Celebrating the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy for Music Ministers
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy tells us, “the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value” (112). The Constitution was the first document produced by the Second Vatican Council in 1963, and it called for the reform and promotion of the liturgy. One of the eight chapters in this document addresses the integral nature of music in the liturgy, and identifies norms and principles for its renewal and promotion. The Constitution explains that the purpose of sacred music is“the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful” (112). Sacred music adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, and confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites. As a result, the Council Fathers declared that the treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care, through the promotion of choirs and a wider and more frequent teaching and practice of music in seminaries, institutions, and schools (see CSL, 114, 115). Through your ministry as a musician, you not only give glory to the Father by singing his praise, but also by leading and encouraging the active participation of all the faithful, which is our right and duty by reason of our Baptism in Christ. The sacred action of the liturgy is enhanced by the inclusion of music and the fullness of Christ’s Body joining together in song. As we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the Church offers gratitude for your contribution and engagement in the liturgy. We encourage you to reflect further on the value of your ministry, and to explore the rich text of this document on your own or with a study group. Finally, we pray that our liturgical celebrations increasingly gather the entire Body of Christ into deep and lasting communion. The 50th Anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy: A Parish Celebration © 2013 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. Orders: 1-800-933-1800. Written by Christina Bax. Text from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy © 1982, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL). Imprimatur granted by the Reverend Monsignor John F. Canary, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Chicago on June 5, 2013. See the video below. RIght Click then hit the arrow. |
Musicians sing the Word
Musicians help the congregation to
Musician practices vary according to the season and the group. Adult Choir sings at the 8:30 Mass, except the third Sunday, from mid-August to the end of June. They practice Thursdays, except the third Thursday, from 7 - 8:30 pm. Folk Group usually sings every other week at the Sunday 4:30 Mass. They practice before Mass beginning at 3:30 pm. Teen Choir sings the third Sunday of the month during the school year at the 10:30 Mass. They practice before that Mass in the school music room from 9:30 - 10:15 am. Song leaders are scheduled, usually twice a month, at the Mass of their preference. There are practices are Saturdays from 9 - 10:30 am as needed. They are asked to be present one half hour before Mass in order to have 15 minutes to run through music with the keyboardist. Practices increase when preparing for Easter and Christmas. Funeral Choir Many times we have small funerals, non-Catholic guests, or guest musicians at funerals. To support the family and the song leader we have a funeral choir. These are just people of the parish who have volunteered to come and sing in the pews close to the family. Someone give syou a phone call when a funeral is scheduled and if you are available, you join us in song. Contact Barb Woods at 210-6649 or [email protected] Return to S.P.I.R.I.T
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