We will continue with Part II of Dr. Fitzgerald’s article on Sacred Music

What music should be used during the liturgy? Now, to be more specific, what music should be used during the liturgy? Musicam Sacram, “Above all, the study and practice of Gregorian chant is to be promoted, because, with its special characteristics, it is a basis of great importance for the cultivation of sacred music.” Sacrosanctum Concilium, “The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as especially suited to the Roman Liturgy: therefore, all 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 are in accord with the spirit of the liturgical action.” Documents prioritize the following as sacred music worthy of accompanying the Divine Liturgy: i. Gregorian chant ii. polyphony iii. the pipe organ iv. hymnody

All Roman Catholic churches must strive to align their liturgies with the teachings of the Church. We must strive to make chant, polyphony and other choral music, the pipe organ, and hymnody the mainstay of our liturgical music programs. Why? Because this is what the Church teaches. These are beautiful, rich, and historic art forms that elevate the mind and thus the soul. This is why the Church is keen on using them in the liturgy, as they contribute to the transcendental nature of the Mass. As with any art form, it takes an education to appreciate. Learning about Sacred Music is not an endeavor of instant gratification, as we must labor to cultivate an understanding of the Church’s aesthetic riches. A willing spirit is needed in order to enrich the soul in this regard. But, of course, doesn’t every aspect of our faith require work and attention in order to foster growth? 

To review, the goal of a Catholic liturgical music program is to give Glory to God and to aid in the sanctification of souls. Furthermore, a Catholic church’s music program must conform as closely as possible to the paradigm of Sacred Music as defined by the Church and therefore serve as a model for all other parishes. We must all strive to set an example. Why should we care? Sacred music is a means to make the liturgy more beautiful, to give Glory to God and to sanctify souls. “The Mass, the Sacred Liturgy, is rightly the source and summit of the Christian life. (Lumen Gentium, 11) 3. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes beautifully how they are made present, 1085 a. The music surrounding the liturgy must be “solemn” and of supreme “cultural richness.” (CCC, 157) Sacred Music should be of the best sort possible; it should elevate the mind and the soul; at the same time, it should aid in elucidating religious Truth. Celebrating the liturgy involves the whole person: a. intellect, emotions, senses, and aesthetic sensibility, among others. Celebrating the Mass using anything other than the best means possible is to rob us of the nourishment that the Church provides through the Sacred Liturgy. The Church Music Association of America states: “The Church’s insistence on music of a unique sort is intended not merely to stimulate feelings in a general way, but to exemplify Christian truth and convey transcendent mysteries using an appropriate form of expression.” 

To conclude this first section: Isn’t this really just a matter of taste? Personal taste is our prerogative, of course. But, since music for the liturgy should be of a particular sort, personal preference cannot be the only criterion that we use to define how we worship. Pope Paul VI: “If music – both instrumental and vocal – does not possess at the same time the sense of prayer, dignity, and beauty, entry into the sphere of the sacred and the religious is precluded.” 


For more information, contact Dr. Richard K. Fitzgerald at [email protected] or (301) 801-5039.