Music is of preeminent importance in the celebration of the Eucharist. Its function is one of ministry: it must serve and never dominate. Pastoral musicians must, first and foremost, foster the singing of the assembly. (Music in Catholic Worship 24) Music is an art placed at the service of communal prayer and “should assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them.” (MCW23)
In choosing music for our masses we music ministers always keep you in mind. We strive to:
• Provide clearly-marked hymnals or worship aides.
• Chose tempos which are neither too fast nor too slow and which make it comfortable for the community to sing.
• Sing in a range which is neither too high nor too low for the majority of the assembly.
• Use a number of new songs but not so great that the assembly cannot learn them.
• Adjust the microphone volume so that it never overpowers or discourages the assembly from singing.
• Choose Communion songs that do not require the assembly to carry a book in order to participate.
• Repeat songs from week to week, season to season and year to year and carefully balance them with the introduction of new material which will enhance the celebration and avoid routine.
There are times in the liturgy when the choirs sing alone and enhance the celebration in our special way, but for the most part the music should be ALL ABOUT YOU!
We Pastoral Musicians are at your service, Holy Trinity! We appreciate your support and thrill to the sound of your voices joining with ours. BRAVO! (January 29, 2006)