In England and Wales the Feast of Christ the King is also marked as National Youth Sunday. This can be a great opportunity to really invest time and effort in encouraging the involvement of young people in the liturgy for the day – particularly through the music.
Here are a few suggestions…
Responsorial Psalm Setting
One of the often neglected areas of the Liturgy of the word is the Responsorial Psalm. Here’s a simple setting for the psalm of Year C written in joyful “reggae” style which really captures the spirit of the psalm of the day.
“I rejoiced when I heard them say, “Let us go to God’s house”.
Click here to download PDF melody line and chords.
Prayer of the Faithful – Sung Response
There are some suggested Intercessions on the Bishops’ conference website at www.catholic-ew.org.uk.
One of the most effective ways to lift the Prayer of the Faithful, so that they aren’t a rushed wall of words, is with a sung response like Lord, May Your Kingdom Come. This call and response setting from the Rejoice n Sing Digital Songbook was written specifically for the Feast of Christ the King.
Cantor: To Christ the King we pray
ALL: LORD, MAY YOUR KINGDOM COME
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
Henry Francis Lyte’s popular hymn text is perfect for the Feast of Christ the King. The traditional tune is beautiful and would be great as an Opening Hymn or at the Preparation of the Gifts. Alternatively, Graham Kendrick’s recent adaption, penned with Martin Smith and recorded on Graham’s album Worship Duets could serve well as a Post-Communion Thanksgiving song, perhaps.
As an option for a rousing Final Song, there’s always our own classic re-working, He is Lord – with the catchy, gospel-style refrain that congregations can pick up really quickly. (Also from the Rejoice n Sing Digital Songbook)
You Alone by Mike Stanley
This beautiful song, from Mike’s album Dewfall, is a song of thanksgiving which also proclaims Jesus as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords“. The text could almost be imagined as the words of the repent thief, who in these Year C readings looks to Christ on the cross and asks ” Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom“. The music is available in the Dewfall Resource Book.
Have you got any other suggestions? Please leave a comment below and share your own music and liturgy ideas for National Youth Sunday and the Feast of Christ the King.
It’s the Traditional Latin Mass that’s currently attracting many young people.
Indeed. And that’s wonderful. Fortunately, it’s not a competition – it’s a gift that we have such beauty and diversity within our Liturgical tradtion
Of course different liturgical forms would not ever be seen to be in competition. I was merely suggesting that parishes might like to consider making provision for young people to have the opportunity to attend Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form.