Thursday 30 April 2015

Some short and sweet words about liturgy

Some short-and-to-the-point statements about liturgy - adapted from here:
People have repeatedly observed the transformative power of ritual.
Liturgical celebrations are times when people come together to be nourished and transformed, and then sent back into the world on
mission.

Sunday 26 April 2015

The Lamb of God - Twila Paris

A hymn style song from the CCM genre, that I'd like to see us start using.




It's not often that one of these works crosses over and becomes a song for the whole church but this one does it for me.




Thursday 9 April 2015

Some thoughts about a music ministry vision statement

Why do we sing? 

“God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells within each human person, in the place where music takes it source. Indeed, God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises.”
Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, November 14, 2007, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


So what is the mission of people who lead music within liturgy?

To enable the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly, by inspiring those assembled to sing, by performing music that connects with the congregation’s hearts, minds, and spirits thereby fostering and cultivating each member’s relationship with God. This connection is prayer, and it is where true Christianity begins.

An effective music ministry needs to spiritually connect with the people in order for them to fully participate in singing.

Different people connect with different styles of music. So to address the needs of the entire parish, we utilize many different genres of music. Distinguished by song selection and performance style, all the music attempts to draw parishioners into song through its distinctive sound.

A “prayer-first” approach to music ministry is necessary. If we are not able to know our music well enough to pray with it, we will be unable to lead the assembly to do the same. Approach every note and every chord, being disciples of Christ first while striving to give breath to the spiritual life within each song.


Acknowledgement

Thanks to St Catherine of Sienna parish for these statements:  They have put things far more eloquently than I ever could, the above simply edits their text for more universal application.