The
Sing to the Lord document says the following about the communion rite:
#190. “There are several options for the Communion Rite: song or chant, including the proper Antiphon from the Gradual Romanum,a seasonal Antiphon from the Gradual Simplex, an Antiphon and psalm from a collection approved for liturgical use, or another appropriate liturgical song.” #191. “In selecting a Communion song suitable for the Eucharistic banquet in which God’s blessings are bestowed so abundantly, one should look for texts that have themes of joy, wonder,unity, gratitude, and praise. Following ancient Roman liturgical tradition, the Communion song might reflect themes of the Gospel reading of the day. It is also appropriate to select a Communion processional song that reflects the liturgical action, i.e. , eating and drinking the Body and Blood of Christ.” From the General Instruction (GIRM), found in the Roman Missal or online, the following is important to remember:
GIRM: No. 86. “
While the priest is receiving the Sacrament, the Communion chant is begun. Its purpose is to express the communicants’ union in spirit by means of the unity of their voices, to show joy of heart, and to highlight more clearly the “communitarian” nature of the procession to receive Communion. The singing is continued for as long as the Sacrament is being administered to the faithful. If , however, there is to be a hymn after Communion, the Communion chant should be ended in a timely manner. Care should be taken that singers, too, can receive Communion with ease.”
No. 87. “In the dioceses of the United States….. there are four options for the Communion chant (song): (1) the Antiphon from the Roman Missal or the Psalm from the Roman Gradual, as set to music there or in another musical setting; (2) the seasonal Antiphon and Psalm of the Simple Gradual; (3) a song from another collection of psalms and Antiphons, approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the diocesan bishop, including psalms arranged in responsorial or metrical forms; (4) a suitable liturgical song chosen in accordance with no. 86 (GIRM). At the Cathedral, we will announce the hymn before singing so that these important prayers are on the lips of the people. The music will be mostly simple tunes or refrains that can be easily sung without the use of hymnal.