Archbishop encourages full effort in singing at Mass

Writing in the August WelCom newsletter, the Archbishop expressed his joy at meeting people in parishes and in taking part in liturgies and events there.

“One of the things that has struck me for several years is that we, as Catholic people, have not really grasped well the great gift that singing is in our liturgical life,” Archbishop Martin said. “St Augustine said that to sing is to pray twice.

“I have been to many liturgies where people have gathered and sang enthusiastically and well, and it has added a great joy and prayerfulness to the Mass.

“I would love to be able to say that this was the experience all the time, that when we gather, we enter into singing wholeheartedly because we know that the hymns we are singing are indeed prayers to God. We are singing his praises, recognising his generosity, entreating his help.

“But often people stand seemingly enduring the hymn or lips closed shut.”

Archbishop Martin acknowledged that some people say that they can’t sing, but also noted that “music teachers would say that is, in fact, very rare”.

“Sometimes people blame the choice of music, or the quality of the musicians. But, in fact, if we all sang together that wouldn’t matter so much. Liturgy committees in parishes work hard to ensure that the hymns reflect the readings of the Mass. They also try [to] choose hymns which fit the guidelines for liturgical music, as well as give some variety for the community. It isn’t an easy task and our musicians put in a lot of time preparing so that we, the community of faith, can join together to sing and pray.

“So I encourage you to think of your own attitude and approach towards singing at Mass or on other occasions. If all of us gave it our best, it would make a significant difference to the sense of being together, and participating fully in the great liturgical action which is the celebration of the Mass.”

FULL STORY

WelCom August 2025 | Archdiocese of Wellington (WelCom)