Why Do We Sing at Mass?

Music provides a rich dimension to the Catholic liturgy. Yet, many of us don't fully realize its importance in our faith experience. Let's have a casual but serious conversation—because this is about how music and our liturgy interconnect in our faith as young Catholics. We'll use a question-and-answer style to make it more lively.

Interior gereja yang indah dengan altar

1. Young people: Why should there be music at Mass? We can just pray and listen without singing, can't we?

Companion: In fact, in the life of the Church, music is not just an “addition” or “entertainment” — music is an integral part of the liturgy.

For example, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) it says:

“Singing and music… 'more closely connected… with the liturgical action', according to three principal criteria: expressive beauty of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly, and the solemn character of the celebration.” (CCC 1157)

And before that: “ The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value… the main reason… is that… it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy. ” (CCC 1156) So, music is not just “optional”—it accompanies and strengthens what we celebrate in the liturgy: worshiping God and building community.

2. Young person: Okay, but we often hear masses with pop music or bands, and some also use organs/choirs. Which is “more correct”?

Companion: Great question. The answer: We must look at the principles of liturgy and sacred music established by the Church, then consider the context of our parish (culture, capabilities, congregation). Some important documents for reference:

• Sacrosanctum Concilium – The Constitution on the Liturgy (Vatican Council II) calls church music a “priceless treasure” and an integral part of the liturgy.

• Musicam Sacram (Instruction 1967) explains the norms of music in the liturgy: the voices of the people, the appropriate instruments, the language of music, etc. adoremus.org

• Tra le sollecitudini (1903) which emphasized the importance of sacred music (chant, church tunes) in the liturgy.

In other words, liturgical music must fulfill:

• Beauty that reveals prayer ( artistry and spirituality).

• Full participation of the congregation — not just “singing while scrolling on the phone,” but truly being present with their hearts and actively singing (praying) together.

• A sacred/special character — appropriate to the atmosphere of worship, not an ordinary social concert. (CCC 1157)

So: Pop music or bands can be used if they meet these criteria and are within the context the Church allows (inculturation, local culture, and the congregation's capabilities). However, music should not be simply "church entertainment" that obscures prayer and the sacredness of the liturgy.

3. Young people: Oh I see. So, what can we do as young people to contribute to liturgical music?

Accompanying: We can join a choir, learn a musical instrument, or write hymns. Our participation enriches the liturgical experience and develops our talents. For example, some young people in my parish have written inspiring new songs, which are eventually sung at Mass.

4. Young man: Wow, that's exciting, sis. It turns out music plays a very important role in the liturgy, and there are church regulations for it. Thank you for explaining that.

Companion: You're welcome. I happen to be researching music at Mass, so I can help explain a little bit, hehe. The Catholic Church is indeed rich and beautiful. But we do need to have conversations like this more often to enrich our knowledge of the faith.

That's a glimpse of the dynamic of a question-and-answer session between a group of young people and their chaperones. Music and liturgy are indeed complementary—they are not two separate entities. Music is not merely "church songs," but a part of the life of the Church, a part of our prayer as a community of young people called to serve God and others.

We need to be grateful and appreciate music in the liturgy, not just as listeners, but also as active participants in celebrating the faith. Let's use music as a means to draw closer to God and others.