What are YOU looking at?

In many churches today the music ministry is a very visible part of the liturgical celebration. Usually stationed up front, on one side of the sanctuary or the other, most everyone in the assembly can see as well as hear us. The way we look when we sing or play, how we act, or even what we wear–all of these things contribute to the tone we set as we perform our ministry.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Where is your attention at any given time? Obviously, when you are playing or singing, your attention is on the music, your instrument, making eye-contact with the assembly, directing other band members, etc. But what happens when the song is over? Are we fumbling through our music? Are we chatting about what went wrong during the song? Looking for a pencil to write something down? Or...are we focused on the reading that is being proclaimed, listening attentively to the homily, joining in a spoken response with the assembly, etc? Simply asking everyone in the band/group to turn their attention–mentally and physically– to the presider or lector can make a huge difference both for yourselves and for the assembly who may be watching you.

2. Our main goal is to lead the assembly in song, not perform for them. Sure, there are moments when we can and should use our gifts to enhance a song and even inspire others to sing along or simply be moved by the music...but let’s not make it about us...ever. Let’s leave the mics on the stands. (I can never think of a reason to hold the mic in your hand.) Be inviting, not distracting. It’s not a time to show what kind of a vocal range we have, or how many notes we can fit in a run, or how complex a solo we can play. By simply doing our music well we can encourage the assembly to join with us and lift their voices, too.

3. It’s pretty much a given that we should try and look presentable, not necessarily in a shirt and tie or a dress, but certainly not in sweats and probably not t-shirts, unless they were specifically made for the parish, a parish event, or something similar. All parishes are different and have their own expectations on what we should wear. Let’s just make sure we are respectful in what we choose.

4. Water bottles everywhere...what is the deal with water bottles!? I’ll be honest, I am usually singing and playing 3 masses in a row, and I never need to have a water bottle unless I’m fighting a cold or something. Why does the whole band need water bottles? Even if you’re not singing! Are you working up a thirst just by playing a guitar or a keyboard? I can see how it makes sense for someone who plays a wind instrument. Okay...enough about the water bottles. If you need it, use it. If not, just get it out of the way. It starts to look too much like a stage at a gig!

I think it’s important that, when playing music at Mass, we are aware that we are visible to many. Let’s set a good example for those who may be watching. We are, after all, at Mass. We are a part of the assembly.