The Propers of the Mass are the liturgical texts (usually sung) that vary from day to day according to the church calendar, depending on what is being celebrated at Mass. At Annunciation, we have begun singing the Introit, the Offertory, and Communion antiphon chants as often as possible.

Recordings of the Propers

To listen to recordings of the Propers, before a weekend Mass, is easy (and can help you more fully experience the Mass). Just follow these 2 steps below.

Step 1: Use this website to find the upcoming liturgical celebration for Sunday, (e.g. August 3 is the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time).

Step 2: Visit this website of recordings of the Propers. In that list, locate the recordings for the liturgical celebration you found in Step 1.

Why sing the Propers?

• The Propers have been an indispensable element of Mass, from the first centuries of Christianity onwards. The Church has always taught that they should be the first musical option for Mass.
• The very first document out of Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963), says: “The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art.” How great is this message! The Propers, core to the Church’s tradition, are a wonderful way to celebrate our church’s vast tradition of sacred music.
• Vatican II called for the use of more Scripture at Mass and for chant to have “pride of place” at Mass: all of which is found in the Propers! Lots of Scripture, beautiful Psalms and poetry, and sublime chant.