Our music leader, Donna Foster, who plays the electric piano, plays meditational music 5-10 minutes before the service actually begins. Father Michael W. DeForge , the Director of The Catholic Center, starts the service by greeting everyone and explaining the format for those who are attending for the first time. There are a few opening songs, then a meditational reading, another song or two, a scriptural reading, followed by 5 minutes of silence. There are several more songs, then everyone is invited to venerate the cross. Some venerate the cross alone, others in small groups, i.e. families, husband and wife, friends, etc.
Music continues during veneration of the cross.
Here are some examples of Taize chants that are often used. Ubi caritas, et amor, Ubi caritas, deus ibi est. Stay with me, remain here with me, watch and pray, watch and pray. When the night becomes dark, your love, O Lord, is a fire, your love, O Lord, is a fire. Laudate dominum, laudate dominum, omnes, gentes, alleluia.