Back in the day, not that long ago, few Catholic parishes had paid musicians on staff. Today, however, more parishes hire a full- or part-time musician to see that music and the liturgy are integrated in ways that suit both the nature of liturgical rituals and the spiritual needs of parish communities. If music was once thought of as nice but not essential to the Mass and other liturgical celebrations, today, official teachings of the church reflect a different perspective.
The Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (n.112) speaks of the "ministerial" rather than incidental function of music. A 1972 document by the U.S. Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, "Music in Catholic Worship," speaks of the importance of singing acclamations, processional songs, responsorial psalms, and chants. It also highlights the importance of congregational song, rather than the past emphasis placed on chants by the priest.
While the center and focus of the Mass must always be the Eucharist, music speaks to people in many ways, and can often remind us of that focus, turn our attention back to Jesus, and help us worship in an even deeper way.
If you are interested in assiting with Music Ministry, such as cantoring or joining the Choir, please contact Mikayla Beck. (Leave message at the parish office)