The Catholic Hymn Book

Musicians fulfill an important and necessary function in the sacred liturgy of the Catholic Church. This book contains a list of the best known hymns of the Catholic Church. They are meant to be used throughout the year rather than simply during holidays. The Vatican II Council Fathers stressed "active participation" of all the faithful during mass. What better way to be active in worship than to sing hymns with the choir? Unfortunately, after Vatican II, choirs nearly disappeared from the Catholic liturgy. But this book predates Vatican II, enabling readers to re-discover forgotten hymns that were once an integral part of mass every Sunday. For example, At the Cross Her Station Keeping (Stabat Mater) was once used on the Friday before Palm Sunday and on September 15 for the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. It is rarely used in Catholic Church today, but Stabat Mater Dolorosa is considered one of the greatest Latin hymns of all time. Find this classic, and more besides, here.