Like other liturgical seasons, Lent has its own special rules and practices. But did you know there are certain things that should not be done in Lent? Catholic News highlights four shifts in the liturgical tone of the Lenten season.
1- Instrumental music with no singing
While the playing of instrumental music such as the organ or other musical instruments are allowed during Mass in order to support the singing, it is omitted during Lent. However, there are exceptions. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) states:
313 …the use of musical instruments is allowed only so to support the singing. Nevertheless, Laetare Sunday (the Fourth Sunday to Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts are exceptions to this rule.
2- Singing or saying the Gloria
Just after Sunday Mass begins, it is common to sing or say the Gloria (Glory to God in the highest). However, Barbara Lake, Manager, Liturgical Commission of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain told Catholic News that the Gloria—a celebratory Song of Angels is not sung during Lent except on the Solemnities of St Joseph and the Annunciation. Msgr Michael de Verteuil, the Archdiocese’s Chair of the Liturgical Commission further explained because Lent is a penitential season and the Church is in a “repentant mode”, seeking conversion, it is not a time of rejoicing. Thus, the acclamations of joy (The Alleluia and the Gloria) are “dropped” to be sung with greater joy and enthusiasm at Easter.
The General Instruction states:
3- Singing or saying the Alleluia before the gospel
During most of the year Catholics sing or say the Alleluia before the reading of the gospel. However, this is not permitted in Lent.
The General Instruction states:
4- Flowers on the altar
Though it is common for the altar to be decorated with flowers during most of the year, moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar during Lent.
The General Instruction states: