Music Ministry in Today's Parishes

When we leave Mass on Sundays there are usually two things that we comment on: the homily and the music. Yes, we care about the readings, and the prayers, and receiving the Eucharist, but the music and homily seem to make or break a big piece of our experience. I would like to share some thoughts on music as a ministry. I am by no means an expert in music or in ministry. However, I have done music ministry in high school, college, moderated a group while teaching at a Catholic high school, and have been in various parish groups. I have participated in big cities (NY comes to mind) and small cities. I have also attended several Liturgical Workshops and was part of hosting a few workshops. My experience is not huge but it is varied.

First of all, it is important to acknowledge that the quality of the music is a big deal. As I say this, I feel like I need to edit it already. By quality I am referring to being reasonably sure that the cantor, or group is on key, and vocalists and instruments are together. It is truly jarring when someone hits a really sour note, or people come in too early, etc. I also believe that when God gives us a gift (like musical ability) we need to hone it in order to give it back to Him in His ministry. That means practice and coordination with other group members, both instruments and vocalists. But, quality doesn’t have to be a formal 4 part choir in robes, singing with several instruments to be of good quality. Sometimes that is actually less desirable. When a choir is that amazing we can end up just sitting and listening. The Mass is not a concert. It is a Celebration and prayer for all. The best cantors/choirs/groups I have heard invite all to join in and make the music accessible for everyone (not too high, music in pews, simple to follow, etc). Vatican II calls all the faithful to full, conscious, and active participation and as music ministers we must do our best to encourage that in our congregations.

So, that is what music ministers hopefully are doing. But, what do those of us in the pews need to do to help this work well. First of all, we need to join in and sing out. A priest friend once told me that God gave us the voice we have and we should give it back to Him in prayer (including singing). We need to participate. We also need to help our ministers know what we like. Notice I didn’t say what we don’t like. That is often not as helpful. When we say the music stinks, we rarely get anyone willing to listen. If we instead say, I really enjoyed the Sending Forth song because… people are much more willing to respond and maybe even try some similar music. Another idea is to be supportive of a cantor or group by joining in and singing. Then they will be more receptive to a song suggestion or a suggestion for a bit of a more lively Gathering song.

One more point that is truly important to me is that music ministry is not really different from the other ministries (Hospitality Ministers, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Servers, etc). We are all there to help the congregation pray and celebrate the Sacred Sacrifice of the Mass. Have you ever heard a congregation applaud after the readings? What about after Communion? Of course you haven’t! So, why do we applaud for Music Ministers? Our society teaches us to applaud as a sign of appreciation of something well done… a speech, a concert, a play, etc. So, we take that with us to Church. But, if the music minister is doing his, her or their job well, they are simply helping all to pray. So, are we applauding ourselves for singing, for their performance, for gratitude that Mass is over (hope not), or why? Look, I know we have all been at Church when the group is much more about the “look at me” or “wasn’t that a great note I just hit” or something similar. But that isn’t really why most of us are there. We hope to help you pray. So, after Mass, maybe stopping to tell the minister that they really helped you pray well today, or that the music brought the readings to life, or that you really felt great about joining in to sing. That is how we should thank a music minister.

What do you think? How is your Parish doing with Music Ministry? What would you like to share? Please read, comment and share below!