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Cantor Resources
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The Liturgical Role of the CantorCantors serve in the dual roles of song-leader/animator and psalmist for liturgical celebrations. Although the cantor must be a skilled vocal musician, it is extremely important that he or she also be well-trained and formed in the liturgical and pastoral aspect of the cantor’s art. A cantor is also a “minister of the Word” when proclaiming the Responsorial Psalm; when leading and supporting the people’s song, the cantor is a model for the assembly. The cantor strives to empower the assembly to be comfortable with raising its own collective voice to God in worship.
- Expectations
- Be reliable, organized and prepared
- Keep finding ways to move forward in your ministry
- Be a leader within the music ministry with your actions and words, a model for other ministers, looking for ways to support others
- Recognize your responsibility as one of the most public representatives of the music ministry and the parish
- Incorporate the Book of Psalms somehow into your spiritual/prayer life
- Cues!
- Entrance Hymn - Be the lead for the group to stand when the introduction begins.
- Kyrie that you are leading - During the recitation of the confetior (“I confess to almighty God…”) move to the lectern.
- Responsorial Psalm - After the, “Thanks be to God,” response to the first reading, count to 7 silently, and then start moving to the ambo.
- Gospel Acclamation - After the, “Thanks be to God,” response to the second reading, immediately move to the lectern.
- Universal Prayer - Be sure to have a copy of the prayers to follow, go to the lectern when the Lector goes to the ambo during the Profession of Faith.
- Communion - The cantor will often be the leader of song during the communion procession and should receive communion first. The choir should go up to receive Communion by joining the end of the line, with the cantor then continuing to provide vocal guidance to the assembly from the cantor microphone. There might be occasions when the cantor is responsible for beginning the second Communion song alone.
- In general, we never want to have to rush to get into place, and we want the liturgy to flow from one moment to the next without unintentional silence.
- Expectations
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Preparation for the Responsorial Psalm
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Ministry Growth & Support