In preparation for a talk during Lent 2024 about the music ministry at St Bernadette’s I have been reflecting on the importance of music in the liturgy.
I think the best explanation is that the purpose is “to enhance the experience of worship by heightening the word of god with music and to provide beauty to the liturgy through music”.
As musicians and singers, we hope that through our playing and singing we are able to help you lift up your hearts to God. Our role is to lead and help bring to life and enrich the liturgy of the word. It is a privilege to be involved in the music ministry and one of the rewards is to hear you all lifting your voices to join us in the singing,
So that is what we hope we bring to the mass. What about the singers and musicians?
Some members of the music group have kindly shared what being a part of the group means to them.
“Singing connects me with the words in a way that just listening or seeing them on a page doesn’t necessarily”
“Something about the way we sing makes a deeper connection”
“God has given us all unique gifts and we are using ours as he wants us to”
“I find that singing can be prayerful and uplifting” “The talented musicians and singers help to carry those like me who just like to sing.”
Since the welcome return of music and singing at mass post covid I hope you will agree the music group has gone from strength to strength. We are also very privileged to have David Buyers on alternative Sundays providing the organ music and occasionally joining us at major feast days.
A welcome addition has been the involvement of younger parishioners, including Andrea and his beautiful voice. Also, Sam playing cello and his brother Peter who stepped in to play keyboard while Catherina is visiting family.
We would welcome any-one who wishes to join us in the music group, particularly any younger parishioners. Just come and speak to one of us after mass, you would be made very welcome. We practice immediately before mass for about 45 mins.
I have warned Father David though that if we grow any bigger, he will have to move over on the altar.
I would like to end with a prayer for musicians.
Lord God, gracious and merciful, we pray for the strength of their families and loved ones, we ask that you continue to cause them to create and share the gift of music through instrument and voice. May they find joy in their work and may it fill them with peace, comfort, and purpose.
Lynne Wyre
Published: 03/11/2024
Review: 03/11/2025
