| In my mind, Music Ministry involves much more than "singing in the choir." The role of a music minister is to help the congregation pray, whether that be during Mass, at the opening and closing of meetings, or at weddings and funerals. A music minister must first be a minister of the Word. If all we are doing is singing words that follow notes, we are not ministers. We must know the meaning behind the words we sing, and then sing with meaning. We must be musically correct, but more importantly, we must be liturgically correct. What good is a pretty song if it has nothing to do with the celebration at hand? |
Ideally, music should serve as a form of prayer, preparing us to receive the grace of the Word of God and the Eucharist. —Jerry Daoust; U.S. Catholic |
This same concept was presented in the Summer 96 issue of GIA Quarterly:
| When we sing the verses of psalms and gospel acclamations, it's not the melody that is the issue; it's the words. The text carries the message of the scripture and the liturgical season. The melody supports, amplifies, heightens that message, but the melody isn't the primary reason that we sing; the text is.
— Michael Connolly |
I've been in church choirs since I was 9 years old. At first I was put up front because I had the loudest voice. Then I sang up front because I liked performing! Only after about 15 years of leading congregational singing did it dawn on me that my responsibilities were greater than to "Make a Joyful Song" for my own enjoyment! Now I see my gift of song as just that — a gift!
| There are different gifts but the same Spirit; There are different works, but the same God who accomplishes all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one the Spirit gives wisdom in discourse, to another the power to express knowledge. Through the Spirit one receives faith; by the same Spirit another is given the gift of healing., and still another miraculous powers. Prophecy is given to one; to another power to distinguish one spirit from another. One receives the gift of tongues, another that of interpreting the tongues. But it is one and the same Spirit who produces all these gifts, distributing them to each as he will. — 1 Cor 12: 4-11 |
I have been called to be a songbird, to sing God's praise, to help heal those who mourn, to sing of Love and acceptance and tolerance. I am called to proclaim through song the words of scripture that challenge us to ever live as God calls us to live. And to be keenly aware of the celebration at hand while raising my voice.
| God doesn't care about your ability, but your availability to serve Him.
— Alice Tremont |
A long-time friend of mine, Kathy Dasney, once pointed out, "Margaret, you sing from your toes!" Others say I "shine" when I sing. If I do, it's just because I love it so much. And I know I'm called to do it as surely as I know I'm called to be a mother and wife. So I sing with a passion.
When I was about 19, friend from prayer group, Virginia Martinez, loved the way I sang, but hated my guitar. I'd bought it 4 years earlier for $25.26 at a music store with my own hard-earned money. But this friend, who made guitars for the Fender company, asked if I'd like a new, better guitar.
I said, "Well, yea. Sure."
She then asked, "Do you want a 6 string or a 12 string?"
I felt very sheepish, but questioned, "A 12 string?"
"OK," she said. "The only thing I ask is that if I give it to you, you keep singing for the Lord."
Then she gave me a beautiful new 12 string guitar, complete with hard case! And I've kept up my part of the bargain ... I keep singing for the Lord.
| Psalm 150
Praise the Lord in his sanctuary,
|
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Last updated June 16, 2003.
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