A Summary

What makes one song appropriate for liturgy and another, inappropriate?

The Church, in its liturgy documents, defines three considerations: They are the

• Musical judgement: the music that you will hear during the course of the seminar is music that is tasteful and appropriate given the prayerful forum of the church and the celebration that will take place in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
  
  Simply stated, popular music (current Top40 or Broadway repertoire) are best considered for your reception and not for the wedding ceremony itself.
• Liturgical judgment: the music that you will hear will be appropriate to the ceremony, to the celebration of the sacrament and to the liturgical action in play.
  
  For example, a song that refers to bread and wine is best used for communion. The lyrics are tied to the liturgical action of communion.
• Pastoral judgment: the music that you will hear during this seminar will take into consideration the demographic and cultural reality of this particular worshiping community.
   

Can I have different instruments at my wedding?

Organ is available at both worship sites. Piano is an option at Our Lady of Sorrows campus. In addition, you may consider using other instruments, such as trumpet, violin, or flute, for example. The Music and Worship Office will arrange these additional instrumentalists should you request them. You are limited by your budget to instrumentalists you wish to engage for your wedding liturgy.

What are my “vocalist” options?

Vocalists are arranged based on the tastes of the couple. For example, one couple may prefer the female voice, while another prefers the male voice. Vocalists are engaged based on your preferences.