When many hear of a priest that grew up on a farm, they aren’t very surprised by that. However, they are very often surprised that a priest that can also play the organ! Music has been an important part of my life, ever since I was old enough to face backwards with interest towards the organ in St. Michael the Archangel Parish where I grew up. I began playing piano by the age of seven, and about the same time that I turned a teenager, I began to play and study the organ, beginning to play for Mass not long after that. I cannot fully explain why I have always been fascinated by the organ as a musical instrument, but over the years, that fascination has only grown exponentially as I have worked on honing my skill on the instrument as well.
Now, even though being an organist has taken a backseat to being a priest (at least in a certain respect), I still have a great deal of passion for the organ, and its place in liturgical music for the Church as well. Throughout my formation at the seminary, I was able to expand my understanding of the importance of liturgical music, even in the areas that exist independently or in conjunction with the use of the organ. That continues to only strengthen my appreciation of the standards the Church has for music, even now as a priest (who usually practices organ after dinner).
If I were to offer a simple piece of what I have learned over the years, it is this: music, in liturgies and even outside of liturgies, is important. It is formative. It can help build us up as people and as a culture, or it can reduce us to men and women that cannot resist even the most base passion or pleasure. Music has a formative value that, even today, is not fully understood, though many have made great strides in figuring out the psychology involved in music, one piece at a time. This certainly gives certain understanding as to why we take a liking to music, in one form or another- though there is the need for prudence in understanding whether one should or shouldn’t listen to a particular song, artist, or even genre.
Liturgical music takes this to a new level as it seeks to bolster the two principle ends of the liturgy: worship of God and sanctification of the faithful. Liturgical music never serves itself, but should always serve the liturgy that it is graced to adorn. In the same stroke, it has a potentially powerful position to help foster active participation and even encourage greater prayer. This is why I still have a great love and passion for music- even though as a priest I have a greater duty and responsibility in the liturgy- music can continue to foster greater depth and understanding of the sacred mysteries we celebrate.
Thus, even as a priest now, I still want to encourage all faithful: make sacred music a priority in your parish in whatever capacity you can. Perhaps that is helping the pastor to raise funding for an effective music program, contributing your own talents, or even simply speaking words of encouragement to the musicians. Whatever you do, support one of the most important supports that the liturgy has, especially as music itself seeks to foster and deepen that relationship with God for all who listen and participate.