Pastor’s Page –
"Sing a joyful song to the Lord, for God has done marvelous things (Psalm 98)."

Our US Catholic bishops have approved a new document on music in our worship as Catholics. Entitled
"Sing to the Lord", you can download the complete document at www.USCCB/liturgy.
This new publication updates two previous documents by the Bishops’ conference on the importance of music in Catholic worship.

"Faith grows when it is well expressed in celebration. Good celebrations can foster and nourish faith. Poor
celebrations may weaken it. Good music "makes the liturgical prayer of the Christian community more alive and fervent so that everyone can praise and beseech the triune God more powerfully, or intently and more effectively. (Sing to the Lord]

"The one who sings prays twice"-(St. Augustine). Some of the best parties I have attended in my life had
singing and dancing at their center. Wedding receptions certainly involve guests and playful singing and dancing.

Song in our liturgies, joins words and melody and allows even the youngest members of our congregation to learn important doctrines of our faith in an uplifting manner. Simply because music involves our bodies and our deepest selves, our souls, it can express the depths and the heights of the human condition far more than speech alone. At its best, music can transport us into the presence of God. Music is at the service of our worship services, joining us to one another in a common effort of praise.

The Vatican Council's, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, called for full and active participation by all the people of God in their worship of God. Singing makes such participation possible at a high level. The new document by the bishops encourages those ordained to sing parts of the liturgy themselves, and join in the congregational song as well.
While orchestral music is marvelous, the document makes clear that the human voice is the primary liturgical instrument. The organ is given first place among church instruments, but other musical instruments may be included in liturgical celebrations that are appropriate for sacred use.
"The primary role of music and liturgy is to help the members of the gathered assembly to join themselves with the action of Christ and to give voice to the gift of faith." Music serves the needs of the liturgy and ought not dominate it, seek to entertain, or draw attention to itself or to the musicians and choir members. Music ought to draw us to God and to the praise and adoration of God.

What may be sung during Sunday mass? Almost everything. The entrance song, the penitential rite, the blessing and sprinkling of water, the Gloria, the Scripture readings, the responsorial Psalm, the Gospel acclamation, the gospel itself, the creed, the prayer of the faithful, the preparation of the gifts, the Eucharistic prayer including the Sanctus, the memorial acclamation and the great Amen, the Lord's prayer, the lamb of God, the communion song, the song after communion, the final prayer and blessing, and the recessional hymn – all may be sung! Of course, the solemnity of the occasion will determine how much of the mass will be sung by the Priest, Deacon, music ministers and the congregation.
"You should sing as wayfarers do- sing, but continue the journey. Do not grow tired, but sing with joy!" (St. Augustine)


Peace,
Father Bruce