As Lent starts, music and liturgy people usually start getting antsy. “Only six weeks to Holy Week—how are we ever going to manage!”

Still, there’s a fine line between having everything pre-planned and the stark panic that sets in when the parish liturgy leadership waits until the very last minute to nail down plans. Non-musicians do not seem to understand that music needs lengthy rehearsal (you can’t speed-read music!) in order to create a beautiful, coherent sound.

Don’t panic. That was good advice Douglas Adams gave, in his The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Even Arthur C. Clarke, that great futurist, said so.

By now, you should know the core of what your music ministry already has under its collective belt, and a pretty good idea of what can realistically be added to their core knowledge this year. take it step by step; for part of each rehearsal in Lent, work on half of what you’re planning for the Triduum (in addition to the coming Sunday’s music): the first half of Holy Thursday; the second half of Holy Thursday; then Good Friday, which requires less music; then the first half of the Vigil, and the second half. That’s five rehearsals. One more allows you to polish everything up, and there you are.

Even if the liturgy leadership waits till the last minute, you have your ducks in a row and can make adjustments fairly easily. It’s also possible to say, politely but firmly, “I’m so sorry, but there’s no time to rehearse your suggestions so we can’t make that change. But I’ll be happy to keep it in mind for next year.”

Just don’t panic.