The Three Judgments for Music in Catholic Worship
To determine the value of a given musical element in a liturgical celebration a threefold judgment must be made: musical, liturgical, and pastoral.
The Musical Judgment
- Is the music technically, aesthetically, and expressively good? This judgment is basic and primary and should be made by competent musicians.
The Liturgical Judgment
- The nature of the liturgy itself will help to determine what kind of music is called for, what parts are to be preferred for singing, and who is to sing them.
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- The choice of sung parts, the balance between them, and the style of musical setting used should reflect the relative importance of the parts of the Mass or other service) and the nature of each part. Thus elaborate settings of the entrance song, "Lord have Mercy" and "Glory to God" may make the proclamation of the word seem unimportant; and an overly elaborate offertory song with a spoken "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord" may make the eucharistic prayer seem less important.
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- Does the music express and interpret the text correctly and make it more meaningful? Is the form of the text respected?
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- Special musical concern must also be given to the role of the congregation, the cantor, the choir, and the instrumentalists.
The Pastoral Judgment
- Does music in the celebration enable the people to express their faith, in this place, in this age, in this culture? [In other words, can the assembly sing the music, is it appropriate for them and does it foster their participation in the prayer and celebration of the liturgy?] Music for the congregation must be within its members' "performance" capability.
(from the document on "Music in Catholic Worship", published by the Bishop's Committee on the Liturgy in 1972. )
For a pdf file of the newest document on liturgical music from the U.S. Bishops:
St. Martin's Liturgical Musicians: One Family, Many Gifts
St. Martin's Liturgical musicians are truly one family with many and varied gifts. Many of them have, at one time or another, sung with the 10:00 a.m. Mass choir, originally under the direction of Chip and Laynette Evans. From this group, many musicians have gone on to share their music ministry with the other Sunday Masses. Although our liturgies have a wide variety of musical styles, the varied gifts of our many musicians compliment one other and are appreciated by their fellow musicians when they come together. Our music leaders for each Mass meet together monthly, as necessary, to plan the music for the various liturgical seasons, holy days, and sacramental celebrations. During these times, they decide upon a common repertory, which serves to unite the community's liturgies and the rituals while still allowing for diversity in styles.
For Thanksgiving, Triduum, and some special liturgies, musicians from the many groups join together, combining their various gifts into one beautiful choir. We are fortunate to have musicians who are willing to work so well together.
Additional singers and instrumentalists are always welcome.
For more information, please contact the Liturgy Office at 289-9617.
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