Though We Are Many

This gentle, unifying Communion hymn by Bernard Sexton centers on the core mystery of the Eucharist: that by sharing the one bread and cup, a diverse congregation becomes one body. The refrain brings everyone together with a simple, memorable melody that settles the church as the people approach the altar.

The verses walk step-by-step through the meaning of the Mass. They begin with gathering around the table, move through recalling Christ's sacrifice, and end with a call to take that nourishment out into the world. The final verse includes a specific nod to St. Patrick, making this piece a wonderful choice for his feast day as well as for ordinary Sundays.

Musically, the refrain offers a solid four-part harmony that the choir can really lean into, while the verses are set up to be sung in unison by the sopranos or a cantor. This contrast allows the text of the verses to shine clearly, while the full choir returns to anchor the steady, reverent pace of the Communion procession.