There is a reason why “preaching to the choir” is such an effective idiom. Reminiscent of the modern term “echo chamber,” to “preach to the choir” is essentially the act of expressing your opinion to a group of people who already agree with you.
This is not to say that all choristers are model Catholics who are always 100 percent aligned with Church teachings—perpetually in agreement with the homilist at Mass—but the phrase does recognize a liturgical musician’s deep commitment to a parish and the faith.
Music directors, cantors, choristers, organists and other Church instrumentalists are often volunteers, yet the amount of time they dedicate to the Church can be staggering, between rehearsals, Masses and other services and a musician’s personal time practicing.
Liturgical musicians also come from various backgrounds: Some sing or play simply because they enjoy it; Some participated in their band or choir in high school; Some majored in music in college; Others are active professional musicians. All of their contributions are valuable, and each of them are doing it—at least in part—for love of the Church or the parish community.
Not to toot my own horn (pun intended), but I am a musician in the Church, so I can confidently confirm these realities.
To anyone who sometimes thinks, “I should give more to the Church,” I could not more highly recommend speaking to your parish’s music director. If time, talent and treasure are the pillars of giving in the Church, it is possible for members of the music ministry to check all three boxes on a weekly basis—plus, you’ll be joining a community of fantastic, creative people who will be more than happy to welcome you. And if you’re now thinking, “I’m tone deaf” or “I can’t play an instrument to save my life,” reach out to your music director anyway to see if there are other ways you can help—perhaps you can usher an event, organize a music library, help schedule musicians or make a monetary donation to a music fund. I can confirm that every single person involved in music ministry is immensely appreciated.
You can get to know some of our diocese’s liturgical musicians in a feature story on page 19. Because November is our Death & Grieving issue, we also have a feature story on the importance of Catholic funeral rites, on page 14. Other content you might find interesting includes a column from Father McKarns on the history of Christ the King (page 31), a story on a group of young volunteers called “The Boo Squad” (page 24) and information on the St. Vincent de Paul dining hall’s move to a new location (page 26). And don’t forget to read Bishop Bonnar’s column on page 2, to help inform your decision at the polls.
May you have a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving! Until next time,
Katie Wagner
