In today’s episode, we turn our attention to the Responsorial Psalm—one of the most familiar, beautiful moments in the celebration of Mass. What is the purpose of the Responsorial Psalm within the Liturgy of the Word? And how does it invite the assembly into prayer through Scripture and music?
We are honored to welcome Fr. Michael Joncas to guide this conversation. Known for his deep insight into liturgy and sacred music, Fr. Joncas helps us explore the theological, spiritual, and pastoral significance of the psalm, and why the Church continues to call us not only to hear the Word, but to sing it back in faith.
Whether you are a cantor, music director, clergy member, or simply someone who prays with the liturgy each week, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for the Responsorial Psalm as Scripture in song and prayer for the gathered Church.
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Bio: Fr. Michael Joncas
Ordained in 1980 as a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN, Fr. (Jan) Michael Joncas served from 1980 to 1984 as associate pastor with Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Maplewood, Minnesota. Following that assignment, he was campus minister and education director for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota from 1984 to 1987. Next, from 1987 to 1991, he was focused on graduate study in Rome where he earned a doctorate in liturgical studies from the Pontificio Istituto Liturgico of the Ateneo S. Anselmo in Rome. From 1991 to 1993, he was a parochial administrator at St. Cecilia's Parish in St. Paul, Minnesota. From 1991 he has taught in graduate programs in theology at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN; St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN; the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN; and the Angelicum University, Rome, Italy, among other institutions.
Michael has published six books: The Catechism of the Catholic Church on Liturgy and Sacraments; Preaching the Rites of Christian Initiation; From Sacred Song to Ritual Music; Within Our Hearts Be Born. The Michael Joncas Hymnary: Advent and Christmas, We Contemplate the Mystery: The Michael Joncas Hymnary: Lent and Triduum, On Eagle’s Wings: A Journey through Illness toward Healing, and collaborated with Michael Driscoll on The Order of Mass: A Roman Missal Study Edition and Workbook. Over 250 of his articles have appeared in publications such as Worship, Pastoral Music and Ecclesia Orans. He also has composed more than 300 pieces and recorded more than 20 collections of liturgical music. He has recently retired as a faculty member in the Theology and Catholic Studies departments and as Artist in Residence and Research Fellow in Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota.
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