Who are the music ministers in liturgy?
We refer to the instrumentalists and vocalists who lead us in song as the music ministers. And so they are.
However, this can be misleading, because WE, the COMMUNITY, are the primary music ministers in liturgy. Our job is to sing the songs, to witness to our faith to one another through our singing, and to encourage others to do the same through our enthusiastic song. It is important that we support one another in song and that we hear one another and are not overwhelmed by electronic amplification or muted by sound-absorbing materials. Singing together is an important element of the liturgy which transforms us from independent individuals to a unified worshiping body.
If we feel we do not sing well, we can always remember the words of Psalm 95:1:
“O come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”
If you are interested in participating more fully in one of choirs, please feel free to talk to one of the directors after Mass or email us here at the church!
If we, the gathered assembly, are the primary music ministers, what is the function of those whom we label music ministers?
They lead us in our songs. They provide the mechanics which enable us to sing together and in tune. Their formation and expertise in liturgical music enables them to select appropriate songs for this community to celebrate this liturgy with these readings on this particular day. Among other things, they can on occasion provide solo music for inspiration (perhaps during the Preparation of the Gifts) or also can enhance the ambiance (for example, through prelude and postlude music.)