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This week, the parish began rehearsals in preparation for the new choir season. It may be useful in times of new beginnings to reexamine the role the choir plays in the celebration of our liturgies. The Church has much to say about the role of music in worship:
“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 sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy… Liturgical worship is given a more noble form when the divine offices are celebrated solemnly in song, with the assistance of sacred ministers and the active participation of the people... The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Choirs must be diligently promoted.”
From Sacrosanctum Concilium, Pope Paul VI, 1963
“39. The Christian faithful who come together as one in expectation of the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together Psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus St. Augustine says rightly, “Singing is for one who loves,”[48] and there is also an ancient proverb: “Whoever sings well prays twice over.”
40. Great importance should therefore be attached to the use of singing in the celebration of the Mass, with due consideration for the culture of peoples and abilities of each liturgical assembly. Although it is not always necessary (e.g., in weekday Masses) to sing all the texts that are in principle meant to be sung, every care should be taken that singing by the ministers and the people not be absent in celebrations that occur on Sundays and on Holydays of Obligation.”
From General Instruction of the Roman Missal
Those wishing to explore more of what the Church says about music can read the aforementioned Sacrosanctum Concilium, Musicam Sacram, and the paragraphs in the Catechism beginning with 1156. There’s a lot to be said!
Choirs enable the full and active participation of the assembly in the liturgy, and it is within the liturgy that the Catholic body enters into dialogue with God. Music is a ministry of the church, as those involved in choir sacrifice their time and effort to elevate the worship of their community. Ideally, the choir does not perform, but leads and enables worship.
If you think you may be called to join the choir at Christ the King, please reach out to David Anderson, Music Director, at (405) 242-4528 with any questions.
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