Cantors Lead Us in Song and Prayer as We Lift Our Hearts to God

“To sing is to pray twice,” is a saying often attributed to St. Augustine. Our parish cantors are certainly praying twice when they fill St. Peter’s with beautiful music. Director of Music Monica Scholz coordinates the Cantor Ministry and says this is such an important ministry to the life of our parish. As she points out, whenever the Sunday Responsorial Psalm pops into our heads and we reflect upon it during the week, we can thank a cantor for that.

“Our cantors know the words we sing matter,” she says.

Cantors not only chant or lead the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation, but he or she also leads the congregational singing for the rest of the music at liturgy. They also manage announcements and teach the congregation new music, when necessary.

“Our cantors are excellent leaders in this way,” Monica says. “They help lead us through the music of the Mass.”

Each cantor sings once or twice per month. Cantors should be talented vocalists with an understanding of the liturgy. Currently, we have about 20 cantors who sing for weekend and Holy Day liturgies. Some are even as young as upper elementary and junior high school. Monica says several students in the student choir will soon begin as cantors, and they do a great job.

It is preferred that cantors also participate in one of our choirs. Most of the cantors are part of the adult choir — this group rehearses on Wednesday nights. Monica says most of the cantors have had some kind of outside training on music and the liturgy.

“I am proud that every one of our ministry leaders is a person of faith,” Monica says. “They have a commitment to the work of the Church and seek to find ways to deepen their knowledge of church teaching and liturgy, and share that faith commitment with our congregation.”

In a survey of cantors and choir members last year, most ranked “growing in faith and fellowship” as the main reasons for their participation in music ministry.

“Participating in the music ministry of your parish can be one of the most rewarding acts of service you can do for your parish,” Monica says. “As leaders of song, cantors have a unique opportunity to work in tandem with the priest and accompanist to create something prayerful and life-giving for our congregations.”

If you would like to get involved as a cantor or choir member, or to learn more, please contact Director of Music Monica Scholz at m.scholz@cospq.org.

First weekly meeting of fall 2020 at the newly completed GaGa Ball Pit that Louis Wilson constructed in South Park, Quincy, for his Eagle Scout project.