This is one of the ACBC’s “exemplars” for contemporary music. It is by Matt Maher and Matt Redman and is a song about communion. The text is here.
This is what they say about the song:
Title: Remembrance
Composer: Matt Maher
Publisher: OCP (Digital Download)
Resource: Spirit & Song
Approval of Bishop’s Conference: USCCB
Liturgical Assessment: Liturgical Season/Day/Moment, Theologically Sound Text
• General usage for Communion, as clearly references that liturgical action.
• Corporate address to God through the majority of the text.
• Clear call to the sacrament of the Eucharist as a source of God’s mercy and grace.
Musical Assessment: Key, Range, Melody, Rhythm, Instrumentation, Form
• Eb Major
• Range of Bb-Eb for the assembly.
• Range extremes (bridge section) can be sung down the octave if necessary.
• A memorable, singable melody with a predictable rhythm in 4/4.
• Flexible arrangement: keyboard, guitar, optional SAB choir, C instruments, Bb
instruments, Eb instruments.
• Simple Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Coda form.
Pastoral Assessment: Community Participation, Broad Appeal, Available
• Able to be played and sung by diverse and intergenerational groups of people.
• Appeal and usage possible across liturgical and non-liturgical prayer formats Suited to corporate singing rather than by a soloist.
• Readily available for purchase by digital download or in hard copy.
• Covered by One License for copyright compliance.
I worry this is a song about Eucharist than for Eucharist. It is only singable if, like Matt Maher, you ignore all the stuttering sixteenth notes in the sheet music. The bridge cannot just be taken down the octave because the second bar would go down to a low G and there would little differentiation from the verses and refrain, leading to monotony. It is best as a solo vehicle or at least needing a cantor for the bridge. It starts out as an individual prayer before becoming corporate, “my God would welcome me” probably because “us” wouldn’t sing as well there.
I’m happy with “for any to receive” and “all are welcome in this place”, but then I’m one of those progressive Catholics. You have to feel sorry for Marty Haugen copping criticism for his song “All Are Welcome” if this text is OK.
This, then is a slow burn P&W style song that builds nicely into a somewhat repetitious bridge but not one that encourages participation particularly, and is more about Eucharist than for Eucharist. It is not the greatest exemplar for a contemporary liturgical song.
I made a backing anyway and it’s fine as a song and the sheet music is available at OCP. I disagree with the analysis from the ACBC on several points. I might have to check the rest of their analyses since this one is dodgy.