How Can the Faithful Participate in the Sung Mass?

Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction on Sacred Music and the Sacred Liturgy according to the Spirit of the Encyclicals of Pius XII Musicae Sacrae Disciplina and Mediator Dei, September 1958, no. 25.

Answer:

No. 25: The Participation of the Faithful Can Be Achieved in Three Degrees

1. First Degree

The first degree is achieved when all the faithful sing the liturgical responses: Amen; And with your spirit (Et cum spiritu tuo); Glory to you, O Lord (Gloria tibi, Domine); We lift them up to the Lord (Habemus ad Dominum); It is right and just (Dignum et justum est); But deliver us from evil (Sed libera nos a malo); Thanks be to God (Deo gratias).

2. Second Degree

The second degree is achieved when all the faithful also sing the parts of the Ordinary of the Mass, namely: Kyrie, eleison; Gloria in excelsis Deo; Credo; Sanctus–Benedictus; Agnus Dei.

3. Third Degree

Finally, the third degree is achieved when all those present are so well trained in Gregorian chant that they are able to sing also the parts of the Proper.

No. 26

High esteem should also be given to the Sung Mass, which—even in the absence of sacred ministers and the full splendor of the ceremonies—is nevertheless enhanced by the beauty of chant and sacred music. It is desirable that on Sundays and feast days, the parish or principal Mass be sung. What has been said in the previous paragraph concerning the participation of the faithful at Solemn Mass applies equally and fully to the Sung Mass.