Sarah Mitchell
Sacred music is an important part of the Catholic faith, and Gregorian chants are a unique way for many to experience a new participation in Mass. However, there is a lot of resistance to the Church's sacred language. Starting a Catholic men's schola comes with its own set of challenges, such as choir members who drop in and out, a range of voices, abilities, and interests. To start a Catholic men's schola, you can refer to the papal document Jubilate Deo from 1974, which includes the basic repertoire of chants every Catholic should be able to sing. You can also refer to the Parish Book of Chant, which includes pieces such as In Paradisum and Jesu Dulcis Memoria. It is important to note that the schola should not be front and center but in the balcony or the back of the church if possible, as the silence and space that this repertoire provides are more important than the music itself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repertory | Papal document Jubilate Deo from 1974 |
| Parish Book of Chant | |
| In Paradisum | |
| Jesu Dulcis Memoria | |
| Simple English Propers | |
| Missa Orbis Factor | |
| Gloria from Missa de Angelis | |
| Propers in English by the Benedict XVI Institute | |
| Location | Balcony or the back of the church |
| Challenges | Choir members who drop in and out |
| A range of voices, abilities and interests | |
| Occasional homeless people who want to participate | |
| Time | It could be a month, or it could be two years |
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What You'll Learn
Get a group of men together
Starting a Catholic men's schola begins with gathering a group of men together. This can be done by putting up an ad in the parish bulletin, as seen in the example of St. Catherine Catholic Culture Center. Their schola group was formed when some parishioners saw an ad in the bulletin and decided to embark on the project of bringing sacred music to their parish.
Another way to get a group of men together is to reach out to your personal network and see if anyone is interested in joining a Catholic men's schola. You can also try advertising through other means, such as social media, posters, or word of mouth. It is important to be clear about the purpose of the group and what kind of time commitment is expected.
Once you have a group of men who are interested, it is essential to establish the goals and expectations of the group. Are you focusing on Gregorian chants? Are there specific repertoires or chants you want to master? It is also important to be clear about the time commitment expected of members, including the frequency and duration of rehearsals.
At this stage, it is also helpful to assess the musical abilities of the group. Do you have a mix of beginners and experienced singers? Are there any members with musical expertise who can take on leadership or mentorship roles? This information will be useful when it comes to selecting repertoires and planning your practice sessions.
As you build your group, remember that the size of a schola can vary. The men's schola at St. Patrick Church in Placerville, for example, consisted of five men, while the choir at Francis of Assisi Church has had larger groups with mixed voices in the past.
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Learn the basic chants from Jubilate Deo
To start a Catholic men's schola, it is important to first learn the basic chants from Jubilate Deo. This document, produced in 1974 by Pope Paul VI, is a small hymnal of Gregorian chants in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church. It serves as a "minimum repertoire of Gregorian chant" that every Catholic is expected to be able to sing.
The chants in Jubilate Deo are selected for use in the Mass and various liturgies, such as the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and include Marian antiphons and seasonal hymns. Learning these chants is an essential step in establishing a foundation for your schola.
The process of learning the chants can be supported by resources such as "An Idiot's Guide to Square Notes," which provides an introduction to reading and singing chants. Additionally, the Ecclesiastical Latin Pronunciation Guide can aid in mastering the clear and pure vowels of the Latin language, which are integral to the beauty of the chant.
As you embark on this journey, remember that schola, derived from the Latin phrase "schola cantorum," translates to "school of songs." This ancient tradition, organized by St. Gregory the Great, aims to train singers to better assist at Holy Mass.
Once your group has a solid grasp of the chants from Jubilate Deo, you can expand your repertoire by exploring pieces from the Parish Book of Chant, such as "In Paradisum" and "Jesu Dulcis Memoria." Remember, the goal is not just to perform but to submit to the music in humility and allow it to point to God.
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Find a time slot that doesn't interfere with other music
When starting a Catholic men's schola, it is important to find a time slot that does not interfere with other music or beloved music in the parish. Here are some tips to help you find an appropriate time slot:
Firstly, consider the existing music schedule at your parish. Look for gaps or less busy times when your schola could rehearse or perform without clashing with other musical groups or beloved music. This may involve some compromise and flexibility on your part.
Secondly, be mindful of the availability of your schola members. Choose a time slot that works for the majority of your group, especially if you have members with busy schedules or other commitments. Try to find a regular time slot that allows for consistent rehearsals and performances.
Additionally, start by filling gaps in the musical calendar at your parish. Offer to provide music during less popular times, such as on weekdays, at evening services, or during summer when other musicians may be on vacation. This not only avoids interference but also demonstrates your schola's dedication and willingness to serve.
Furthermore, be open to varying your rehearsal and performance times. Depending on the size of your schola and the availability of your members, consider rotating rehearsal slots or scheduling multiple rehearsals to accommodate everyone's schedules. This can also add diversity to your performances.
Lastly, when scheduling performances, communicate clearly with the relevant parties at your parish to ensure your time slot is respected and there are no last-minute clashes with other musical groups. This may involve coordinating with the music director, pastor, or other leaders within your parish.
Remember, the goal is to find a time slot that allows your Catholic men's schola to thrive without disrupting the existing musical landscape of your parish community.
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Learn the importance of submitting to the music
Music is integral to Catholic worship, with the Church teaching that its highest purpose is to glorify God and sanctify the faithful. Sacred music is meant to lift the soul, drawing hearts to God and fostering deeper participation in the sacred mysteries. Chanting is a traditional way of singing hymns outside of Mass, such as during praise and worship sessions or Eucharistic adoration.
The process of starting a Catholic men's Schola involves several steps, and one of the most important stages is learning the importance of submitting to the music. This stage can last from six months to a year, and it is crucial for training the minds and hearts of the Schola members. It involves instilling humility, purging the desire to perform, and improving the art of chanting. This period allows for a new approach to music in the parish, focusing on the traditional and correct demands of Catholic practice.
Submitting to the music means that singers must be humbly submissive to their pastor and the episcopal commission. It is important to remember that chanting is not merely about singing the notes but requires due preparation. Chanting courses are available, and there are numerous excellent books of instruction, such as Singenberger's "Guide to Church Music." Chanting requires mastering the proper rhythmical divisions of periods and phrases, as well as the legato delivery of long jubilations.
The Schola should ideally be positioned in the balcony or the back of the church, creating a sense of space and silence that enhances the liturgical experience. This approach allows the congregation to focus on participating in the liturgy through prayer and preparation, understanding that music points to God rather than solely to the community. The process of integrating the Schola into the parish life can vary, ranging from a month to two years, but it is always worth the effort.
By submitting to the music and following the traditional practices, the Schola can introduce real Catholic music and tradition to the parish. It can reinforce the faith of the congregation, introduce a new generation to sacred music, and rekindle the fire in the souls of older Catholics who remember it from their childhood.
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Decide on a location, like the balcony or back of the church
When deciding on a location for your Catholic men's schola, it is recommended that the group should not be front and centre, but rather in the balcony or at the back of the church if possible. This is because the music itself is not the main focus, but rather the silence and space that the repertoire provides. By positioning the schola in this way, the congregation can experience a different sensibility from that of a contemporary choir.
The location of the schola allows the congregation to participate in the liturgy through prayer and preparation, and to understand that music can be a way to connect with God, rather than just with the community. This can be a powerful experience for those involved, and it is worth taking the time to get it right. The process of integrating the schola into the church can vary depending on the local situation, and it may take anywhere from a month to two years.
However, by choosing a location that is not front and centre, the schola can create an atmosphere that is conducive to prayer and reflection, allowing the music to take a back seat to the silence and the sacred space it creates. This approach can also help to introduce a new generation to traditional Catholic music and lift the hearts of older Catholics who may remember it from their childhood.
In addition, by positioning the schola in the balcony or at the back of the church, there is the potential to create a visual as well as an auditory experience for the congregation. This can enhance the overall impact of the liturgy and create a memorable and meaningful experience for those in attendance. Ultimately, the location of the schola should be chosen with care, taking into account the unique dynamics of the church and the congregation, to ensure that the music serves its intended purpose of pointing to God.
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Frequently asked questions
A Catholic men's schola is a choir that focuses on the art of sacred music found in the liturgical tradition of the Catholic Church.
A Catholic men's schola can help to reinforce the faith of Catholics and introduce a new generation to real Catholic music and tradition.
Some challenges include choir members who drop in and out, a range of voices, abilities and interests, and the occasional participant who wants to bring their therapy dog.
The first step is to find members for your choir. You can do this by putting up an ad in the parish bulletin or reaching out to people directly.
The papal document Jubilate Deo from 1974 includes the basic repertoire of chant every Catholic is supposed to be able to sing. You can also perform chants in English, which is called Vernacular Plainsong.
