The Tradition of Singing in the Catholic Church

Singing within the Catholic Church has enjoyed a longthe church is considered to be a favored part of
and varied history. Therefore, it should come as littleworship. Depending on the nature of the hymn, singing
surprise that The Priests, a group of three Irish priests,within the church can allow the congregation to
have signed a recording contract and will be releasingexpress the various moods of worship.
a debut album in November that is set to include aThe Pope has said that singing in choir and receiving
number of liturgical pieces as well as hymns. Just achoir training can provide an education in peace as well
few of the pieces that are expected to be included onas in life. He pointed out that when worshippers sing
the album include Ave Maria, Abide With Me and Betogether, the practice commands the attention of each
Still My Soul.person so that they are able to walk together in
While early traditions of the church are sometimespeace.
seen as far different from modern practices,This is exhibited in stunning clarity when The Priests
congregational singing was always an importantperform together. In fact, when The Priests were
element in the early church. From the earliest days ofreceiving vocational training in Rome, their unique and
the church, the practice of singing psalms has takencombined talent was discovered and truly appreciated
place. To a large degree, psalm singing is a carry-overfor the first time. The group, which had already sung
from synagogues. The elementary form grew fromtogether for many years, was chosen by the private
the practice of morning and evening prayers. Over thesecretary of the Pope to perform for him. They then
years, the styles of psalm singing have changed aswent on to perform in the Vatican choir. Although the
cultures as well as musical tastes have evolvedgroup later returned to Ireland to serve in different
throughout time. In the last few years, the practice ofparishes, they have continued their love of singing and
singing has experienced a strong resurgence. One ofhave continued to perform together.
the primary events that led to this resurgenceToday, the Priests are continuing the long tradition of
occurred when Latin gave way to vernacular withinsinging in the Catholic Church. Their ability to share their
the church. As a result, new settings needed to beamazing combined talent and their unique expression
composed. This was an important change within theof favorite hymns will be greatly broadened when their
tradition because it then made it possible for thedebut album is released this coming fall. Although the
congregation to take part in singing the psalms in atradition has not historically included seeing priests
more meaningful way. That tradition of singing hasbecome recording artists, this move will no doubt
carried over into modern times. Today, singing withinprovide great benefit to the church.