APPENDIX G

In choosing music for Confirmation, it is important not to dwell exclusively on the theme of the coming of the Spirit. This approach tends to reinforce the “isolation” of this sacrament from the other two sacraments of initiation, Baptism and Eucharist. For this reason, it is important to also include songs that are based on the broader themes of Easter, Baptism, Eucharist, the Holy Trinity and the kingship of Jesus, as well as the themes of commitment, service, discipleship, and mission.

When Confirmation is celebrated on a Sunday of Advent, Lent or Eastertime, the music chosen should also be in harmony with the readings of the day and the spirit of the particular season.

1. Profession of Faith - After the bishop proclaims the faith of the Church (“This is our faith…) and all answer with an “Amen,” it is most appropriate for the assembly to express its faith with a suitable hymn such as The Church's One Foundation, or with a shorter responsorial song such as There is One Lord, or Keep in Mind by Lucien Deiss (People's Mass Book, WLP, or We Celebrate With Joy, JSP) .

1. The Laying on of Hands - During this rite, it is suitable in parishes with large numbers of candidates for a hymn to be sung either by the choir or by the congregation. The choice of the hymn could well reflect the calling down of the Holy Spirit which follows in the Anointing Rite or a prayer that the candidates will be deeply touched by the power of God. Where there are relatively few candidates, silent prayer for the candidates would be appropriate.

1. The Anointing with Chrism - During this time, a suitable song (or songs) may be sung. Depending on local resources and the number to be confirmed, these songs might best be

sung by a choir alone or in the responsorial style (choir or cantor alternating with the congregation).

1. Acclamations (Gospel, Holy, Memorial, and Amen) - It is important that the whole assembly be able to sing these with strength and confidence. This also applies to the Opening Song, the song during or after Communion, and to the various responses. A short period of musical preparation be conducted before Mass, especially if a considerable number of people are unfamiliar with the music to be used for these parts.
2. Responsorial Psalms - The Lectionary suggests six particular psalms as especially appropriate for Confirmation (#765). Of course, other psalms dealing with similar themes may be used.
3. Hymns - At the Lamb's High Feast, The Strife is O'er, Come Holy Ghost, All Creatures of Our God and King, The Church's One Foundation, To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King, Crown Him With Many Crowns, At That First Eucharist, Father We Thank Thee, I Am the Bread of Life, Sing Praise to Our Creator (God Father Praise and Glory,) Come Thou Almighty King, Holy, Holy, Holy.
4. Other songs in the Responsorial Style (Cantor or choir alternation with the congregation) - These can be especially useful for Entrance and Communion processionals, and during the anointing.
   1. There Is One Lord, Keep In Mind, The Spirit of God, Priestly People, Grant To Us, and This is the Day by Lucien Deiss in Biblical Hymns and Psalms, Vols. 1 & 2 (WLP); also found in the People's Mass Book (WLP) and in We Celebrate With Song (JSP).
   2. Mission Hymn: Great Is The Lord by Sr. Suzanne Toolan G-2134 (GIA).
   3. Hail Thee, Festival Day in Worship I1 (GIA).
   4. Various songs from Glory and Praise, Vols. 1 & 2 (NALR); some appropriate examples include All My Days, And the Father Will Dance, Are Not Our Hearts, Be Not Afraid, Blest Be the Lord, Everyone Moved By the Spirit, Glory and Praise To Our God, Jesus Is Life, Take Lord Receive, Lord Send Out Your Spirit, Earthen Vessels, You Are Near, One Bread, One Body, Our Blessing Cup, How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place, I Lift Up My Soul.
5. Other songs recommended in the Glory and Praise Leader's Guide, Vols. 1,2,&3 include: All That We Have, Anthem, Beatitudes, Beginning Today, By Name I Have Called You By the Love, Choose Life, City of God, Come to the Water, Come With Me Into the Fields, Do You Really Love Me?, For You Are My God, Great Things Happen When God Mixes With Us!, He Has Anointed Me, How Beautiful on the Mountains, Hymn of Initiation, I Have Loved You, If God Is For Us, In Him We Live, Journeys Ended, Journeys Begun, Lay Your Hands, Lead Us On, O Lord, Light of the World, Like a Shepherd, Litany, May the Lord Bless You, May We Praise You, Path of Life, Peace Is Flowing Like a River, Peace Prayer, Psalm 133: Oh, How Good, Send Us Your Spirit, Service, Shalom, Song of Baptism, Speak, Lord, Spirit of God, The Spirit Is A-Movin;, We Believe, We Thank You, Father, Yahweh, the Faithful One, You Are My Friends, You Have Been Baptized in Christ, You Have Searched Our Hearts.