“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.”

— Psalm 98:4

Why do we have music in Liturgy?

Music is an expression of joy and creativity from within.  It springs from our soul renewed by the spirit of God.  Music can move us, inspire us, and enable us to encounter the Divine Presence among us.  Music can invoke emotion, bring peace to a troubled soul, create joy, and relate to all of us in very different ways.  If we allow ourselves to be moved and touched by powerful words and music joined together in song, others will too.

Singing hymns in church allows us to become active participants in the Mass rather than just passive listeners.  Music is a language God gave us to express our deepest longings, our greatest joys, and profound trust in Him Who created us and loves us unconditionally.  Like all gifts from God, this is one that God calls us to use with gratitude.

Music brings us together as a congregation.  It brings together the generations through the timeless traditional hymns and connects us to the young with new contemporary settings.  No matter what age you are, music allows the worshiping community to feel welcome in the church's singing together.  Hymns express our beliefs throughout the ages and unify one generation to the next.

Music is a way for God to strengthen us and help us to grow as the people of God.  Music calls us to rejoice in our faith together as a community and a parish, and also reminds us of our place in the community of disciples.

We utilize music because God instructs us to.  The Psalms are the first songs that God gave to us, and repeatedly we are instructed to worship Him with music.  It's not necessary to sing like a professionally-trained Soprano, or play like concert organist; all God asks is that we "Make a Joyful Noise."  When we sing together the blending of our voices is one living example of how we are all part of the Body of Christ.

God gave us the gift of music to offer praise, to express our deepest prayers, to strengthen our faith, to build the Church, and to share those blessings with others.  We all can do our best in making a joyful noise, feel the rhythm of the music and experience the presence of God's love.  Sharing in the Church's song prepares us for the day we will join in the choirs of Angels and an eternity of singing praises to God.  Think of this as your choir rehearsal.

 — Jessica Springer, Liturgical Music Director