Lenten Introits for Choir and Congregation

Use: Lent
Required Resources: SATB choir, congregation
Optional Resources: organ
Language: English

An Entrance Antiphon (Introit) is given in the Sacramentary for every Sunday and feast in the liturgical year. Singing this antiphon, with several psalm verses, is the proper way to open a celebration. All else that we do (e.g. an "Opening Hymn") is done by way of exception.

This edition of Introits, by Washington DC area composer Richard Rice, sets the antiphon and psalm verses for each of the five Sundays of Lent. The one-page SATB antiphon setting can be sung with or without organ; the congregation can easily join on the melody line. Each text is the exact antiphon from the Roman Missal (Sacramentary). The paraphrased psalm verses are also set for SATB, three verses on a single page.

Lenten Introits for Choir and Congregation is a practical way to reintroduce the venerable practice of singing the proper antiphon/psalm to open the Liturgy. Mr. Rice's tuneful music gives us a wonderful way to present these ancient texts so closely associated with Lent.