26. ENTRANCE SONG

As a further alternative to the singing of the entrance antiphon and psalm of the «Roman Gradual» (Missal) or of the «Simple Gradual», the Conference of Bishops has approved the use of other collections of psalms and antiphons in English, as supplements to the «Simple Gradual», including psalms arranged in responsorial form, metrical and similar versions of psalms, provided they are used in accordance with the principles of the «Simple Gradual» and are selected in harmony with the liturgical season, feast or occasion (decree confirmed by the Consilium for the Implementation of the Constitution on the Liturgy, December 17, 1968).

With regard to texts of other sacred songs from the psalter that may be used as the entrance song, the following criterion was adopted by the Conference of Bishops in November, 1969:

The entrance rite should create an atmosphere of celebration. It serves the function of putting the assembly in the proper frame of mind for listening to the word of God. It helps people to become conscious of themselves as a worshipping community. The choice of texts for the entrance song should not conflict with these purposes.

In general, during the most important seasons of the Church year, Easter time, Lent, Christmas and Advent, it is preferable that most songs used at the entrance be seasonal in nature.

There are thus four options for the entrance song:

1. the entrance antiphon and psalm of the «Roman Gradual»;

2. the entrance antiphon and psalm of the «Simple Gradual»;

3. song from other collections of psalms and antiphons;

4. other sacred song chosen in accord with the above criterion.

The same options exist for the sacred song at the offertory and Communion, but not for the chants between the readings (below).

Only if none of the above alternatives is employed and there is no entrance song, is the antiphon in the Missal recited.