It is a labor of love and honor to our King.
This December, throughout the six counties of the Camden Diocese, scores of faithful are sharing their talents and spirituality with their congregations in the mission to herald the Messiah’s Birth through music. Instrumentalists and singers in this ministry say music reflects the importance of both Advent and Christmas, is used as a teaching aid for the congregation, and enriches their own spirituality.
‘People Look East’
Each fall, church musicians are faced with the secular world’s “Christmas creep,” the retail industry’s use of Christmas-themed decorations and music to begin the shopping season before the last Thanksgiving leftovers are even refrigerated. Not so in Catholic churches solemnly marking the four weeks of the Advent season.
As Jonathan Delgado, director of music and liturgy in Notre Dame de la Mer Parish, Wildwood, explained, “Advent music is of waiting and longing for the Christ Child. To skip the Advent season is a disservice to the celebration of Christmas. Advent music helps us to fully embrace the season we are in and bring that sense of calm we all need.”
“Music brings us hope in the spirit of waiting,” said Maria Nieva, pianist, conductor and children’s choir director in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine, Lindenwold. “The Advent songs help us reach that level of anticipation for the coming of the Lord, leading us to prayer and a deeper connection to God.”
Nancy Douglass, cantor in the Catholic Community of Christ Our Light Parish, Cherry Hill, added, “Music draws the assembly into the season of Advent in a powerful way. As Catholics, we are called to observe the liturgical seasons during our worship so, of course, Christmas music has to wait until Christmas Eve. This waiting has the effect of emphasizing the qualities of wonder, peace, hope and anticipation that shape the season of Advent. The songs that we sing at Mass during Advent invite us to remember the Incarnation as well as to look forward to Jesus’ second coming at the end of time.”
Teach Your Children Well
“Music aids us in being present,” said Andrew Ennis, organist and pianist at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden. Ennis, who also serves as instrumental music director in Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Pennsauken, maintained that Scripture and hymnody go hand in hand.
“In listening to the readings, we learn through the music as well,” he said. “We have learned through music since we were young. The hymns tell a story, there is a point to them. If we don’t sing the whole hymn, with all the verses, we don’t get the whole story. It is poetry.”
“Music enhances the liturgy,” asserted Cherryl Summers, adult choir director in Saint Bartholomew Church, Camden, a worship site of the city’s Sacred Heart Parish. “Our Lord has been born. The music ministry brings the message all together.”
Send Out Your Spirit
“I think musicians during this time of year have to stay even more focused on our faith,” said Abigail Walsh, pastoral associate of worship and music in Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, Gibbsboro.
Walsh, who also serves as a cantor at diocesan Masses, admitted, “It is very easy to get caught up in the stress and feeling overwhelmed by the commitments of a music minister during the preparation for Christmas. However, I think all of the hard work and hours put in are worth it when you hear the congregation singing or see parishioners really invested in the Mass. It reminds us that the ministry we serve is truly to bring our congregations closer to God in their worship. I don’t think there is anything more fulfilling or beautiful to be a part of and witness to.”
Ennis observed, “When we sing full and fill the church, there is a difference in that kind of praying. … We are evangelizing our work.”
Douglass, editor and contributor of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians magazine, summarized her and her fellow music ministers’ motivation behind the hours of prayer and practice for the Advent and Christmas seasons, saying, “Music is unlike any other form of expression that human beings have. It can be deeply personal yet profoundly communal. Music can transcend time and place and make us feel part of something far bigger than ourselves.
“As music ministers, we are called to serve the assembly through our gifts and talents, which is a blessing and a privilege regardless of the liturgical season,” Douglass continued. “In a special way at Christmas, I’m cognizant of the fact that our church is usually packed with visitors. If the music at Mass can help foster meaningful connections for those visitors, both with God and with the community, that is very uplifting.”
In Their Own Words
The Catholic Star Herald asked music ministers around the Diocese: “What is your favorite song of the season, and why?”
Maria Nieva, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lindenwold:
“‘Make Your Heart a Bethlehem’ by Ed Kee. The soothing melody, beautiful chord patterns and its lyrics bring us the true meaning of what a ‘humble place where life begins’ is all about.”
Andrew Ennis, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden:
“‘We Three Kings.’ The ‘star of wonder’ is what we are trying to get to, the point of the season.”
Jonathan Delgado, Notre Dame de la Mer Parish, Wildwood:
“‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,’ from the minor [key] verses to the glorious refrain of ‘rejoice!’”
Abigail Walsh, Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, Gibbsboro:
“‘Joy to the World.’ There is something about the congregation ringing the rafters and celebrating the birth of our savior!”
Nancy Douglass, Christ Our Light Parish, Cherry Hill:
“‘O Holy Night.’ I love the way the melody soars over the piano accompaniment, and the music and lyrics truly capture the spirit of Christmas.”
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