“Liturgical musicians are first of all disciples, and only then are they ministers… Musicians who serve the Church at prayer are not merely employees or volunteers. They are ministers who share the faith, serve the community, and express the love of God and neighbor through music.” – Sing to the Lord, 49
I can occasionally get a bit particular when talking about my job title. While I don’t always correct people when referred to as a Music Director, that’s not exactly true. I’m a Director of Music Ministry, and I believe the distinction is an important one. Making and facilitating music isn’t my goal. Ministry is, and music is how I’m called to achieve that goal. Bringing others closer to God through the liturgy and through music – that’s what’s most important. But singing, playing piano, leading the choir, these are all the means of ministering to the Church, not the end itself. This extends to everyone involved in our choirs, our cantors, and instrumentalists. We don’t just sing. We sing because. We have a higher purpose that transcends these artistic pursuits.
Please accept this invitation to participate more fully, more actively, in our parish’s music ministry. If you are interested in singing in the choir, leading the congregation as a cantor, or enriching our liturgy as an instrumentalist, email Shawn Gelzleichter at sgelzleichter@gmail.com or call the rectory at 781-662-8844.