How to Plan Music for a Catholic Mass

For Catholics, the Holy Mass is a special event. It's a beautiful combination of the physical with the spiritual. One of the places where these two realities meet are in the music of the Mass -- in the songs, hymns, and other liturgical pieces. Rarely does the average Catholic get to choose what music will be sung at Mass. This job is usually taken by the pastor of the parish or the director of music. But on special occasions -- most notably for weddings and funerals -- the laity has some say in the music.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Brainstorm your ideas. Choosing the music for the Mass requires talking to the basic members of the Liturgical Committee of your parish. Be prepared for these meetings by already knowing what kind of music you would like played at the Mass.

2. Visit with your pastor. Most people don't know that the Catholic Church has requirements for the kind of music that can be used during a Mass. Your pastor will know what these requirements are. Also, your parish might have particular guidelines with which you'll want to be familiar.

3. Visit with the director of music of your parish. The director of music will be able to tell you what kinds of music are available at the parish. For example, if you want traditional Gregorian Chant, there might not be anyone at the parish who can supply that kind of music. If the parish music staff cannot supply the kind of music you want, be sure to ask them if it is okay to bring in musicians from other parishes. It usually is, but some formalities must be observed.

4. Decide on the music. Since the Mass has distinct parts, your decision on what songs or hymns will be sung must fit within the rubrics of Mass. So long as you're willing to follow the basic requirements, you should have no problem choosing the pieces you want.

References

• Cardinal Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) on Liturgical Music