Music at Mass
Music is only one aspect, though a very important one, of our worship as Christians. Since the times of the Old Testament, music has been an important way for us to express our worship of God. It has long been part of liturgical celebration both before Christ was born and after he died and rose. Music elevates the soul to communicate worship in a new way. “The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy” (CCC 1156). The combination of music with both prayer and scripture has ancient and holy roots. As Saint Augustine said, “He who sings prays twice.”