By Jim Davis - Florida Catholic
- See related story: 'Let God play you'
Photographer: JIM DAVIS | FC
David Rojas offers pointers on music for the Mass.
FORT LAUDERDALE | David Rojas, one of the speakers at the recent Instruments of Peace youth music formation retreat, offered a wealth of pointers on using music in the liturgy.
His tips included:
- Each season � Lent, Easter, Advent � "has its own special mood."
- Four pieces of music are in every Mass: the Proclamation, the Offertory, the Communion Hymn and the Recessional. Other staples include the Kyrie, the Alleluia and Agnus Dei.
- Contemporary Christian songs can be good for encouraging prayer, "but make sure the theology matches Catholic theology." A good example is "Lord, I Need You."
- Balance traditional and modern Christian music. "But it always has to point back to the Eucharist."
Rojas also reminded his listeners not to neglect their own spirituality. "We have to be worshipers, too. We're encouraging people by example. So prepare yourself for the Mass."
He offered a paradox: Although church musicians should strive for excellence, the music is not their ultimate goal. "The music doesn't have to be perfect. It should be beautiful. But you need to remember that we're praying, not singing at people."
Another paradox: Music is important in church, but musicians should direct attention away from themselves. "In the Mass, you're not performing. You're shifting the view to God from yourself."
