Truth & Beauty

Music is central to the celebration of Mass. Now, there are many forms of music, and no doubt you’ve heard various types of music at Mass. But is there any musical form that we can say is more fitting for Mass than others? 

It turns out that, as with the use of Latin, the Church offers guidance for choosing music for Mass. “The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services” (Sacrosanctum concilium, section 116). In light of this, we incorporate Gregorian chant into our liturgies at St. Mark, especially in the Ordinary of the Mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei). 

Is this the only music we can use? No it’s not, but in the same section, the Council goes on to say, “But other kinds of sacred music, especially polyphony, are by no means excluded from liturgical celebrations, so long as they accord with the spirit of the liturgical action…” So, while there is room for individual judgment on selecting music, it’s clear the Council did not intend for just any musical form to be employed for the Holy Sacrifice. The Church has determined that Gregorian chant, polyphony, and other forms of music that share that same general spirit are most fitting.

At St. Mark, we have gone to great lengths to develop a beautiful sacred music program that fulfills the Church’s guidance, moves and inspires our congregation, and most importantly, gives the greatest glory to God. If you would like to learn more about how you can be part of this special ministry, please contact Director of Sacred Music Diana Corliss at dianac@stmarkhr.org, or visit stmarkhr.org/ministry/sacred-music.