Congress of the

Lectors and Music

Guidlines for the ministry of music
and cantors
Ministry is a participation in the
service of Christ within the context
of His church
Romans 12:5
we, though many, are one Body in
Christ and individually parts of one
another, Since we have gifts that
differ according to the grace given to
us, let us exercise them
1 Peter 4:10
As each one has received a gift, use it
to serve one another as good
stewards of Gods varied grace
Eph 4:8 - 12
He gave gifts to men to equip the
holy ones for the work of ministry, for
building up the body of Christ
ON LAY MINISTRY
The word ministries is not only used
for the offices and non ordained
functions, it is also used by lay
faithful in virtue of their baptismal
priesthood
The Christian faithful are those who
have been constituted as the people
of God, they are made sharers in
their own way in Christs priestly,
prophetic and royal function
TYPES of LAY MINISTERS
Ordained Ministries
Non-Ordained Ministries

Instituted ministers
Non-instituted ministers or
commissioned ministers
FORMATION
Areas of formation
Theological/Christian/Doctrinal
formation
Liturgical, pastoral and biblical
formation
Spiritual formation
Human formation
On-going formation
Reasons:
To deepen their commitment to the
minsitry and spiritual formation
To enhance the required skills and
competencies in the pursuit of well-formed
minsiters
To enhance liturgical unity in the
archdiocese
To deepen their knowledge in liturgy and
the understanding of their ministry
To deepen their appreciation love for their
Eucharist
Role and function
Musical director: to train the choir and
choose the appropriate songs for the
particular liturgical celebration
Conductor : to conduct the choir and
encourage the entire assembly to actively
participate
Musicians: to play the musical instrument
appropriate for us in the liturgy
Choir : to sing the liturgy [not just to sing in
the liturgy] and to lead the people
Cantor of the Psalm: to sing and chant
clearly the responsorial Psalm
Requirement and qualification
Good catholic in faith and deed
Willing to commit themselves to perform
the duties and responsibilities
Physically and mentally fit
For musicians: as much as possible posses
skills and competencies in music especially
in playing
For cantors and choir members: possess
skills in singing and competencies in
reading musical notes
Resident of the parish
Willing to give time for regular meetings
and rehearsals
Decorum
They are to sit properly (such as no crossing
of legs) avoid unnecessary conversation or
movements
All electronic devices such as cellphones
MUST be turned off
They must attend and complete the
celebration they are serving in
Choir leaders must not roam or walk
around to give individual instruction to the
members
Personal appearance
Avoid maintaining personal effects or
ornamentations that attract attention to
themselves, including the following
Distracting hair-styles or excessive hair
color
Excessive jewelries, such as decorative
earings, bracelets, pendants, anklets or
the like
Duties and responsibilities
Preparation
Study the liturgical songs, understand
them and must check the following
before using it
1. The scirptural readings of the
celebration
2. The ordinary setting of the Mass
3. The liturgical season of the liturgical
year
4. The liturgical observance of the day
5. The songs proper to maintain the
nature and integrity of every part of
rite
 They must arrive in the church 30
minutes before the mass
Preparation through rehearsal of the
liturgical songs
They must spend some period for prayer
They must check the sound system
 Celebration
Musician must adopt an atmosphere of
prayer, worship and solemnity of the
celebration
Choir must sing clearly the liturgical
songs especially the oridnary of the
mass
Cantors of the Psalm must chant clearly
and properly the Psalms
Observe silence and avoid unnecesarry
conversation
 The musician and/or a representative
must to make sure to check with the
celebration of the mass as to the form
of the penitential act to use and
introduce their lsit of songs
The musician must also distinguish the
language of the mass