Liturgical Music

The role of music at Christ the King parish is to assist everyone in actively participating in the worship of God through the Sacred Liturgy. 

“Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people (1 Pet. 2:9; cf. 2:4-5), is their right and duty by reason of their baptism.” Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14. 

Each cantor, choir member and instrumentalist has the goal of bringing the congregation into that full active participation at every Mass through the music that they sing or hear proclaimed to them. The musicians are not there to simply sing at mass, they are there to sing The Mass!

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 sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy. Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, 112

Cantors

The primary role of the cantor is to proclaim the Responsorial Psalm and the Gospel Acclamation during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. When the choir is not present the cantor also leads the congregation in singing the hymns and other parts of the Mass.

Adult Choir

The adult choir is a 4-part traditional choral group that generally sings for the 8:30am Sunday Mass and on Holy Days, singing a range of different styles of music, from chant to recently composed choral arrangements. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays at 7:00pm from September through June. New members are always welcome, including teenagers from the parish!

Children’s Choir

The children’s choir is a group that rehearses weekly during the school year and sings for the 11:00am Sunday mass once a month. It is open to children who have received first communion through 9th grade. This is a great opportunity for your child to grow in their faith as they learn Catholic hymnody and chants and how to sing the parts of the mass. The children will also be exposed to reading musical notation and learn vocal techniques during rehearsals.

Gregorian Schola

The Gregorian Schola is a group that focuses more intensely on learning Gregorian Chants and early and renaissance motets. Rehearsals are weekly to sing for special Masses and events. The goal of this group is to be able to read and sing well the music of our ancient Catholic tradition for certain occasions during the Liturgical Year. 

To learn more about our music program or ways to get involved, please contact Kirsten, our music director. (Kirsten@christkingchurch.org)

“Christian faith is either an encounter with Him alive, or it does not exist. The Liturgy guarantees for us the possibility of such an encounter. For us a vague memory of the Last Supper would do no good. We need to be present at that Supper, to be able to hear his voice, to eat his Body and to drink his Blood. We need Him.” Cf. Apostolic letter Desiderio Desideravi, 10-11, Pope Francis.