---
title: Make a Joyful Noise with Songs of Praise
description: Music at Mass unites believers, enhances worship, and expresses joy. Discover the importance and role of music in Catholic liturgy.
---

[Vicki Klima Liturgy](https://vickiklimaliturgy.org/vicki-klima-liturgy-blog)

# [Make a Joyful Noise with Songs of Praise](https://vickiklimaliturgy.org/vicki-klima-liturgy-blog/make-a-joyful-noise-with-songs-of-praise)

 Written by [Vicki Klima](https://vickiklimaliturgy.org/vicki-klima-liturgy-blog/author/vicki-klima) | July 21, 2025

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.

[View full post](https://vickiklimaliturgy.org/vicki-klima-liturgy-blog/make-a-joyful-noise-with-songs-of-praise)

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