Mass music customized for Marriage Conference

Faith reflected in song

“Since the [Anchored in Hope Marriage] Conference addressed the work of lifelong, married partnership, I focused on hymns reflecting the human lifespan of love and our journey to eternity,” said Jake Ineck, who led the liturgical music group for the marriage conference. Spencer Cuppage, AJ Zoppi and Olivia Kido joined him as a quartet, offering sung and chanted hymns.

Spencer Cuppage and Jake Ineck (ICR photo)

Knowing that every hymn has a purpose, Ineck looked beyond songs traditionally used for wedding Masses to select hymns reflecting the lifelong aspect of marriage.

“Many hours were spent on the planning side of it,” he told the ICR, as he considered music best suited to the varied demographics of the attendees as well as selections that “dignify the Mass worthy of the glory of God.”

For example, Ineck explained, “the Offertory hymn, ‘A Gift of Love,’ is a profound reflection of God’s love for us, and our response to love God and others. Originally written in Vietnamese by Father Oanh Sông Lam, the verse ‘As the sea of life pounds with waves and storms, you will hold and lift me high from every harm,” was a

fitting verse relating back to the Gospel reading.

The “Salve Regina” chant closed out Communion as is customary for a Saturday Mass and Ineck chose a setting he particularly enjoys.

He noted that it features a three-part homophonic choral setting, that has the “same text sung together with different harmony parts at the same time.” This structure can be found in contemporary music but has its beginnings in Medieval times and provides participants with an old-made-new experience.

His favorite experience of this particular song plays out in the living of his own family life:

“Personally, I love getting to sing it with my daughters, who are themselves musically talented. Being able to sing with them in harmony during our car-ride prayers is one of my greatest blessings.”