Mass Settings
Mass Settings
SMM Sacred Music
SMM Sacred Music
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2025 is going to an exciting year of Mass settings here at SMM! Throughout this year our Sacred Music choirs will be introducing new Mass settings into our Sunday worship, as well as re-introducing some older familiar ones. Check this page often to see what's on the horizon!
For Lent and Holy Week this year, we'll be resurrecting the beautiful Kyrie XI (Missa Orbis Factor) from the Kyriale (a collection of ancient and medieval Gregorian chants). Many of you will already be familiar with this traditional setting. If you want to brush up on the melody, see the video below!
Kyrie Orbis Factor - Lent and Holy Week 2025
Kyrie Orbis Factor - Lent and Holy Week 2025
What are Mass Settings?
What are Mass Settings?
The term "Mass setting" refers to the music or melodies used to sing the Mass Ordinary, which are certain sung prayers that we sing at just about every Sunday Mass. This usually includes the following:
Gloria (Glory to God)
Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy)
Santus (Holy, Holy, Holy)
Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
When we sing a new "Mass setting", we're still praying the same words, but singing them to a different tune. Changing Mass settings seasonally can help us to better understand and reflect on the character and meaning of each liturgical season.
-Robert Martinez
Director of Sacred Music
Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
Gilbert, Arizona
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