Sacred music is “that which, being created for the celebration of divine worship, is endowed with a certain holy sincerity of form,” according to the Sacred Congregation of Rites in its Instruction on Music and the Liturgy, Musicam Sacram (1967, ¶4). As defined by the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963), sacred music surpasses merely religious music when it is joined to the liturgical rite to become “a necessary and integral part of the solemn liturgy,” whose purpose is “the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful” (¶112)

From ancient times, sacred music has been an important and integral part of the worship of Almighty God.  Sacred music, “being a complementary part of the solemn liturgy, participates in the general scope of the liturgy, which is the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful.” (Pope St. Pius X)  Singing in the choir provides an opportunity to develop and place one’s God-given musical gifts at the service of the sacred liturgy by leading the congregation in singing the parts of the Mass and the responses of the faithful that are proper to their participation in the Mass.  The cantor or choir leads the congregation in singing the Entrance and Communion Antiphons, the Responsorial Psalm, the Sanctus, the Agnus Dei, and other responses that form part of the faithful’s participation in the sacred liturgy.  Through their singing of sacred music, the cantor/choir helps to give glory to God in the sacred liturgy.

For information on becoming a cantor or choir member, please contact our organist, Mr. Jim Herrick, at jtherrick11(at)comcast.net