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January 25, 2023
Have you ever muted the commercials during a television show or sporting event? In the absence of the sound and music, advertisements can easily lose or change meaning. The same is true of an intense scene in a film. Music can motivate us during a work out or get us through a long road trip. Music has such an important place in our world and in our worship. In April 2008, in an address following a concert, Pope Benedict XVI said, “The art of music, [is] uniquely called to instill hope in the human spirit, so scarred and sometimes wounded by the earthly condition.” He went on to say, “There is a mysterious and deep kinship between music and hope, between song and eternal life.”
As we seek to draw people to Jesus through the Church, we want to draw them into a regular worship experience that expresses the fullness of liturgy. Music can inspire hope and draw our mind and heart to God in ways we may not experience without it.
Not everyone will agree on their preferences for music at Mass, in the same way that not everyone traveling together in a car for a road trip has the same musical tastes. There are, however, principles about music that we can agree on and the most important is that it should be good.
What characterizes good church music?
It should sound pleasing to the ear. The musicality and the quality of sound are both important. Church leaders must be attentive to the people in music ministry as well as the quality and upkeep of a sound system.
It should be appropriate. The hymns selected should relate to God’s word and saving action. It should also be appropriate for the liturgical season and the part of the liturgy it is being used.
It should be inviting. Liturgical music should lead, support, and encourage the assembly’s sung prayer. It is not a performance, but an invitation for everyone to join in.
Our own diocesan liturgy office has a full music resource page that includes music suggestions, settings for the Roman Missal and an excellent Frequently Asked Question section. It includes easy to understand information including the function of liturgical music, why we sing, the specifics about each hymn and time that we sing.
With the importance music plays on our everyday lives, it is imperative that we consider the quality of our music in liturgy as we form disciples of Jesus. When was the last time your pastoral team talked about music ministry? If it has been more than a year, we suggest you put it back on the agenda. Start with these questions: Is our music pleasing to the ear? Is it appropriate? Is it inviting? How can you improve the music at weekend liturgies to invoke hope in the people who are participating?
Important Dates in February 2023
Click the links for more information about the saint or occasion.
2 - The Presentation of the Lord & World Day of Consecrated Life
3 - St. Blaise
5 - St. Agatha
6 - St. Paul Miki & Companions
10 - St. Scholastica
11 - World Day of the Sick & Our Lady of Lourdes
12 - World Marriage Sunday (& Superbowl Sunday)
14 - St. Cyril and St. Methodius (and Valentine's Day)
20 - Family Day
22 - Ash Wednesday
23 - St. Polycarp
Note: February is Black History Month
Great Things We Found On The Internet This Month about Music:
- Music Resource Page - Diocese of London Liturgy Office
- Pope Benedict XVI Quotes about music
- Rebuilt and Divine Renovation authors together on music: Video
- Music that Stirs the Soul - Rebuilt webinar replay
As we look to Ash Wednesday next month, it is an excellent opportunity to prepare. Liturgies on Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, through the Triduum, and Easter draw in guests who are returning or turning to the faith, and some, who while not being Catholic, come seeking.
Among plans for special programs and events that you may offer, consider preparing for a lent of hospitality. The Nurturing Joy Initiative begins phase three during lent. Phase Three is focused on intentionally welcoming of people from outside of our current parishioners. Details will be available early February.
Resources from Phase One and Phase Two are available and may be helpful as you prepare for lent.
- Checklists for a Welcoming Environment, Welcoming Website, Welcoming Weekend Liturgies
- Webinar Recordings
- Bulletin Insert: Making Room at the Table
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Joe Bezzina - Director of Pastoral Services
Claire Bondy - Director of Ongoing Formation & Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Chrisandra Skipper - Pastoral Services Coordinator
Christine Coyle - Family and Youth Ministry Specialist
Olwyn Supeene - Administrative Assistant
Outreach Ministries: Refugee Office
Migrant Worker Ministry
Ministry for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Holy Family Retreat House
Diocese of London Pastoral Services:
1070 Waterloo St
London, ON N6A 3Y2
Canada
