7 Hymn Books - beauty expressive of prayer

Lancaster Cathedral Ladies Choir rehearsing Lent 2012
Top right Damian Cathedral Musical Director
Mark playing organ Feast of Christ the King 2012

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) includes four paragraphs including the term music. We read about the liturgical action, as a source of prayer and for participation of those present.  Do you like to sing?  Do you prefer to listen to others?  What are your favourite hymns?  If you have a favourite hymn and would like to share why it is important and how it helps you to praise God, please use our contact sheet, we will include examples in the Cathedral parish blog.

CCC 1191 Song and music are closely connected with the liturgical action. The criteria for their proper use are the beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly, and the sacred character of the celebration.

View from organ loft of congregation singing 

CCC 1158 The harmony of signs (song, music, words, and actions) is all the more expressive and fruitful when expressed in the cultural richness of the People of God who celebrate. Hence "religious singing by the faithful is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred exercises as well as in liturgical services," in conformity with the Church's norms, "the voices of the faithful may be heard." But "the texts intended to be sung must always be in conformity with Catholic doctrine. Indeed they should be drawn chiefly from the Sacred Scripture and from liturgical sources."