Cantors

Cantors have a special ministry in assisting the sung prayer of the assembly in the absence of a choir. It is their task to encourage and enable the assembly's singing, leading the assembly to sing with confidence on their own. This role must be executed in a way that does not intrude on communal prayer. Because of the unique nature of this ministry, ongoing formation and training is encouraged and expected of all participants.

*Interested cantors are invited to audition. Contact the Director of Worship and Music listed below.*
 

There are several Church documents discussing music in the liturgy.  The most recent,  Sing to the Lord, was issued in 2007 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  Below are some things that the  U.S. Bishops  say about the role of the cantor/psalmist in the liturgy:
 

• 34) The psalmist, or “cantor of the psalm,” proclaims the Psalm after the first reading and leads the gathered assembly in singing the refrain.  The psalmist may also, when necessary, intone the Gospel Acclamation and verse.  Although this ministry is distinct from the role of the cantor, the two ministries are often entrusted to the same person.
• 35) Persons designated for the ministry of psalmist should possess “the ability for singing and a facility in correct pronunciation and diction.”  As one who proclaims the Word, the psalmist should be able to proclaim the text of the Psalm with clarity, conviction, and sensitivity to the text, the musical setting, and those who are listening.
• 37) The cantor is both a singer and a leader of congregational song.
• 38) As a leader of congregational song, the cantor should take part in singing with the entire gathered assembly.  In order to promote the singing of the liturgical assembly, the cantor's voice should not be heard above the congregation.  As a transitional practice, the voice of the cantor might need to be amplified to stimulate and lead congregational singing when this is still weak.  However, as the congregation finds its voice and sings with increasing confidence, the cantor's voice should correspondingly recede.