Recollection for SHC Parish Choir Groups

Recollection for SHC Parish Choir Groups Dr. Damian Lee 15th March, 2014

Overview • Introduction - Choir and Church Music. • Liturgical Music – What part. • Liturgical Music - How part. • Why Liturgical Music? • Appropriate Church Music and Instruments according to the teachings of the Church. • Current State of Church Music – Global/local. • The way forward.

Introduction • What is a Choir? • The word 'choir' comes from the Greek word ‘Choros', which simply means a group of singers. • Musicologists trace the Greek chorus to the responsive singing of the Levites' choir at the Temple of Jerusalem.

1st Recorded Choir in Scripture • The first organised choirs in Scripture can be found during King David's time, as recorded in the Books of Chronicles. • God set apart the tribe of Levi to serve Him. • 1 Chronicles tells of how King David appointed no less than four thousand Levites as singers and musicians.

1st Recorded Choir in Scripture • These singers and musicians ministered day and night in the tabernacle and later in the temple . • Choirs, with both men and women singers (Nehemiah 7:67; 2 Chronicles 35:25), were organised for worship in the temple and were placed under the direction of able musicians (1 Chronicles 25).

Church Choir Vs Secular Choir • Taking cue from choirs in Biblical times, it is explicitly clear the role of choir in the Church is one of MINISTRY – NOT PERFORMANCE !! • This is the crucial difference between secular choirs and choirs that serve in the Church.

Church Choir Vs Secular Choir • Choir members are first and foremost praising God with the gift of singing, which He has gracefully bestowed on them. • This involves sacrifices of praise, which must come from willing and committed hearts. • Choir members must have an ATTIDUTE of service, striving to give their very best to God.

What is Liturgical Sacred Music? • The question, "What is sacred music," put to the average Catholic, will more often than not elicit this answer - "sacred music is hymns.” • And in the live experience of most Catholics today, that is the extent of what they know to be sacred music. • On Sunday, they sing four (4) hymns at Mass. In most parishes, is there anything else?

What makes Music Sacred? • What makes Church music sacred ? • What makes music art?- have the same basics. • Involved in the vast area of musical training and education. Only the well trained musician can answer what makes a given piece of music art. • There is a distinction between music within the temple (sacred) & outside the temple (secular). • Sacred Music Vol. 107, No. 3 (Fall 1980); Vol. 112, No. 2 (Summer 1985).

“Musicam Sacram/ Sacred Music” • What is sacred music? • It is the great treasury of music, written over the ages by the greatest composers for use in the sung liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church, beginning with the Gregorian melodies and continuing on through the polyphonic pieces of the middle ages and the renaissance, up to the orchestral settings of the last three centuries and into our own time.Sacred Music 1991 : Msgr. Richard Schuler, Board of Directors of the Church Music Association of America.

“Musicam Sacram” • Many denied or unable to accept the existence of anything that could be called sacred, despite the opening words of the 1967 instruction, "Musicam sacram." - on Roman Catholic Sacred Music issued by the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship on March 5, 1967, II Vatican Council • Sacred Music 1991 : Msgr. Richard Schuler, Board of Directors of the Church Music Association of America.

Pope Pius XII’s encyclical, "Musicae sacrae disciplina” • He beautifully summarized role of sacred music. • “Sacred music, though sometimes slowly and laboriously through the centuries has finally reached the heights: from the simple and natural Gregorian modes, which are, moreover, quite perfect in their kind, to great and even magnificent works of art which not only human voices, but also the organ and other musical instruments embellish, adorn and amplify almost endlessly.”

Pope Pius XII’s encyclical, "Musicae sacrae disciplina” • “Just as this progress in the art of music shows clearly how dear to the heart of the Church it was to make divine worship more resplendent and appealing to Christian peoples, so too it made clear why the Church also must, from time to time, impose a check lest its proper purposes be exceeded and lest, along with the true progress, an element profane and alien to divine worship creep into sacred music and corrupt it."

What is Liturgical music? • Singing of texts that are in Liturgical books, especially those that are by nature to be sung. • It is the singing of the Liturgy GIVEN us and not singing something we PUT in the Liturgy. • Do we see the difference between singing AT Mass, and SINGING THE Mass? The Church emphasizes SINGING THE Mass rather than only singing AT Mass.

Why music in Liturgy? • Sacrosanctum Concilium: Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, December 1963 – II Vatican C • 112. “The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.

Why music in Liturgy? • Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) # 1157 • "Song and music fulfill their function all the more significantly when they are closely connected with the liturgical action," according to 3 principal criteria: • (1) beauty expressive of prayer, • (2) the unanimous participation of the assembly at the designated moments, • (3) the solemn character of the celebration. • Resulting in the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.

Appropriate Music according to the teachings of the Church • "The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman Liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services". - Second Vatican Council, Sacrosanctum Concilium §116 (1963)

Appropriate Music according to the teachings of the Church • What type of music or signing should be used at Mass? (GIRM 41) The main place should be given, all things being equal, to Gregorian chant, as being proper to the Roman Liturgy. Other kinds of sacred music, in particular polyphony, are in no way excluded, provided that they correspond to the spirit of the liturgical action and that they foster the participation of all the faithful.

What is Gregorian Chant? • A monophonic, or unison, Plainchant, unaccompanied sacred liturgical music of the Roman Catholic Church, developed in the 9th & 10th century in West & Central Europe used to accompany the text of mass & the canonical hours, or divine office. • Church music sung as a single vocal line in free rhythm and a restricted scale (plainsong), in a style developed for the medieval Latin liturgy.

What is Gregorian Chant? • Gregorian chant is named after Pope St. Gregory I , during whose papacy (AD590–604) it was collected and codified. • Pope St. Gregory I has been credited with many things, including the writing, collecting, or compiling the body of plainchant in use at the time.

What is Gregorian Chant? • Founding the first singing school (Schola Cantorum) in Rome to train singers for the church, organizing the church's annual cycle of liturgical readings. • First establishing the church's authority over the secular rulers of Rome.

What is Gregorian Chant? • Gregorian Chant has always been regarded as the supreme model for sacred music, so that it is fully legitimate to lay down the following rule: the more closely a composition for church approaches in its movement, inspiration and savor the Gregorian form, the more sacred and liturgical it becomes; and the more out of harmony it is with that supreme model, the less worthy it is of the temple. • The ancient traditional Gregorian Chant must, therefore, in a large measure be restored to the functions of public worship, and the fact must be accepted by all that an ecclesiastical function loses none of its solemnity when accompanied by this music alone.” • Pope Pius X, Tra le Sollecitudini, 1903

Reminder from Pope Benedict on Gregorian Chant • “Finally, while respecting various styles and different and highly praiseworthy traditions, I desire, in accordance with the request advanced by the Synod Fathers, that Gregorian chant be suitably esteemed and employed as the chant proper to the Roman liturgy.” • Pope Benedict XVI, • Sacramentum Caritatis, 2007

Appropriate Church Music • Music that is entertaining is, by its nature and style, appealing and popular; but it is not sacred music. • Mariachi bands, kazoo groups, rock bands, and the like are definitely not "suited to the grandeur of the act being celebrated".

Appropriate Music in Church • If it sounds like a Broadway ballad, it belongs on Broadway, not the altar. • If it sounds like a "golden oldie", sing it at home. • If it stirs feelings of a non-sacred nature, it does not belong in a sacred place. • If sounds like a rock group or a mariachi band, then it may be fine for entertainment at the parish picnic or in the gym, but not at Mass, and not in the temple wherein the Sacrifice of Calvary is re-presented. http://www.adoremus.org/1003Music.html#sthash.GJCBJ3If.dpuf

Appropriate Instruments • For centuries, the pipe organ continued to be the one approved instrument for Catholic worship. • Other instruments were used in music for concerts, music dramas, prayer services, feast day events & the like. But for the Mass, only the organ was deemed sacred enough in nature. http://www.adoremus.org/1003Music.html#sthash.GJCBJ3If.dpuf. October 2003

Appropriate Instruments • Of course, through history, abuses crept in. • In the liturgical reform at the beginning of the 20th century, the pipe organ was once again re-affirmed as being the instrument most suitable for the Mass. • Orchestral instruments -- woodwinds, brass, strings -- could be used, with the bishop's permission, for special occasions. • http://www.adoremus.org/1003Music.html#sthash.GJCBJ3If.dpuf

Appropriate Instruments • If the instruments used to accompany congregational singing do not lead the faithful into fuller participation in the Sacrifice of the Mass, or a deeper sense of the sacred; • If instead they entertain us, or bring our hearts and minds into the world -- the mundane, secular, and sensual -- then how can they be suitable for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? http://www.adoremus.org/1003Music.html#sthash.GJCBJ3If.dpuf

Appropriate Instruments • 1963's Constitution on the Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium: • Other instruments may be admitted for use in divine worship. • This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use; that they accord with the dignity of the temple, and that they truly contribute to the edification of the faithful. (120)

Current State of Church Music • There is a gap between what the Church says about singing and is happening in parishes and cathedrals. • Choirs, and the congregation have not been sufficiently trained or formed in who, what, and when we sing at Sunday Mass and solemnities. • Sacred Music 1991 : Msgr. Richard Schuler, Board of Directors of the Church Music Association of America.

Current State of Church MusicMusicians in Catholic Worship • Music in most Catholic parishes today has strayed from the original intent of the Council Fathers, who stressed "active participation" of all the faithful. If the goal of music at Mass were to have a soloist or an entertainment group, we have succeeded rather well. If, however, the goal is the participation of the people in the pew in authentic worship through sacred music, we are failing. • Part of the problem stems from the fact that music in Catholic parishes is seldom in the hands of well-trained liturgical musicians • Lucy E. Carroll, D.M.A., is music director at the Carmelite monastery in Philadelphia, and is adjunct associate professor at Westminster Choir College, Princeton.

Current State of Church Music • We have become used to secular tunes, secular instruments (piano, guitar, drums), secular performance practices as musical combos and performing soloists. • All found their way into the liturgy, not enhancing its holiness but directly destroying the sacred quality that only truly sacred art can contribute to liturgical action.

Current State of Church Music • The vernacular has superceded the Latin language; the guitar and piano have pushed aside the pipe organ……. • What is left of the treasury of sacred music for the parish liturgy? Four hymns! • Sacred Music 1991 : Msgr. Richard Schuler, Board of Directors of the Church Music Association of America.

Current Pastoral situation • The liturgy is the greatest teacher of the faith. • Those who wished to change that faith understood that the changing of the liturgy (and its music) would result in the "protestantizing" of the Church. • Sacred Music 1991 : Msgr. Richard Schuler, Board of Directors of the Church Music Association of America.

The Role of the Choir • A choir of voices or instruments has two roles in a Catholic Mass celebration. • 1. To lead the congregation in song during "the designated moments" of the Mass, which are the following: the Opening Hymn, the Gloria, the Psalm Response, the Alleluia, the Holy, Holy, Holy, the Memorial Acclamation, the Amen, the Lamb of God. • HANDBOOK ON CHURCH MUSIC: FOR CHOIRS, PRIESTS AND CATHOLIC FAITHFUL Rev. Peter Schineller, S.J.

The Role of the Choir • The second role of a choir or organ or instruments is an offering to God of first-fruits of time and talents, and a ministry to the congregation seeking to provide appropriate music for prayer, reflection and meditation. • HANDBOOK ON CHURCH MUSIC: FOR CHOIRS, PRIESTS AND CATHOLIC FAITHFUL Rev. Peter Schineller, S.J.

The Role of the Choir (GIRM 103 & 104) • Among the faithful, the schola cantorum or choir exercises its own liturgical function, its place being to take care that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different types of chant, are properly carried out becomingly and to foster the active participation of the faithful by means of the singing. • What is said about the choir applies in a similar way to other musicians.

The Role of the Choir • Note that the whole body of the faithful should contribute. This is a most important principle, and one that is frequently not understood or followed. • The choir’s main function is to stir up, to lead and exemplify active participation and singing by each and every member of the assembly. • The function of the choir is as a service to the larger community. It is NOT to replace the singing of the people. • It is NOT primarily to sing for the people.

The Role of the Choir • Musicians fulfill an important and necessary function in the sacred Liturgy. • Whether fully trained professionals or ardent amateurs (those who do it for love), all must remember that the purpose of the music is to implement the Liturgy, not to entertain the faithful or glorify themselves. • The motto of all ought to be: Not to us, Lord, but to your Name be all glory!

Role of Choir – Pope Paul VI (1970) • Pope explains, the choir is performing a service or ministry to the entire congregation (not a singing concert or performance for the congregation). • A key purpose of the choir is to inspire everyone to sing, to arouse their desire to take part. By doing this, the celebration of Holy Mass will have solemnity, joy, and unity.

Role of Choir - as Ministry • Church musician is first a disciple and then a minister. • He or she is a minister, someone who shares faith, serves the community, and expresses the love of God and neighbor through music” (USA Bishops, Liturgical Music Today, # 64).

Call for Self Appraisal • Pope John Paul II called the Church to "an examination of conscience so that the beauty of music and song will return increasingly to the Liturgy". • He said that "It is necessary to purify worship of deformations, of careless forms of expression of ill-prepared music and texts which are not suited to the grandeur of the act being celebrated". (Wednesday audience message, February 26, 2002 - in AB March 2003, p 12.)

Defining Good Church Music • “Good church music” therefore, depends upon a well trained & informed choir, a prayerful singing congregation or assembly, & a priest who presides, enjoys, participates, and leads some of the singing. • The parish Sunday Mass should be so well done and sung that people, even from neighboring parishes, will want to come to our parish because of the beauty and prayerfulness because of the singing and celebration at our parish.

The Way Forward • (GIRM 39)SPIRITUALITY OF SINGING AND PRAYING • “Besides musical formation, suitable liturgical and spiritual formation must also be given to the members of the choir, in such a way that the proper performance of their liturgical role will not only enhance the beauty of the celebration and be an excellent example for the faithful, but will bring spiritual benefit to the choir members themselves (Instruction on Music in the Liturgy 24).

Why sing? • St. Augustine expressed it beautifully centuries ago : • “He who sings well, prays twice.” • Singing adds celebration, solemnity to the liturgy. Song unites the people more closely, more fully with God and with one another.

The Way Forward • Vatican II, Constitution on the Liturgy • PRINCIPLE OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY ALL • Art. 114. The treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. • Choirs must be diligently promoted, especially in cathedral churches; but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs

The Way Forward • It’s time for All of us realize the need to Unlearn , Relearn, Reclaim, Understand, Appreciate and Promote Sacred liturgical music.

The Way Forward • If God has blessed you with the gift of singing and music give it as a living sacrifice to Him by joining this very special Ministry of Choral Music to lead and serve. • "Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God" (1 Peter 4:10).

THANK YOU

Recollection for SHC Parish Choir Groups