On singing...

Have you ever noticed the slight pause right before the Entrance Hymn begins? The energy shifts slightly in the room. Something important is about to happen.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (the Church’s instructions for celebrating Mass), doesn’t mention that holy pause, saying simply, “When the people are gathered, and as the Priest enters with the Deacon and ministers, the Entrance Chant begins” (GIRM 47).

The pause happens naturally, because we realize on a deep level (maybe subconsciously, in some cases!) that we are entering sacred time and space. The time we are entering is set apart - different from the time outside of the Mass, no matter what we were doing before or what we'll do afterward.

We have gathered for a purpose…and the first thing the Church asks us to do together is sing.

Music is universal and weaves throughout the fabric of creation: birds sing, insects chirp, the wind whistles in the trees, the water pulses its rhythm over river rocks. Even the planets hum as they spin in their orbits. Yet even though we are surrounded by natural music, humans are unique in our ability to sing together intentionally. Studies show that when singing together, our breathing and heartbeats become more similar in rhythm. The act of singing seems to draw people together as a common organism.

Pope Leo recently offered comments on singing in liturgy:

Singing also fosters communion. It contributes to the unity of hearts, overcoming differences between people and bringing everyone together in praise of God through the symphony of voices. Thus, it becomes an epiphany of the Church, a tangible manifestation of the communion that belongs to her very nature.

                        -Pope Leo XVI, General Audience, August 19, St. Peter’s Basilica

Singing reveals something important about our communion and our identity as one Body in Christ.

The invitation to sing includes everyone, wherever we happen to be attending Mass, whether or not we like the songs that are chosen. Maybe we worry about how we sound or that our gifts aren’t enough, but every voice matters. The Psalmist wrote that if people keep silent, even the rocks will cry out in praise.

(Any one of us sings better than a rock.)

Next time as Mass begins, notice that holy pause before the opening hymn. Take out your hymnal. We’re gathered as one Body– wherever you've come from, you’re already home. Join the song.

For those who might feel called to contribute to our music in a more particular way, we have a place for you. Check out our Choirs and Ensembles page for more information.