An awareness session on liturgical music was organized in the Parish under the leadership of the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Boniface OCD, to help Choir members to develop a better understanding on what sets apart liturgical music from other forms of religious music and the principles that guide the selection of such form of music.
The session was conducted by Rev Fr Rudolph Pinto, The executive secretary to the CCBI Liturgical commission.
The session introduced the participants to what really constitutes liturgical music and how the Church guides those involved in this ministry through the publication of various instructions which are foundational in this ministry. He reminded the participants that choristers are at the service of the liturgy and therefore, it is essential to minister as the Church teaches. He acknowledged the challenges that currently exist and informed the participants of the efforts of the commission in overcoming them.
Some key points and suggestions made:
- There is a difference in musical repertoire depending on the liturgical season and suggested that choristers look at the entrance antiphon for selecting the appropriate theme.
- Liturgical formation is important in order to understand what the Church teaches in these matters and not rely only on individual understanding. He suggested that choirs prepare appropriate hymns for multiple Masses in advance and use them in rotation. The hymns must be diligently selected based on liturgical norms.
- On the challenge of not being able to identify appropriate hymns due to a lack of clear instructions and absence of an official hymnal from the archdiocese, He offered to guide a parish level process till such a time the CCBI liturgical commission publishes an updated instruction and hymnal to be used.
- Lastly, he suggested that Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, issued by USCCB, November 14, 2007, be consulted in the interim.
The meeting ended with Rev Fr Boniface thanking Fr Rudolph for his clear explanation and suggestions to the choristers to be more attuned to liturgical norms. The session was enlightening and envigored the participants to seek ways of incorporating these teachings.
