There is something mysteriously unifying about music — transcending color, race, and even language. This is especially true when music is used for divine worship. It brings us all together as we lift up our hearts in songs of praise and adoration to our Lord and Creator; engages us more fulling in the Sacred Mystery of the Mass.
Music, in general, is communal. And when we put it in the context of the Church and the Body of Christ, it’s an even more beautiful way to pray as a community. It elevates our prayer experience, somehow, utilizing our senses, taking us out of the everyday, and leading us to the transcendence of the Mass.
Liturgical musicians contribute in a very special way to the overall prayer experience of our parishioners., as it helps people pray better and experience God’s presence more closely.
Not only do liturgical music groups enable musically gifted individuals to live out the stewardship way of life by sharing his or her time and talents with the parish community, but they also deepen the spiritual life of the musicians themselves. For in preparing for the liturgies and learning the songs, one can’t help but become more in tune with the liturgical year and can’t help but feel more connected with the God they sing about.
As a liturgical musician, or simply as a member of the congregation at Mass, participating in the liturgy through song is a way to communicate with God. In traditional prayer, sometimes it is difficult to know what to say or how to speak with God. But music is like praying twice — it is a part of all our souls. Participating in choirs or playing an instrument for Mass every weekend can connect one more closely with the liturgical life of the Church Ultimately by doing so, you are connecting with Jesus.
