Parish choirs join to turn music into prayer at St. Cecilia Concert

Six parishes in the Diocese gathered their choirs to join for the return of a pre-COVID tradition: a concert of hymns honoring St. Cecilia, patron saint of music.

Some participating parishes mixed their children’s and adult choirs to sing together at St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, for the Nov.10 concert of selected hymns. Before every performance, choir directors had the opportunity to address the crowd and deliver brief remarks about the piece they had selected to perform. Additionally, passages from Scripture and other ecclesiastical documents that highlight the importance of music in liturgies were read aloud between each performance.

Born in the early third Century, St. Cecilia was forced by her parents to marry, despite her vow of virginity to God. During her wedding, St. Cecilia famously “sang in her heart to the Lord,” and for this reason, she has been venerated as the patroness of musicians for centuries. St. Cecilia was martyred around the year 230 A.D.

“She made music her prayer,” said William Berg, director of music at St. Augustine. He encouraged all in attendance to do the same.

Referencing the Gospel of Mark, Berg noted the important role that singing played in the life of Jesus and the Apostles’ even as Jesus contemplated his imminent Passion: “Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Mk 14:26). Berg related this into the current life of the faithful who ought to nurture the “treasure of inestimable value” that music is to the Church.

Berg encouraged people to try to get as involved as possible in their parish’s music ministry.

“Even inexperienced musicians can be a blessing to their parish, with the instruction and support of their music directors,” he said. He also spoke to the importance of pastors being supportive of the music ministry and recognizing it as an essential element of liturgies.

The choirs in attendance came from the parishes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville; St. Matthias, Somerset; Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville; Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station; St. Matthew the Apostle, Edison, and St. Augustine. 

Following the concert, hundreds of musicians, along with family, friends, and fellow parishioners, gathered for a reception next door in the cafeteria of St. Augustine of Canterbury School.

The event was organized by the Diocese of Metuchen Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, whose mission is to “foster the art of musical liturgy.” Led by Megan Fitch, chapter director, the Diocese of Metuchen Chapter hosts events and assists local musicians in growing in their faith and musical skills. For more information on the NAPM Diocese of Metuchen Chapter, including dates of future events, visit www.npmmetuchen.org.

Jason Cordova serves as diocesan administrative assistant, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.