Missa de Angelis Questions and Answers
January 11, 2024
Q: Why are we learning the Missa de Angelis at Nativity?
We’re learning the Missa de Angelis (Mass of the Angels), because Gregorian Chant is the essential reference point for all other liturgical music. The originality, balanced proportions, dignity, and beautiful simplicity of chant form the building blocks for all liturgical music. For a long time, this particular Mass Setting was one of the best-known plainchant settings of the ordinary of the Mass.
Q. What does the church say about Gregorian Chant?
Throughout history, “the Church recognizes Gregorian chant as being especially suited to the Roman Liturgy. Therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical service” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, Dogmatic Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, pg. 72). Subsequent documents written here by the United States bishops invite parishes to “learn and sing together in these Mass settings when possible and without becoming exclusive” (Sing to the Lord, Music in divine worship, USCCB, pgs. 74–75).
Q. What are other benefits of learning and singing Gregorian Chant?
The Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei from the Missa de Angelis are made up of words and melodies that saints, both human and angelic, have sung. Through it, we are brought into communion with the Body of Christ that expands through generations and millennia. Through this connection to the treasury of the church, our liturgy, supported by this congregational singing, fosters a deeper experience of encounter with God for us all.
Q. What is the best way to learn the Missa de Angelis?
Besides the intensive pre-Mass rehearsals you have participated in from the beginning of November through the Christmas Season (concluding on Epiphany of the Lord), the best way to learn the Missa de Angelis is to stay tuned to upcoming workshops focused on the Mass setting and Gregorian Chant, and to visit our music ministry page on our website, which offers access to sheet music and audio links.
Q. Will we always have Pre-Mass rehearsals?
No, we are currently discontinuing pre-Mass rehearsals. Pre-Mass rehearsals may be resumed occasionally, as needed.
Q. Is Nativity moving toward the extraordinary/Tridentine form of the mass?
No, please be assured that Nativity is not moving toward the extraordinary/Tridentine form of the Mass. We will continue to use the Novus Ordo form.
Q. Will we be exclusively singing Missa de Angelis for the foreseeable future?
No, the Missa de Angelis will constitute one of the Mass Settings that Nativity will use at Mass.
Q. Does learning the Missa de Angelis signal that we’ll be using less and less English in our liturgical music?
No, when we use the Missa de Angelis in our liturgy or any other pieces in Latin, we will be sure to maintain the proper balance between English and Latin.
Q. Does the focus on the Missa de Angelis mean that other contemporary Mass Settings and/or hymns are less valid/prayerful?
No, not at all! One of the beautiful aspects of the Catholic tradition is the diversity of cultural and liturgical expressions. Many forms of liturgical music, from Gregorian Chant to Contemporary Praise and Worship, have a part in fostering a deep encounter with God.
Q. How does a hymn in Latin help me to grow closer to God, rather than singing a hymn in English?
Prayer is not lessened by praying in English. Making an effort to learn the proper pronunciation and melody to sing these few Gregorian Chants that the Church still encourages us to sing (please see the translations in the Gloria Music Supplements in the pews) shapes our way of praying and introduces us to the Mystery, even if it’s not immediately appealing to our sensibilities. Liturgy has the dual purpose of expressing our worship of God and also of forming our prayer.
Q. How can I express myself to God if I don’t speak Latin?
It’s not necessary to be fluent in Latin, but only to learn to pronounce the words and learn the melody in the Gloria Music Supplement. Familiarity with the Latin text and melody is the door through which we can foster an encounter with God.
