Singing the Mass, part 3 — Communion Procession

One of the more awkward times to be singing at Mass is in the Communion Procession. One can open the book and begin singing, but when it comes time to join the procession in the aisle, one has to generally put the book away — and (usually) stop singing — because we need both hands to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Ceasing to sing would not seem desirable, however. As we noted in previous posts, by singing we are raising our voices in communion, and that would be an important thing to do as we are processing to receive Holy Communion!
       The answer to that dilemma is relatively easy, but one that the average person in the pews can't do much about. The answer is to use Communion Songs that have an easy-to-sing and easy-to-learn refrain. After hearing the refrain couple times, the assembly can continue singing the refrains, while a cantor or the choir can interject the verses. Music from the Taizé community — such as the song "Eat this Bread" — is good in this regard. Another possibility is for each parish to have a limited repertoire of Communion Songs, so that most parishioners can (over time) learn to sing them from memory.

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*In fact, that is exactly what the Roman Missal has in mind by designating a simple "Communion Antiphon" for Sundays and the major feasts.