Everything we do should flow from the Eucharist. Life Teen is centered around the Eucharist and has built its whole philosophy on the true presence of the body and blood of Christ, truly present in the Eucharist.

This being said, great care should go in to everything we do that deals with this great Sacrament. As we receive the Eucharist it is important that we portray the correct symbolism and meaning. I know we’ve all seen it happen that the priest goes out to the people to distribute communion and the whole music group lines up and waits to receive the precious body and precious blood. Sometimes this takes a little bit of time and so by the time the musicians get back to their instruments, communion has already been taking place for some time. There is a period of silence and although silence is essential to the Liturgy there is a time and place for it.

But what does the GIRM Say? According to the General Instruction of The Roman Missal, (GIRM) this is not the time or place for silence. The priest, of course, is part of the Eucharistic procession at the Liturgy.

The Communion song begins while the priest is receiving communion, immediately after the people say: ‘Lord, I am not worthy…” It is sung by the people and/or the Choir. The singing is continued as long as the Sacrament is being administered. (GIRM #86, 159)

So what should we do? Find the best way to stay faithful to the GIRM that works for your community. One way that works is to have the music group receive and have the pianist or guitarist start the song as soon as the priest receives. The song can start instrumentally until the singers have received or if the lead instrumentalist sings, they can start the song on their own. After the other musicians have received they can join in the song at the next chorus or verse and maybe the person who started the song can then receive. It is a good idea to have the extraordinary minister come to the music group instead of the musicians having to walk to the minister.

However you work it out, make sure it flows smoothly and that there is good communication between the musicians and the extraordinary ministers before the Mass begins. Communion should flow and be a true procession uniting all in the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.