I grew up during a time when there was “High” Mass and “Low” Mass. The difference was that there was music at High Mass. Low Mass had no music, was less elaborate, and was therefore shorter. My family went to High Mass.
Music at Mass did not mean that the congregation did the singing. There was a choir that sang accompanied by organ music. My grandfather directed the choir and my father and aunts and uncles sang in the choir. My mother became the organist under my grandfather, and my father later replaced my grandfather as director. Yes, it was a family affair.
My love of music comes naturally, as does my love of music at the liturgy. Music can set a mood, enhance the texts, nurture unity, and express our joy and thanksgiving in a heightened way. Books and documents have been written about music in the liturgy, and I will write more about how music works in the Mass in future essays. Liturgical historians tell us that song (chant) was an element in our earliest worship.
We are invited to sing throughout the Mass, from the Opening Hymn that gathers us together and focuses our attention through psalms and acclamations and hymns to our concluding prayers. Usually we end with a hymn that sends us out into the world to live what we have just celebrated. We join with all the angels and saints in a heavenly choir.
Consider the following quotation:
Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance. As sacred song united to the words it forms an integral part of solemn liturgy. Yet the function of music is ministerial; it must serve and never dominate. Music should assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith. It should heighten the texts so that they speak more fully and more effectively. The quality of joy and enthusiasm which music adds to community worship cannot be gained in any other way. It imparts a sense of unity to the congregation and sets the appropriate tone for a particular celebration. Music in Catholic Worship, #23
Consider the highlighted words:
Music is preeminent and integral; music serves and assists us; it helps us express and share our beliefs; we nourish and strengthen our faith; it heightens words to be more effective; music expresses our joy and enthusiasm; it unites us; it sets the tone or mood or atmosphere.
Join in the music at Mass. Let your voice express the praise and thanksgiving in your heart.