Q: What are your thoughts on whether music ought to be playing while the bishop is confirming? Typically, with the sacraments the words that go with the actions are said without hymns being sung. I suppose the Communion hymn during the procession and reception of Holy Communion could be pointed to as an exception. However, at the Easter Vigil when catechumens are brought into full communion and are then baptized and confirmed, it seems that it is done without music playing. Most of the parishes where I visit have the choir singing throughout the time that I am confirming. Just wondering if the Church has a preference on that.
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A: The Order of Confirmation covers the Anointing with Chrism in nos. 26-29. The dialogue is scripted at 27, and 28 gives some practical instructions.
Here’s 29: “During the anointing a suitable chant may be sung. After the anointing the Bishop washes his hands.”
It does not recommend what chant would be suitable—often there’s a recommended antiphon, but this doesn’t have one.
A chant “may” be sung—so it’s not required. But it is permitted.