Music for the Glory of God!St. Cecilia, the Patron Saint of Musicians
Image: St. Cecilia with the Angel by Orazio Gentileschi Music Ministry in English:Chancel Choir (10:30am Mass and Feast Days)
Children's Choir (9:00am Mass and Feast Days) Youth Choir (5pm Sunday Mass and Feast Days) Vigil Choir (5pm Saturday Mass and Feast Days) MCD Youth Ministry (Service to the Elderly and Summer Programs) Music Ministry in Spanish and Filipino |
Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Music Ministry at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary - St. Richard Catholic Church! In addition to our primary goal of serving in the celebration of the liturgy, our members provide music, fellowship and Christian charity through concerts, visits to the elderly, and special programs. Those who participate in the music ministry come from a broad range of backgrounds and skill sets. If you wish to join or contribute please contact us here.
"He who sings prays twice." (St. Augustine) The Importance and Responsibility of What We Do: Catechism of the Catholic Church #1156(a): "The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy." It is a unique privilege and responsibility to serve in the music ministry. Of all art forms, it most fully combines sacred texts with the intentions of the heart. When we sing the parts of the mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Lamb of God) we join with the communion of saints and choirs of angels in exaltation! The musical rendering of the Responsorial Psalm is also of historical and liturgical significance. This is condoned by the Catechism of the Catholic Church and can be seen in the following quote: Catechism of the Catholic Church #1156(b): "The composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant. The Church continues and develops this tradition: 'Address...one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.'" Spiritual Songs Reflections of Faith - Expressions of Culture Music can be used as a powerful tool to illicit powerful emotional and personal connection with the Liturgy of the Word. For this reason, it must be treated with great care and responsibility. This can be seen in the following quote by St. Augustine: "How I wept, deeply moved by your hymns, songs, and the voices that echoed through your Church! What emotion I experienced in them! Those sounds flowed into my ears, distilling the truth in my heart. A feeling of devotion surged within me, and tears streamed down my face - tears that did me good." The criteria laid out by the Catholic Church for the selection of songs used in mass is reflected in the following statement from the Catechism: Catechism of the Catholic Church #1157: Song and music fulfill their functions as signs in a manner all the more significant when they are "more closely connected ... with the liturgical action," according to three principal criteria: beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly at the designated moments, and the solemn character of the celebration. In this way they participate in the purpose of the liturgical words and actions: the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful: Accordingly, liturgical music should encourage the congregation to reflect on the readings and respond during the mass. For this reason, music used for the Procession, Offertory, Communion and Recessional is chosen to reflect on the readings for the week; this is then submitted for approval by the priest of the parish. It is important to note that, while strict in terms of content, the Catholic Church does not squash cultural and individual expression. Indeed, it encourages us to realize our inmost devotion through music. This is reflected in the following statement: Catechism of the Catholic Church #1158: The harmony of signs (song, music, words, and actions) is all the more expressive and fruitful when expressed in the cultural richness of the People of God who celebrate. Hence "religious singing by the faithful is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred exercises as well as in liturgical services," in conformity with the Church's norms, "the voices of the faithful may be heard." But "the texts intended to be sung must always be in conformity with Catholic doctrine. Indeed they should be drawn chiefly from the Sacred Scripture and from liturgical sources." Thank you for taking the time to read a little about our ministries and the importance of music to our church and faith. "The importance of music in biblical religion is shown very simply by the fact that the verb "to sing" (with related words such as "song", and so forth) is one of the most commonly used words in the Bible. It occurs 309 times in the Old Testament and thirty-six in the New" (Pope Emeritus Benedict the XVI, The Spirit of the Liturgy) Whether you are interested in becoming an official member of the music ministry, or simply wish to make music in your heart to the Lord, we personally encourage you to actively participate in this beautiful way to share our faith and serve our brothers and sisters. In Christ, Marion and Rosa Scott |