Music in the Church is “a treasure of inestimable value,” to quote #112 of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council.  The sacred music of the Church has been handed down through the ages to present day.  Each generation has added to the Church’s repertoire.

In the scriptures we hear at the first Eucharist – the Last Supper -  Jesus and His apostles “sang a hymn of praise” before their journey to the Mount of Olives.  (Mark 14:26, Matthew 26:30)  Paul wrote to the early church and told them to “sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  (Ephesians 5: 18-19)

In human life, signs and symbols occupy an important place.  “We express spiritual realities through physical signs and symbols, expressing the action of God who sanctifies all of us who offer worship to God.”  (Cathecism of the Catholic Church #1146, 1148.)  Therefore the music at all sacraments - the Mass (Eucharist), Baptism, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick - must be sacred.  In the most recent document of the American Bishops, they support only the use of Sacred Music in the Church’s liturgy.  Additionally, they now insist that a Bishop’s Imprimatur must be on every piece of music used at any liturgy; that way they insure that the “liturgical music and songs are approved by the Bishops in order to ensure that these texts truly express the faith of the Church with theological accuracy and are appropriate to the liturgical context.”  (# 108 Sing to the Lord, USCCB)

The Liturgy is the source and summit of our lives as Catholic Christians.  Every sacrament must therefore contain prayer and praise that is fitting for Roman Catholic Worship. When special liturgies such as weddings or funerals happen;  even though the songs may be very special to the family, secular music (music not written for the Church) is not allowed.  This music is better used at the wedding reception or funeral wake than at the liturgy.  In this way the sacredness of the sacrament is not lessened.

At St. Augustine’s we follow the teachings of the Church.  It is also the policy of the parish to have the Director of Music and our Leader of Song perform all the music at the liturgy.  If the family has a special friend or colleague they would like to sing; that person may sing one piece at the liturgy or ceremony, with approval of the Director of Music, so as not to detract from the sacred nature of the sacrament.