Summer is half over—Have you been to any summer BBQ’s or parties this year so far? What kind of music was there? For a few weeks I’ve been writing about great celebrations and Sunday Eucharist is one of those greatest celebrations of our lives. One group of people who help us celebrate well is the Music Ministers. Who are the Music Ministers? Commonly we refer to the choir, instrumentalists, and vocalists who lead us in song as the music ministers. At Saint Ambrose we are so blessed to have incredibly dedicated people who give their time and talent because they know how vital music and singing are to a great celebration of the Eucharist. Thank you Music Ministers!
I would be misleading you if I said only the choir, instrumentalists, and vocalists are Music Ministers because WE, the COMMUNITY, are the primary music ministers in our church. Our job is to sing the songs, to witness to our faith to one another through our singing, and to encourage others to do the same through our enthusiastic song. It is important that we support one another in song and that we hear one another and are not passively listening to the choir. Singing together transforms us from independent individuals to a unified worshiping body of Christ.
While I thank those dedicated to music ministry every Sunday, I encourage all people in church to be a Music Minister by participating whole heartedly in the songs at Mass. If you feel we do not sing well, you can always remember that Psalm 95:1 invites us to make a “joyful noise” in our praise of God. Next week—the Ushers and Greeters.