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Music Ministries
The Roman Liturgy enjoys a long and glorious tradition of sacred music, which Vatican II calls “a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than any other art.” Sacred chant and polyphony, along with sacred organ music are a regular part of the liturgies of Holy Family Parish.
Our music ministries embrace the integral role that sacred music plays in drawing the faithful more deeply into worship, with the awe and reverence that is worthy of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the words of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, from his 2007 encyclical Sacramentum Caritatis :
Certainly as far as the liturgy is concerned, we cannot say that one song is as good as another. Generic improvisation or the introduction of musical genres which fail to respect the meaning of the liturgy should be avoided. As an element of the liturgy, song should be well integrated into the overall celebration. Consequently everything–texts, music, execution–ought to correspond to the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, the structure of the rite and the liturgical seasons. Finally, while respecting various styles and different and highly praiseworthy traditions, I desire that Gregorian chant be suitably esteemed and employed as the chant proper to the Roman liturgy (No. 42).
The Liturgy Documents: Music In Catholic Worship #36 states
A well-trained choir adds beauty and solemnity to the liturgy and also assists and encourages the singing of the congregation. The Second Vatican Council, speaking of the choir, stated emphatically: “Choirs must be diligently promoted,” provided that “the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightfully theirs.”
“At times the choir, within the congregation of the faithful and as part of it, will assume the role of leadership, while at other times it will retain its own distinctive ministry. This means that the choir will lead the people in sung prayer, by alternating or reinforcing the sacred song of the congregation, or by enhancing it with the addition of a musical elaboration. At other times in the course of liturgical celebration the choir alone will sing works whose musical demands enlist and challenge its competence.”