| Singing within the Catholic Church has enjoyed a long | | | | the church is considered to be a favored part of |
| and varied history. Therefore, it should come as little | | | | worship. 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 releasing | | | | express the various moods of worship. |
| a debut album in November that is set to include a | | | | The Pope has said that singing in choir and receiving |
| number of liturgical pieces as well as hymns. Just a | | | | choir training can provide an education in peace as well |
| few of the pieces that are expected to be included on | | | | as in life. He pointed out that when worshippers sing |
| the album include Ave Maria, Abide With Me and Be | | | | together, 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 sometimes | | | | peace. |
| seen as far different from modern practices, | | | | This is exhibited in stunning clarity when The Priests |
| congregational singing was always an important | | | | perform together. In fact, when The Priests were |
| element in the early church. From the earliest days of | | | | receiving vocational training in Rome, their unique and |
| the church, the practice of singing psalms has taken | | | | combined talent was discovered and truly appreciated |
| place. To a large degree, psalm singing is a carry-over | | | | for the first time. The group, which had already sung |
| from synagogues. The elementary form grew from | | | | together for many years, was chosen by the private |
| the practice of morning and evening prayers. Over the | | | | secretary of the Pope to perform for him. They then |
| years, the styles of psalm singing have changed as | | | | went on to perform in the Vatican choir. Although the |
| cultures as well as musical tastes have evolved | | | | group later returned to Ireland to serve in different |
| throughout time. In the last few years, the practice of | | | | parishes, they have continued their love of singing and |
| singing has experienced a strong resurgence. One of | | | | have continued to perform together. |
| the primary events that led to this resurgence | | | | Today, the Priests are continuing the long tradition of |
| occurred when Latin gave way to vernacular within | | | | singing in the Catholic Church. Their ability to share their |
| the church. As a result, new settings needed to be | | | | amazing combined talent and their unique expression |
| composed. This was an important change within the | | | | of favorite hymns will be greatly broadened when their |
| tradition because it then made it possible for the | | | | debut album is released this coming fall. Although the |
| congregation to take part in singing the psalms in a | | | | tradition has not historically included seeing priests |
| more meaningful way. That tradition of singing has | | | | become recording artists, this move will no doubt |
| carried over into modern times. Today, singing within | | | | provide great benefit to the church. |