6. Awa Made
7. Mo More

OFFERTORY
1. Come God’s children (CHB)
2. Children of the Lord
3. Bring them to the Lord
4. Why can’t you say thank you?
5. All man’s labour CHB
6. Oludumare Gbebowa
7.  Gbore wa oh

COMMUNION
1. O esca viatorum CHB 329
2. Lead Kindly Light (CHB 242)
3. Instrument of peace
4. Whatsoever you do (CHB 124)
5. The light of the world is Jesus
6. Ife chukwu
7. Anima Christi

DISMISSAL
1. Light of Christ (CHB 138)
2. There’s a call (CHB 118)
3. Go in peace
4. Where he leads, I follow
5. Kabiyesi

Compiled by
I.E Citadel Okonkwo

Courtesy:
DIRECTORATE OF LAGOS ARCHDIOCESAN MUSIC COMMISSION (LAMCOM)

What is Catholic Liturgy?

blog

The term “liturgy” refers to the official public worship of the Catholic Church. It includes the Mass, which is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church, as well as other sacraments and liturgical services. The liturgy is rooted in the biblical tradition and is intended to make present the saving mystery of Christ through the celebration of the sacraments, the proclamation of the word, and the singing of hymns and liturgical songs.

The liturgy is also divided into the liturgy of the word and the liturgy of the Eucharist. In the liturgy of the word, the scriptures are proclaimed and a homily, or sermon, is given. In the liturgy of the Eucharist, bread and wine are consecrated by the priest to become the body and blood of Christ, and are then shared among the faithful.

The Catholic Church has two main liturgical rites: the Roman Rite, which is used in most of the world, and the Byzantine Rite, which is used primarily by Eastern Catholics. Within the Roman Rite, there are also a number of different liturgical calendars, including the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (also known as the Traditional Latin Mass) and the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite (also known as the Novus Ordo), which was introduced after the Second Vatican Council.

In summary, Catholic liturgy refers to the official public worship of the Catholic Church, which includes the Mass and other sacraments, which is intended to make present the saving mystery of Christ through the celebration of the sacraments, the proclamation of the word, and the singing of hymns and liturgical songs

#Copied

SONGS SELECTION FOR MARCH 14TH, 2021, 4TH SUNDAY IN LENT YEAR B LAETARE SUNDAY (REJOICING SUNDAY)

blog, Ordo Missae

THEME: GODS JUDGEMENT

FIRST READING

The wrath and compassion of God are shown in the exile and liberation of his people.
A reading from the second Book of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 36:14-16.1923)

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R/. O let my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not.

SECOND READING

When we were dead through our trespasses, we were saved by grace.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (Ephesians 2:4-10)

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

John 3: 16
Glory and praise to you, O Christ. God do loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should have eternal life. Glory and praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL

God sent the Son that the World might be saved through him”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 3:14-21)

ENTRANCE HYMNS

1. Praise my soul, the king of heaven (CHB27)
2. (CHB 191) All you who seek a comfort sure
3. Stand up, Stand up for Jesus (CHB 35)
4 Christ be our light.
5 O God thy people gather (CHB 24)

OFFERTORY

  1. God Almighty (CHB 51)
  2. Its Pay back time
  3. Gbe’bo wa
  4. (CHB 67) What have we to offer him.
  5. Surrender your heart
  6. What can we bring to offer

COMMUNION

  1. Jesus my Lord, behold at length the day (CHB 196)
  2. Mee ranyi ebere
  3. Christ be our light.
  4. God gives his people strength ( CHB 77)
  5. Pass me not o gentle Saviour ( CHB103)
  6. E was gba Ara Oluwa.
  7. Be still, my soul..
  8. O Listen to a wondrous story.

DISMISSAL

  1. When I survey (CHB202)
  2. Keep step with the master (CHB 241)
  3. Forty days and Forty nights
  4. My faith looks up to thee
  5. Jesus loves me.
  6. Glory be to Jesus( CHB193)
  7. Holy Queen , we bend before thee. (CHB298)

Approved by Director, LAMCOM Lagos Arch Diocese. Lagos State

Proper of the Mass in Igbo language

blog, Ordo Missae

During the last Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja, the Bishops of the Igbo speaking Dioceses led by His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha, invited Dr. Jude Nnam (Ancestor) to a meeting where they explained that there has been some changes made in the Proper of the Mass in Igbo language. Ancestor was therefore, assigned to compose a new Proper of the Mass in Igbo, taking cognizance of the changes.


Choirs down East of the Niger has been instructed to switch to the new Mass Proper by PENTECOST SUNDAY. 


Ancestor has finished the work, so, WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE COMPOSITIONS.