‘Hallelujah Mass’ will be said in Immaculate Conception Church in Vancouver
The B.C. Catholic
Immaculate Conception Parish in Vancouver is going to celebrate Pentecost with a “Hallelujah Mass” May 15.
“The term ‘Hallelujah Mass’ refers to Mass celebrated with music from the African-American tradition,” said Tim Mah, the music ministry coordinator at Immaculate Conception. “The music is lively, it’s got rhythm and soul, and the words are easy to follow.”
“We turn to different traditions of worship music to enrich the Liturgy and lift the Word, from Renaissance to Taiz‚ to ‘old standards’ to African singing,” he said.
The African-American style of worship encourages the congregation to sing along, creating a stronger community of the faithful. “The Hallelujah music tradition gives everyone the chance to learn a hymn and to sing it without having to stare at a hymnal or songbook,” Mah said.
“We’re inviting worshippers to lift their voices along with their spirit in celebration of Pentecost.”
Mah noted despite the nature of the music, the Mass is still the Mass. Those invited are encouraged to “delight in singing and clapping to the ‘Gospel sound’ in praise of Our Lord, (but) our aim is to engage worshippers in the Liturgy, not provide a performance.”
“We are the little choir with mighty hearts,” said Mah. The choir has eight singers. “Worshippers with a wide range of singing or musical abilities can take part.”
There will be a singing rehearsal at 10 a.m., in the parish centre. The Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m., and a light reception will follow. More information is available from Mah at singoutloud@shaw.ca.
