Philosophy of Music Ministry for Saint Mary Church
The Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy states:
The Church earnestly desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy. ... In the reform and promotion of the liturgy, this full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else. (no14)
Music Ministry Mission Statement
Our mission is to enable the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly at St. Mary Church by leading the assembly to sing.
We aim to foster assembly participation through faith-filled singing that is familiar, enthusiastic and inspirational. Because the Body of Christ is diverse in nature, it is necessary for the music minister to be capable of setting aside personal tastes to embrace a variety of musical styles.
Music can be very divisive, but it can also make a strong statement of what church is: a gathering of diverse people. Liturgical music must reflect that diversity. We embrace both the rich tradition of our Catholic heritage along with the rich theology of modern liturgical composers. True music ministry must never be “about me and my personal tastes,” for the mission of Church is to embrace its diversity.
Assembly singing is sparked by familiarity with literature. It is the music minister’s job to provide the assembly with literature that is well-learned and recycled within the Church calendar. Within the liturgy there exists the occasional opportunity for the choir to perform choral pieces aside from assembly singing for the purpose of prayerful reflection.
When we are called home to enjoy the beatific vision, we shall join the choirs of heavenly angels praising God. What better way is there to prepare for eternity than to commence our rehearsal of songs of praise in this life?
When in Our Music God is Glorified
When in Our Music God is Glorified,
And adoration leaves no room for pride;
It is as though the whole creation cried:
Alleluia!
How often, making music, we have found
A new dimension in the world of sound,
As worship moved us to a more profound
Alleluia!
So has the Church, in liturgy and song,
In faith and love, through centuries of wrong,
Borne witness to the truth in ev’ry tongue:
Alleluia!
And did not Jesus sing a psalm that night
When utmost evil strove against the Light?
Then let us sing, for whom He won the fight:
Alleluia!
Let ev’ry instrument be tuned for praise!
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always:
Alleluia!
-Frederick Pratt Green
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Or phone (262) 251-0220 # 160
