Ave Maria
Doctrinal Content To introduce the children to the mystery of the Annunciation when Mary said “yes” to God’s request to be the Mother of Jesus. Origin of Text Sacred Scripture, Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1:28 Offertory antiphon for the 4th Sunday of Advent and the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Origin of Melody Gregorian, Mode VI […]
Ye Sons and Daughters
Doctrinal Content This hymn tells the story of Easter morning, how the women went to the tomb and foundthe angel who told them Christ had Risen. Origin of Text attributed to Jean Tisserand (d. 1497), a Franciscan friartranslated by Rev. E. Caswall “Ye sons and daughters of the Lord”translated by John M. Neale, 1818-1866, “Ye […]
Ubi Caritas
Doctrinal Content To impress upon the young child the love of Christ for us, and remind them we should show this love to our family members, friends, and all those we meet. Origin of Text Offertory for Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper Origin of Melody Ubi caritas, Plainchant, Mode VI Musical Analysis […]
Puer Natus
Doctrinal Content To stir wonder in the child, that a baby boy, born in the tiny village of Bethlehem, near the city of Jerusalem, in the small land of Israel, is also the Son of God. Origin of Text 4th century, anonymousThe following English translation is anonymous – “A boy is born in Bethlehem, Alleluia, […]
All Creatures of Our God and King
Doctrinal Content Arouses the interest of the child in God’s creation – the wonder of the sun and the moon,light and the stars, the wind and all the natural beauty of our created world. Origin of Text Saint Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226, Laudato sia Deo mio Signore,translated by William H. Draper, 1855-1933Alternate texts: “Ye […]
Adoro Te Devote
Doctrinal Content To help prepare the child for reception of the Holy Eucharist in First Holy Communion.Our God, born a baby in Bethlehem, Who died and rose from the dead, loves us so much, Hewants to stay with us in the Holy Eucharist. Origin of Text ascribed to Saint Thomas AquinasTranslation by Gerard Manley […]
O Lord I Am Not Worthy
WATCH: Doctrinal Content To help prepare the child for reception of the Holy Eucharist in First Holy Communion. Scripture: Matthew 8: 8 “The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.” Origin of Text Gospel of Matthew 8:8German 1777 […]
Spiritus Paraclitus
Doctrinal Content To remind the child that after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, He sentthe Holy Spirit to guide and protect us through His Church. Origin of Text Various texts may be used with this same melody: Verbum caro factum est (Christmas), Surrexit Dominus vere (Easter), and Ascendit Deus (Ascension) Christmas […]
Forty Days and Forty Nights
WATCH: Doctrinal Content The text helps the young child remember the forty days and forty nights Christ spent in the desert and the length of time the Church spends in preparation for the great Season of Easter. Origin of Text George Hunt Smyttan (1822-1870) Origin of Melody Hymn Tune: Heinlein by Martin Herbst (1654-1681)The origin […]
The Friendly Beasts
WATCH: Doctrinal Content To remind the children that Christ, our God and King, humbled Himself, became man and was born in a stable amidst the animals. Origin of Text Written for the ancient celebration of the Flight to Egypt English text by Robert Davis 1881-1950 Origin of Melody Orientis Partibus / 13th century hymn by […]
