21/01/2026
🎶 The Do’s and Don’ts of a Liturgical Choir
✅ DO’s (What the Church encourages)
1. Do remember that the choir serves the prayer of the assembly
The choir’s role is ministry, not performance.
📖 “The choir… should promote the active participation of the faithful in the singing.”
General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 103
2. Do foster active participation of the congregation
Choose music that helps the people sing, not music that only showcases the choir.
📖 “The full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else.”
Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 14
3. Do choose liturgically appropriate music
Songs must match:
• The part of the Mass
• The liturgical season
• The readings and theme
📖 “The texts intended to be sung must always conform with Catholic doctrine and indeed should be drawn chiefly from Holy Scripture and from liturgical sources.”
Musicam Sacram, no. 33
4. Do prepare spiritually and musically
Prayer, rehearsal, and reflection on the readings are part of ministry.
📖 “Liturgical ministers should be deeply imbued with the spirit of the liturgy.”
Musicam Sacram, no. 67
5. Do maintain a prayerful demeanor
Posture, facial expression, silence, and reverence are part of your witness.
❌ DON’Ts (What to avoid)
1. Don’t overpower the assembly
If the people cannot hear themselves sing, the choir is too loud.
📖 “The choir should not exclude the people from singing.”
GIRM, no. 103
2. Don’t alter the official texts of the Mass
Gloria, Holy Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen, and Lamb of God must follow the approved liturgical text.
📖 “It is not permitted for anyone to substitute other texts for those found in the Order of Mass.”
Redemptionis Sacramentum, no. 59
3. Don’t choose songs based only on popularity
Liturgical suitability is more important than emotional appeal.
4. Don’t behave casually in the Church
Talking, chatting, browsing social media, laughing, unnecessary movement, or inattentiveness weakens the sacred atmosphere.
✨ Summary Principle
The choir does not sing instead of the people, but sings for and with the people, to the glory of God.
