Come to the Banquet - Chepponis

This is a joyful Communion hymn. It was written in 1997 for the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the church of St. Malachy in Coraopolis, PA, USA, and first published by GIA in 2000. It is intended for use at First Communion celebrations - combining a bright attractive tune, a very singable chorus, and verses with present deep theology - which probably need to be sung by a choir or cantor. It has also become popular for weddings in some places.

It was written by was written by American Roman Catholic priest, musician and composer James J. Chepponis (b 1956).

The verses are based on a translation of the Latin "Sancti venite Christi corpus sumite" by made by John Mason Neale (1818-1866), while the chorus and a new tune, (DRAW NEAR AND TAKE THE BODY) are by Chepponis.

The tune has a 6/8 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the chorus are G F G FD EDC D_ with accompanying chords G / Bm7 / Am7 / D.

Priest at the altar, holding the Eucharistic cup with the book visible on the altar beside him.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Unison setting with descant, cantor, assembly, keyboard accompaniment, optional C instrument, handbells

Examples

Cantor and congregation with organ - live in a church service:

Singer with piano - live in a church service:

Choir with organ and violin - live in a church service:

Instrumental - piano:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
Come to the banquet, come to the feast. Eat the bread of life!
Share in the singing, share in the joy. Drink the cup of love!

1 Draw near and take the body of the Lord ...

2 Salvation’s giver, Christ, the only Son ...

3 Come forward then with faithful hearts sincere ...

4 With heavenly bread makes those who hunger whole ...