We’ve focused on what to sing from the Mass ordinary and propers. Let’s take a look at what you don’t sing. This happens mostly in Advent and Lent. For some background, we turn to another liturgical document, the General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar (GNLYC), which gives us the basic theology of the liturgical year and its individual parts. You can find this online or in the front section of the Roman Missal.
The GNLYC describes Lent and Advent as preparation seasons. Lent prepares us for Easter, and Advent for Christmas. Lenten preparation takes on a more penitential character, while Advent’s is more expectant, although some liturgists argue that both seasons have elements of penance and expectancy. Musically, the preparatory nature of both seasons has us refrain from singing certain elements.Lenten preparation takes on a more penitential character, while Advent’s is more expectant, although some liturgists argue that both seasons have elements of penance and expectancy. Click To Tweet
In Lent, which goes from Ash Wednesday to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, and on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, we refrain from singing the Alleluia until its return at the Easter Vigil. Instead, use the acclamation and verse options found at Lectionary 223.
In Lent as well as Advent, from the First Sunday of Advent to Christmas Eve, we refrain from the Gloria. The exception for this is during a solemnity, such as Immaculate Conception or Saint Joseph. When in doubt, always check your ordo.