What does the Church Say About Sacred Music?

Our church choirs are welcoming new singers! This is the first in a two-part series on sacred music and music ministry. Click here to read Part 2.

 
Excerpts from Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963) -- Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy - Second Vatican Council. Chapter VI – Sacred Music
 
Promulgated by Pope Paul VI  December 4, 1963
 
112. The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art… as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn Liturgy.

114. The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Choirs must be diligently promoted, especially in cathedral churches; but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs…
 
116. The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman Liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services. 
But other kinds of sacred music, especially polyphony, are by no means excluded from liturgical celebrations, so long as they accord with the spirit of the liturgical                action…
 
120. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's        ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things.

But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority… This may be done,  however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.

Our choirs are welcoming new singers!

Saint Ita:
Singing Season: September – Solemnity of the Sacred Heart June 2024.
Contact Dan Lagacy at dlagacy@saintita.org or at the parish office (773-561-5343 ex. 13) for a singing  interview.

Coro Hispano: Contacte a Martín Corro al mcorro78@yahoo.com Temporada del coro en marcha.
 
St. Gregory the Great: 
Singing season: Begins October 1
Auditions after 9:30 AM Sunday Mass at St. Gregory: August 27, September 3, September 10.
Contact Mark Franzen at mfranzen@archchicago.org or 773-561-3546.
 
St. Thomas of Canterbury: 
English: All singers welcome! Rehearsals before 11:30 AM Mass. Contact Joan Mikol at joancarolm@hotmail.com for more information.

Vietnamese: Contact Hoa Pham at peterlinh9294@gmail.com for singing interview and schedule.