Music Ministries

Music Director. For many if not most Masses, the Music Director serves as both the accompanist and the cantor. For more solemn Masses, the Music Director recruits, trains, rehearses, and schedules other music ministers. Substitutes should also be recruited and trained for the Music Director.

Accompanists. The organist is the primary accompanist for most, if not all, Masses. At times there may be a pianist as an accompanist as well. There are also times when it may be just as appropriate to have a capella music instead, that is, without any accompaniment.

Cantors. Cantors lead the verses of the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation either from the Ambo or, for better musical coordination, from next to the accompanist. Cantors may also serve as song leaders who encourage the congregation to join in the singing as well.

Choirs. Although the main choir is that of the congregation, other choirs may help lead the singing at more solemn Masses. The choir, along with the other musicians, faces the altar as their focal point of reference. They never face the congregation or perform for the congregation.

Instrumentalists. At more solemn Masses, instrumentals may also help provide special music for special occasions. At times, a solo instrument may help the congregation by providing a clear melody line for their music, thus promoting congregational participation.

Protocols for Music Ministry

  • The congregation is the primary choir. The music ministers lead and support the congregation in liturgical music.
  • In addition to the cantor who leads the congregation, there may be other singers and instrumentalists as well.
  • However, there may never be any applause-generating performance that distracts from our spiritual worship.
  • Music serves the liturgy as a form of prayer rather than that of performance. Concerts may be done at other times.
  • Preludes may occur before the five-minute bell, but music should never delay the progress of the liturgy.
  • If there are no announcements before Mass, quiet background music may occur before the Entrance Hymn.
  • In order to sing more verses, the Entrance hymn may begin early, but the people only stand when the bell is rung.
  • When incense is used at the Entrance and the Offertory, more verses or more music will be needed.
  • The Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation use the assigned texts for that Mass from the Lectionary.
  • The Mass music is sung in its entirety: Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, Great Amen, Agnus Dei.
  • During Ordinary time, the Gloria may be recited. The Creed is always recited.
  • For special occasions, the Preface and the Lord’s Prayer may be chanted.
  • The Entrance, Offertory, and Communion are processional hymns that conclude when these processions end.
  • The Offertory music may be brief instrumental, choral, or congregational music that does not delay the Mass.
  • The musicians receive Communion after the Communion hymn is over, as quiet background music continues.
  • The closing music may be instrumental, choral, or congregational, as the congregation processes out of church.

Review of Music Selections

  • Prelude: ends at the five-minute church tower bells, quiet music may continue if there are no announcements
  • Entrance Hymn: begins when the sacristy bell rings, ends when the priest is at the altar or the chair
  • Gloria: usually only sung on special occasions, during Advent and Lent the Kyrie may be sung
  • Responsorial Psalm: from the Respond and Acclaim book, cantor at the choir microphone
  • Gospel Acclamation: from the Respond and Acclaim book, cantor at the choir microphone
  • Offertory Music: the music ends when the priest washes his hands
  • Mass Music: always sung at each weekend Mass (Sanctus, etc.)
  • Communion Hymn: begins right after the Communion Antiphon
  • Quiet Music: while musicians are receiving Communion last
  • Closing Music: as the people walk out of church after the dismissal