Parish Music Ministry
GOAL OF POSITION
Music Ministry volunteers enhance the liturgical celebrations by leading or participating in the music at Sunday Masses, Christmas and the Easter Triduum through hymns and songs that foster the “full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical celebration.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 14) Music Ministry volunteers include musicians, choir members, cantors and song leaders.
Music makes prayer more pleasing, promotes a sense of congregational unity and confers greater solemnity on the sacred rites. The solemn character of sacred music refers to its earnest, intense and festive focus on the great Mystery which it serves: Christ’s redemptive and transformative love for his Church.
One of the greatest influences on the quality of our worship is liturgical music and the singing of the assembly. The role of this ministry is to lead and support the assembly. The musicians and choir members encourage the assembly to articulate their faith and come alive at liturgy.
RESPONSIBLE TO
Music Ministry Coordinator, and the Pastor.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Music Ministry Volunteer is responsible for:
- Participating in liturgical music as a musician, choir member, cantor or song leader at Sunday Mass, Christmas and Holy Week/Easter celebrations, participating in rehearsals as necessary.
- Selecting hymns or songs that are appropriate to the liturgical theme.
- Keeping abreast of current developments in liturgy and in music.
TIME REQUIRED
2-4 hours per month with additional hours at Christmas and Holy Week/Easter. Includes weekends and some evenings.
LENGTH OF COMMITMENT
1 year, renewable.
TRAINING PROVIDED
On the job training, rehearsals. In addition, volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend a yearly retreat/training session to refresh and update their ministry.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS
Music Ministry Volunteer:
- Knowledgeable of liturgical norms and liturgical music;
- Proficient in at least one performance area (e.g. keyboard, choral, voice) and maintained competency;
- Demonstrates humility and a willingness to continue to develop.
BENEFITS TO THIS POSITION
I will sing to the Lord all my life, make music to my God while I live. --Psalm 104:33 Involvement in the music ministry offers many benefits. One becomes more attuned to the liturgy and the rhythms of the liturgical year.
The Psalms and hymns become more familiar and can nurture one’s spiritual life. The greatest benefit of all is the personal joy of full participation in the Liturgy, while serving God and leading others in worship.
If you are interested in being a part of this ministry or have questions about it, please contact the parish office.
