Biography
Biography
Biography
Biography
Organ Videos
Organ Videos
Organ Videos
Community Chorus
Community Chorus
Philosophy
The Purpose of Liturgical Music
The purpose of liturgical music is nothing less than to glorify God and gather God’s people into one body. Through sacred song, we acknowledge who God is, and God draws humanity into communion with Himself. Music in worship is not ornament or entertainment—it is a theological act, a vessel through which the Church gives voice to praise, prayer, and proclamation.
Liturgical music also fosters festivity in the celebration of worship. It deepens the expression of joy and solemnity appropriate to the feast or fast at hand. Music shapes the rhythm of the liturgical year and gives audible form to the mysteries of our faith.
At its best, sacred music enhances the proclamation of the Word. Whether hymn, psalm, or anthem, the text and tone should reflect the appointed readings or theological theme of the day, amplifying the message of Scripture and embedding it in the heart of the worshiper.
Music strengthens the bonds of Christian community. When the faithful sing together—or listen together—they participate in an act of shared devotion that transcends individual experience. Through song, the Church finds its collective voice.
Liturgical music also promotes active participation. The congregation is not an audience but a community of worshipers whose singing unites prayer, faith, and fellowship. Music thus becomes a primary means of inclusion and belonging within the liturgical life of the Church.
Finally, sacred music fosters the cultural and artistic goods of humanity. The Church rightly treasures the masterpieces of Western and global musical heritage, recognizing them as expressions of divine creativity. By offering such works within worship, we honor the dialogue between faith and culture and proclaim that beauty itself is a path to the divine.
Music is therefore a dynamic and transformative force—nourishment for the spiritual life. Through it, God’s word is amplified, our fellowship strengthened, and our faith continually renewed.
Roles in Music Ministry
The Choir
The choir serves both a liturgical and professional function. Liturgically, it assists the gathered assembly in sung worship—supporting congregational song, responding to the celebrant, alternating in litanies, and, at times, singing alone on behalf of the whole Church. Professionally, the choir offers the finest sacred music of the Church’s treasury, both in liturgy and concert, to the highest standard attainable by its members. Choir singers should possess musical skill, liturgical understanding, and a spirit of service, recognizing that their ministry is both artistic and pastoral.
The Cantor and Psalmist
In the absence of the choir, the cantor leads the congregation in sung prayer, giving voice to the ordinaries and hymnody of the liturgy. The psalmist, whether the same individual or distinct, proclaims the psalm with clarity and artistry. Both roles require a level of musical competence above that of the average congregant, the ability to blend vocally with the assembly, and the pastoral presence to lead without dominating.
The Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists—especially the organist—serve as principal leaders of musical worship. Their task is to support congregational singing, accompany choirs and soloists, and enrich the liturgy with artistry and sensitivity. They must possess both technical skill and a thorough understanding of the liturgical rites they serve, ensuring that their playing enhances rather than overwhelms the sacred action.
The Director of Music
The Director of Music carries responsibility for the overall coordination and vision of the parish’s musical life. This includes directing choirs, supervising cantors, psalmists, and instrumentalists, and often serving as organist. The Director must be trained in both music and liturgy, uniting artistic excellence with pastoral leadership. Their calling is to inspire participation, maintain theological integrity, and ensure that all musical expression serves the glory of God and the edification of the Church.
Characteristics of a Servant Leader
A musician in the Church is first and foremost a servant-leader. Such leadership is marked by humility, pastoral sensitivity, and integrity. The effective leader exhibits self-knowledge, confidence grounded in faith, discipline, creativity, and accountability. They are visionary without arrogance, compassionate without compromise, and capable of creating a collaborative environment free of fear and filled with joy.
Servant-leaders respect the history and identity of their congregation, show appreciation to others, share responsibility, and communicate clearly. They pray often, act ethically, and expect the best from those around them while remaining patient and forgiving. Above all, they understand that leadership in sacred music is not about control—it is about enabling others to encounter the holy through beauty and participation.
Qualities and Skills of Effective Musicians
Effective church musicians are first disciples—people of prayer who maintain a living relationship with Jesus Christ. They understand that the congregation is the Church’s primary choir and that their task is to empower its voice. They educate, mentor, and nurture, guiding the faithful to recognize the transformative power of music in worship.
They are organized, diplomatic, and collegial; they value the talents of others and connect the various musicians of the parish into one cohesive ministry. They expand their competency, remain students of theology and liturgy, and cultivate artistic excellence with humility.
An effective musician knows the rhythms of the liturgical year, demonstrates sensitivity to how music integrates within worship, and understands that creativity is an expression of faith. They build community within their ensembles, support colleagues with empathy, and maintain professionalism even amid disagreement.
Above all, they serve faithfully, knowing that perfection is not the goal—faithfulness is. Through discipline, prayer, and joy, they help the Church to sing its faith and to make, in the words of the Psalmist, “a joyful noise unto the Lord.”