readers and singing

unplainjane

my FI is catholic and i am not so we're having a ceremony without full mass. we'll be meeting with our priest to work out details soon but wondered how many readers do we need? is one enough?

as well do we need to have singing during the ceremony. i only ask because his family is very small and my family is big so there won't be too many people singing. over an organ i don't think anyone would hear any singing. can the singing parts merely be read by a reader or do we hire a cantor?

agapecarrie

If you have music, the psalm and gospel acclamation should be sung, at a minimum. This is officially the rubric of the church, however, some will allow you to have the psalm read. A cantor can sing with a microphone over an organ, its done all the time.

You may have the same person do multiple readings.

First reading
Psalm (can be sung by cantor or possibly read)
2nd reading
Gospel (read by priest or deacom)
Prayers of the faithful (intercessions)

mica178

The musician can play the piano rather than the organ to avoid overpowering the voices.  You can print the verses and music to the psalm and alleluiah so that your family can sing too.

wifeandmommy0609

Our organist ( recommended by our deacon) also sings so we are using him to play and sing.

clearheavens

I've been to many Masses (especially daily) where the music isn't sung.  I think you'd really prefer it sung, it's so much more beautiful and adds to the holiness of the Liturgy.

I also wouldn't be concerned whether the congregation will sing along.  They can listen.  The only parts that I would include in your program to give a better chance of singing along would be the responsorial psalm and possibly the Gospel acclamation, as agapecarrie mentioned.