Music enablers...
Sometimes, for want of a better name, we are called ‘the choir’. This is a bit misleading as it tends to conjure up the idea of polished performers whereas we see ourselves rather as ‘music enablers’ or ‘liturgy leaders’ perhaps. This is because the reason for our existence is not to perform, but to seek to help our fellow worshippers to take part more fully in the liturgy by leading and supporting them in THEIR singing thus enabling –‘prayer and praise to be offered more worthily’.
‘The heart of the liturgy’
Music at mass should not distract from what is happening at the altar but should help us to enter more fully into the heart of the liturgy. The music chosen, therefore, is chosen with that in mind, to reflect the readings or to emphasise certain parts e.g. the Gloria or the Sanctus, where liturgical moments are highlighted. For this reason we cannot always accommodate requests for people’s favourite hymns - although we do try if asked- as the words are seldom appropriate or able to fit the above criteria.
Praying twice
We are always looking for more voices to join us. It is a commitment but is also an important ministry. The more people we have the less of a burden and more of a joy it can be. Someone once said, ‘to sing is to pray twice’. Surely our prime purpose in coming to mass is to praise God. What better way than to sing our praise? Please come and join us - no auditions- you don’t have to be a ‘Pavarotti’ or ‘Callas’ - just someone who enjoys singing. We will welcome you. Choir practices resume on Thursday September 8th at 8pm, in the church.
Margaret Charman