Praying Twice

Yesterday, we programmed a closing hymn for the Mass of the Epiphany. This is unusual for us: the Mass is supposed to end when the Deacon says, "The Mass is ended!" Since we so seldom get to sing Christmas music, however, we began "The First Noel" as the monks processed from the choir and out of the church. I had written all of the verses in the liturgy handout, though, and to our amazement, while the whole community stood outside waiting to greet those departing, the congregation continued to sing! We joked that a priest would have to go back in and announce that the Mass really was over! What a joy to have the problem of a congregation that sings too much!