The Living Church Acclaims (TLCA) - Refrains/OneLicense links

TLCA NAVIGATION
1. Overview
2. TLCA Online  |  2023  |  2024  |  (includes all recordings and scores)
3. Refrains/OneLicense links
4. Purchasing Options (accompaniment editions)


Reporting and Refrains for bulletins, programs, and projecting are available through OneLicense with the links below.

Here's a simple copyright line that can be placed under the music:
Music © Scot Crandal. Published by Zeal Music Publishing. Text © ICEL. Reprinted under One License #: [insert your church's #]

OneLicense IDs (SKU Numbers) are linked below. Clicking on them will take you to the corresponding individual entries at the OneLicense website for easy usage reporting and downloading melody-only refrains for the congregation. (Click here to see all of TLCA at OneLicense.) Keyboard and Guitar accompaniments are available here. Thank you for using The Living Church Acclaims!

TLCA 2024 Links (scroll down for TLCA 2023 links)

 

 

TLCA 2024

 

Date Liturgy Psalm
OneLicense ID
Gospel Acc
OneLicense ID
Dec 3, 2023 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Psalm 80
Lord, make us turn to you
tlca0001 tlca04
Dec 8, 2023 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Psalm 98
Sing to the Lord a new song
tlca0003 tlca05

Dec 10, 2023

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Psalm 85
Lord, let us see your kindness

tlca0062

tlca07

Dec 12, 2023

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Judith 13
You are the highest honor of our race

tlca0004

tlca04

Dec 17, 2023

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Luke 1
My soul rejoices

tlca0005

tlca07

Dec 24, 2023 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Psalm 89
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
tlca0007 tlca05
Dec 24, 2023

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): At the Vigil Mass
Psalm 89
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord

tlca0007 tlca07
Dec 25, 2023 THE NATVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): At the Mass During the Night
Psalm 96
Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord
tlca0008 tlca07
Dec 25, 2023 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): At the Mass at Dawn
Psalm 97
A light will shine on us this day
tlca0009 tlca07
Dec 25, 2023 THE NATVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): At the Mass During the Day
Psalm 98
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God
tlca0010 tlca06

Dec 31, 2023

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
Psalm 105
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever

tlca0011

tlca07

2024
Jan 1, 2024 SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD
Psalm 67
May God bless us in his mercy
tlca0012 tlca07
Jan 7, 2024

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Psalm 72
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you

tlca0013 tlca07
Jan 14, 2024 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 40
Here am I, Lord
tlca0015 tlca06
Jan 21, 2024 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 25
Teach me your ways, O Lord
tlca0016 tlca07
Jan 28, 2024 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 95
If today you hear his voice
tlca0020 tlca06
Feb 5, 2024 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 147
Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted
tlca0017 tlca05
Feb 11, 2024 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 32
I turn to you, Lord
tlca0018 tlca05
Feb 14, 2024 ASH WEDNESDAY
Psalm 51
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned
tlca0019 tlca09
Feb 18, 2024 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 25
Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth
tlca0021 tlca09
Feb 25, 2024 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 116
I will walk before the Lord
tlca0022 tlca09
Mar 3, 2024 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 19
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life
tlca0038 tlca09
 

RCIA OPTION: THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 95
If today you hear his voice

tlca0020

tlca09

Mar 10, 2024 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 137
Let my tongue be silenced
tlca0025 tlca09
 

RCIA OPTION: FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd

tlca0026

tlca09

Mar 17, 2024 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 51
Create a clean heart in me, O God
tlca0040 tlca09
 

RCIA OPTION: FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 130
With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption

tlca0097

tlca09

Mar 24, 2024 PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
Psalm 22
My God, why have you abandoned me
tlca0029 tlca09
Mar 28, 2024 THURSDAY OF THE LORD'S SUPPER (Holy Thursday)
Psalm 116
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ
tlca0030 tlca09
Mar 29, 2024 FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (Good Friday)
Psalm 31
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit
tlca0098 tlca09
Mar 30, 2024 THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT    
  following the first reading
Psalm 104
Lord, send out your Spirit
tlca0032  
  or: Psalm 33
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord
tlca0033  
  following the second reading
Psalm 16
You are my inheritance, O Lord
tlca0034  
  following the third reading
Exodus 15
Let us sing to the Lord
tlca0035  
  following the fourth reading
Psalm 30
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me
tlca0036  
  following the fifth reading
Isaiah 12
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation
tlca0037  
  following the sixth reading
Psalm 19
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life
tlca0038  
  following the seventh reading
Option A, when baptism is celebrated
Psalm 42
Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God
tlca0039  
  Option B, when baptism is not celebrated
Isaiah 12
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation
tlca0037  
  Option C, when baptism is not celebrated
Psalm 51
Create a clean heart in me, O God
tlca0040  
  following the Epistle
Psalm 118
Alleluia
tlca0041  
Mar 31, 2024 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD: At the Mass During the Day
Psalm 118
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad
tlca0042 tlca08
Apr 7, 2024 SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (Sunday of Divine Mercy)
Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good
tlca0043 tlca06
Apr 14, 2024 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 4
Lord, let your face shine on us.
tlca0044 tlca08
Apr 21, 2024 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 118
The stone rejected by the builders
tlca0045 tlca07
Apr 28, 2024 FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 22
I will praise you, Lord
tlca0036 tlca08
May 5, 2024 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 98
The Lord has revealed to the nations
tlca0047 tlca08
May 9 or 12, 2024 THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
Psalm 47
God mounts his thrown to shouts of joy
tlca0048 tlca06
May 12, 2024 SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 103
The Lord has set his throne in heaven
tlca0049 tlca07
May 18, 2024 PENTECOST SUNDAY: At the Vigil Mass (Extended Form)    
  Psalm 33
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own
tlca0050  
  Daniel 3
Glory and praise for ever
tlca0051  
  Psalm 19
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life
tlca0038  
  Psalm 107
Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting
tlca0053  
  Psalm 104
Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth
tlca0032  
  Gospel Acclamation   tlca06
May 19, 2024 PENTECOST SUNDAY: At the Mass During the Day
Psalm 104
Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth
tlca0032 tlca06
May 26, 2024 THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
Psalm 33
Blessed the people
tlca0050 tlca06
Jun 2, 2024 THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (Corpus Christi)
Psalm 116
I will take the cup of salvation 
tlca0057 tlca07
Jun 9, 2024 10th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 130
With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption
tlca0097 tlca07

Jun 16, 2024

11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 92
Lord, it is good to give thanks to  you

tlca0058

tlca06

Jun 23, 2024 12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 107
Give thanks to the Lord
tlca0053 tlca05
Jun 30, 2024 13th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 30
I will praise you, Lord
tlca0036 tlca06
Jul 7, 2024 14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 123
Our eyes are fixed on the Lord
tlca0061 tlca07
Jul 14, 2024 15th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 85
Lord, let us see  your kindness
tlca0062 tlca06
Jul 21, 2024 16th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd
tlca0026 tlca07
Jul 28, 2024 17th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 145
The hand of the Lord feeds us
tlca0064 tlca04

Aug 4, 2024

18th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 78
The Lord gave them bread

tlca0065

tlca05

Aug 11, 2024

19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 34
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord

tlca0066

tlca07

Aug 14, 2024 ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
At the Vigil Mass
Psalm 132
Lord, go up to the place of your rest
tlca0067 tlca07
Aug 15, 2024 ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
At the Mass During the Day
Psalm 45
The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold
tlca0068 tlca04
Aug 18, 2024 20th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 34
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord
tlca0066 tlca05
Aug 25, 2024 21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 34
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord
tlca0066 tlca06
Sep 1, 2024 22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 15
The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord
tlca0070 tlca06
Sep 8, 2024 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 146
Praise the Lord, my soul!
tlca0071 tlca05
Sep 15, 2024 24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 116
I will walk before the Lord
tlca0022 tlca04
Sep 22, 2024 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 54
The Lord upholds my life
tlca0073 tlca07
Sep 29, 2024 26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 19
The precepts of the Lord
tlca0074 tlca07
Oct 6, 2024 27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 128
May the Lord bless us
tlca0075 tlca05
Oct 13, 2024 28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 90
Fill us with your love, O Lord
tlca0076 tlca07
Oct 20, 2024 29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 33
Lord, let your mercy be on us
tlca0077 tlca07
Oct 27, 2024 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 126
The Lord has done great things for us
tlca0078 tlca06
Nov 1, 2024 ALL SAINTS
Psalm 24
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face
tlca0080 tlca05
Nov 3, 2024 31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 18
I love you, Lord, my strength
tlca0079 tlca07
Nov 10, 2024 32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 146
Praise the Lord, my soul!
tlca0071 tlca07
Nov 17, 2024 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 16
You are my inheritance, O Lord
tlca0034 tlca05

Nov 24, 2024

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
Psalm 93
The Lord is king

tlca0082

tlca06

Nov 28, 2024 THANKSGIVING DAY
Psalm 113
Blessed be the name of the Lord, for ever
tlca0083 tlca04
 

TLCA 2023

 

Date Liturgy Psalm
OneLicense ID
Gospel Acc
OneLicense ID
Nov 27
(2022)
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Psalm 122
Let us go rejoicing
tlca0120 tlca04
Dec 4 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Psalm 72
Justice shall flourish in his time
tlca0122 tlca07
Dec 8 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Psalm 98
Sing to the Lord a new song
tlca0003 tlca05
Dec 11

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Psalm 146
Lord, come and save us

tlca0121

tlca07

Dec 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Judith 13
You are the highest honor of our race
tlca0004 tlca04
Dec 18 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Psalm 24
Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory
tlca0123 tlca07
Dec 24

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): At the Vigil Mass
Psalm 89
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord

tlca0007 tlca07
Dec 25 THE NATVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): At the Mass During the Night
Psalm 96
Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord
tlca0008 tlca07
Dec 25 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): At the Mass at Dawn
Psalm 97
A light will shine on us this day
tlca0009 tlca07
Dec 25 THE NATVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): At the Mass During the Day
Psalm 98
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God
tlca0010 tlca06
2023
Jan 1 SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD
Psalm 67
May God bless us in his mercy
tlca0012 tlca07
Jan 8

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Psalm 72
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you

tlca0013 tlca07
Jan 15 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 40
Here am I, Lord
tlca0015 tlca07
Jan 22 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light
tlca0096 tlca05
Jan 29 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 146
Blessed are the poor in spirit
tlca0124 tlca05
Feb 5 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 112
The just man is a light in darkness
tlca0125 tlca07
Feb 12 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 119
Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord
tlca0128 tlca04
Feb  19 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 103
The Lord is Kind and Merciful
tlca0094 tlca05
Feb 22 ASH WEDNESDAY
Psalm 51
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned
tlca0019 tlca09
Feb 26 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 51
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned
tlca0019 tlca09
Mar 5 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 33
Lord, let your mercy be on us
tlca0077 tlca09
Mar 12 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 95
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts
tlca0020 tlca09
Mar 19 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd
tlca0026 tlca09
Mar 26 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Psalm 130
With the Lord there is mercy
tlca0097 tlca09
Apr 2 PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
Psalm 22
My God, why have you abandoned me
tlca0029 tlca09
Apr 6 THURSDAY OF THE LORD'S SUPPER (Holy Thursday)
Psalm 116
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ
tlca0030 tlca09
Apr 7 FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (Good Friday)
Psalm 31
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit
tlca0098 tlca09
Apr 8 THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT    
  following the first reading
Psalm 104
Lord, send out your Spirit
tlca0032  
  or: Psalm 33
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord
tlca0033  
  following the second reading
Psalm 16
You are my inheritance, O Lord
tlca0034  
  following the third reading
Exodus 15
Let us sing to the Lord
tlca0035  
  following the fourth reading
Psalm 30
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me
tlca0036  
  following the fifth reading
Isaiah 12
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation
tlca0037  
  following the sixth reading
Psalm 19
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life
tlca0038  
  following the seventh reading
Option A, when baptism is celebrated
Psalm 42
Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God
tlca0039  
  Option B, when baptism is not celebrated
Isaiah 12
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation
tlca0037  
  Option C, when baptism is not celebrated
Psalm 51
Create a clean heart in me, O God
tlca0040  
  following the Epistle
Psalm 118
Alleluia
tlca0041  
Apr 9 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD: At the Mass During the Day
Psalm 118
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad
tlca0042 tlca08
Apr 16 SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (Sunday of Divine Mercy)
Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good
tlca0043 tlca06
Apr 23 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 16
Lord, you will show us the path of life
tlca0130 tlca08
Apr 30 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd
tlca0026 tlca07
May 7 FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 33
Lord, let your mercy be on us
tlca0077 tlca08
May 14 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 66
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy
tlca0105 tlca08
May 18 or 21 THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
Psalm 47
God mounts his thrown to shouts of joy
tlca0048 tlca06
May 21 SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 27
I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living
tlca0131 tlca07
May 27 PENTECOST SUNDAY: At the Vigil Mass (Extended Form)    
  Psalm 33
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own
tlca0050  
  Daniel 3
Glory and praise for ever
tlca0051  
  Psalm 19
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life
tlca0038  
  Psalm 107
Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting
tlca0053  
  Psalm 104
Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth
tlca0032  
  Gospel Acclamation   tlca06
May 28 PENTECOST SUNDAY: At the Mass During the Day
Psalm 104
Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth
tlca0032 tlca06
Jun 4 THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
Daniel 3
Glory and praise for ever!
tlca0051 tlca06
Jun 11 THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (Corpus Christi)
Psalm 147
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem
tlca0129 tlca07
Jun 18 11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 100
We are his people, the sheep of his flock
tlca0099 tlca07
Jun 25 12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 69
Lord, in your great love, answer me
tlca0132 tlca07
Jul 2 13th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 89
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
tlca0007 tlca07
Jul 9 14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 145
I will praise your name for ever
tlca0100 tlca04
Jul 16 15th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 65
The seed that falls on good ground
tlca0133 tlca06
Jul 23 16th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 86
Lord, you are good and forgiving
  tlca04
Jul 30 17th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 119
Lord, I love your commands
  tlca04
Aug 6 THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth
tlca0102 tlca06
Aug 13

19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 85
Lord, let us see your kindness

tlca0062 tlca06
Aug 14 ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
At the Vigil Mass
Psalm 132
Lord, go up to the place of your rest
tlca0067 tlca07
Aug 15 ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
At the Mass During the Day
Psalm 45
The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold
tlca0068 tlca04
Aug 20 20th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 67
O God, let all the nations praise you!
tlca0101 tlca05
Aug 27 21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 138
Lord, your love is eternal
  tlca06
Sep 3 22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 63
My soul is thirsting for you, O lord my God
  tlca06
Sep 10 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 95
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts
tlca0020 tlca07
Sep 17 24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 103
The Lord is kind and merciful
  tlca04
Sep 24 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 145
The Lord is near to all who call upon him
  tlca06
Oct 1 26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 25
Remember your mercies, O Lord
  tlca07
Oct 8 27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 80
The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel
  tlca07
Oct 15 28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 23
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life
  tlca06
Oct 22 29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 96
Give the Lord glory and honor
  tlca05
Oct 29 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 18
I love you, Lord, my strength
tlca0079 tlca07
Nov 1 ALL SAINTS
Psalm 24
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face
tlca0080 tlca05
Nov 5 31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 131
In you, Lord, I have found my peace
tlca0139 tlca05
Nov 12 32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 63
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God
  tlca07
Nov 19 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalm 128
Blessed are those who fear the Lord
  tlca06
Nov 23 THANKSGIVING DAY
Psalm 113
Blessed be the name of the Lord, for ever
tlca0083 tlca04
Nov 26 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd
tlca0026 tlca06
 
 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for using The Living Church Acclaims

Some History

The Psalms have always been an important part of Catholic liturgy. The Liturgy of the Hours is centered on chanting or recitation of the Psalms, using fixed melodic formulas known as psalm tones. Early Catholics employed the Psalms widely in their individual prayers also; however, as knowledge of Latin (the language of the Roman Rite) became uncommon, this practice ceased among the unlearned. However, until the end of the Middle Ages, it was not unknown for the laity to join in the singing of the Little Office of Our Lady, which was a shortened version of the Liturgy of the Hours providing a fixed daily cycle of twenty-five psalms to be recited, and nine other psalms divided across Matins. 

The work of Bishop Richard Challoner in providing devotional materials in English meant that many of the psalms were familiar to English-speaking Catholics from the eighteenth century onwards. Challoner translated the entirety of the Lady Office into English, as well as Sunday Vespers and daily Compline. He also provided other individual Psalms such as 129/130 for prayer in his devotional books. Challoner is also noted for revising the Douay-Rheims Bible, and the translations he used in his devotional books are taken from this work. 

Until the Second Vatican Council the Psalms were either recited on a one-week or, less commonly (as in the case of Ambrosian rite), two-week cycle. Different one-week schemata were employed: most secular clergy followed the Roman distribution, while Monastic Houses almost universally followed that of St Benedict, with only a few congregations (such as the Benedictines of St Maur) following individualistic arrangements. The Breviaryintroduced in 1974 distributed the psalms over a four-week cycle. Monastic usage varies widely. Some use the four-week cycle of the secular clergy, many retain a one-week cycle, either following St Benedict's scheme or another of their own devising, while others opt for some other arrangement. 

Official approval was also given to other arrangements (see "Short" Breviaries in the 20th and early 21st century America for an in-progress study) by which the complete Psalter is recited in a one-week or two-week cycle. These arrangements are used principally by Catholic contemplative religious orders, such as that of the Trappists (see for example the Divine Office schedule at New Melleray Abbey). 

The General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours, 122 sanctions three modes of singing/recitation for the Psalms: 

  • directly (all sing or recite the entire psalm); 
  • antiphonally (two choirs or sections of the congregation sing or recite alternate verses or strophes); and 
  • responsorially (the cantor or choir sings or recites the verses while the congregation sings or recites a given response after each verse). 

Of these three the antiphonal mode is the most widely followed. 

Over the centuries, the use of complete Psalms in the liturgy declined. After the Second Vatican Council (which also permitted the use of vernacular languages in the liturgy), longer psalm texts were reintroduced into the Mass, during the readings. The revision of the Roman Missal after the Second Vatican Council reintroduced the singing or recitation of a more substantial section of a Psalm, in some cases an entire Psalm, after the first Reading from Scripture. This Psalm, called the Responsorial Psalm, is usually sung or recited responsorially, although the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 61 permits direct recitation.

Feedback