THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC Revised Edition

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC

Like its predecessor, this revised edition of The Ministry of Music explores liturgical singing in terms of how it enables the gathered assembly to enter more fully into ritual enactment of the paschal mystery. The "whats" and "how-tos" of music ministry are developed from this perspective. How does communal liturgical singing enable us to participate in and surrender to the paschal mystery? What musical and pastoral choices best enable the singing to fulfill this role? And how does the singing form us in a paschal mystery spirituality that shapes daily Christian living and makes the relationship between liturgy and life more evident?

This edition incorporates new understandings of the ministry of liturgical music generated by Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (STL). New material addresses the underlying theology shaping STL, provides schemas for using both the Proper chants and vernacular songs at the Entrance and Communion, discusses the value of singing the dialogues, and explores silence as a necessary component of music-making and liturgical prayer.

Kathleen Harmon, SNDdeN, is a noted liturgical theologian and musician, author and composer, presenter and teacher. Her numerous publications include Becoming the Psalms: A Spirituality of Singing and Praying the Psalms; The Mystery We Celebrate, the Song We Sing: A Theology of Liturgical Music; and The Ministry of Cantors. She is also a contributor to the Living Liturgy TM family of resources, published by Liturgical Press. She holds a graduate degree in music and a doctorate in theology.