Ubi Caritas

"The future of liturgical music," Bob believes, "lies in singing the ritual itself -- not just singing songs at various points in the ritual." In his chant-style Ubi Caritas, many of the sections are "through-sung," enabling the assembly to literally sing the liturgy. The singing in the Gathering Rite, for example, is continuous, including simple chant settings for the Sign of the Cross, the Greeting, the Invitation and the Opening Prayer. Yet all the parts are easy to sing, all within the reach of typical presiders and assemblies.

Bob bases the collection on the memorable melody of the Gregorian"Ubi Caritas" as well as popular hymn tunes and new, original music. Useful throughout the year, it includes five seasonal settings of the Gathering Rite. It has an a cappella chant setting for the new Eucharistic Prayer for Masses for Various Needs and Occasions and a multilingual Prayer of the Faithful.

The collection is scored for presider, assembly, choir, keyboard, guitar, and solo instruments.