A New Song for a New Season: The St. Augustine Hymnal
Starting the First Sunday of Advent, St. Thomas More is officially transitioning to a new permanent, hardbound hymnal: the St. Augustine Hymnal.
As we enter a new liturgical year, this update allows us to grow as a worshipping community while practicing thoughtful financial and environmental stewardship of parish resources.
Why Are We Changing Hymnals?
For many years, our parish used Breaking Bread, a softcover subscription hymnal. While it served us well, the subscription model required us to throw away or recycle hundreds of copies and purchase a brand-new set every single year.
By transitioning to the hardbound St. Augustine Hymnal, we are making a one-time investment in a permanent resource that will stay in our pews for years to come.
Key Benefits for Our Parish
Financial Stewardship: Because the St. Augustine Hymnal contains all three years of Sunday Scripture readings (Years A, B, and C) in a single volume, we eliminate annual re-ordering costs. This simple change will save our parish thousands of dollars over time.
Environmental Responsibility: Discarding hundreds of paper books every December generated significant waste. Moving to a permanent volume allows us to be better caretakers of God’s creation.
Expanded Musical Repertoire: The St. Augustine Hymnal offers a vast, rich selection of traditional hymns, classic sacred music, and contemporary worship songs, giving our music ministry greater depth for every liturgical season.
Sanctuary Reverence: Elegant, durable hardbound books elevate the physical aesthetic of our church and honor the sacredness of our Mass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the new hymnal have all the Sunday Mass readings?
Yes! The hymnal includes the full Order of Mass and complete Sunday Scripture readings for the entire three-year liturgical cycle (Years A, B, and C), as well as major feast days and holy days of obligation.
Will we still know the songs?
Absolutely. You will find almost all of the beloved, familiar hymns our community regularly sings, alongside wonderful new options that our music ministry will introduce over time.
How will we follow along with the music?
Song numbers will continue to be posted on the hymn boards at the front of the church, in the bulletin, and announced before Mass.