Practical Cantor Manual
  • ArsMusicaSacra
    Posts: 10
    Are there thoughts on cantor manuals? I have done some research into them and I have been able to lightly browse a few. From what I can see, they are generally aimed from Catholics to Catholics. And although this is the most natural progression, I see that there is a deficiency for those who may be hiring outside help (bearing in mind that these folk are more likely than not entering into the ministerial role for the spiritual affect).

    I have been drafting one with foundations on the NO in the RR, along with musical development for the cantor, and navigating parish communications and development.

    This is an endeavor that I would like to continue and finish – knowing that there are others out there who see the value in this potential resource!
  • SponsaChristi
    Posts: 606
    From what I can see, they are generally aimed from Catholics to Catholics. And although this is the most natural progression, I see that there is a deficiency for those who may be hiring outside help (bearing in mind that these folk are more likely than not entering into the ministerial role for the spiritual affect).


    That’s because the role of Cantor is a liturgical function and thus, the Cantor must be Catholic. They’re actually supposed to be practicing Catholics, in good standing and living the Catholic faith. In the early Church this was a function reserved for Consecrated Virgins.

    (bearing in mind that these folk are more likely than not entering into the ministerial role for the spiritual affect).

    What do you mean by “spiritual effect”?
  • ArsMusicaSacra
    Posts: 10
    That’s because the role of Cantor is a liturgical function and thus, the Cantor must be Catholic.

    Of course this is the outlined role of the minister and I fully support it. However, this is simply not the lived experience in many parishes, so the resource would be meant for this pastoral context, where they would still like to offer formation and catechesis to these individuals. Not to mention that it is my belief that this could be a wonderful portal into the Church for some musicians.

    And I simply mean that those hired are there for employment and monetary purpose – or maybe even musical – over the proper liturgical ministerial purpose.
  • SponsaChristi
    Posts: 606
    Of course this is the outlined role of the minister and I fully support it. However, this is simply not the lived experience in many parishes, so the resource would be meant for this pastoral context, where they would still like to offer formation and catechesis to these individuals. Not to mention that it is my belief that this could be a wonderful portal into the Church for some musicians.

    And those parishes are in disobedience to The Church. Non-Catholics have no business performing liturgical positions in the Church. Liturgical positions are not a portal into the Church.

    And I simply mean that those hired are there for employment and monetary purpose – or maybe even musical – over the proper liturgical ministerial purpose.


    Again, they have no business in that position then, and those parishes who are already doing this should be corrected by their Diocese. This isn’t an acceptable reason to be a cantor.
    Thanked by 1hilluminar
  • ArsMusicaSacra
    Posts: 10
    This debate has played out here a few times, and in the broader Church many. I, for one,–and in full disclosure – have been an advocate at the diocesan level for those who serve at episcopal liturgies to be drawn primarily from our Catholic cohort. Those who are not from this pool, however, are not excluded – though not primarily considered.

    Liturgical positions are not a portal into the Church.


    I just wish to note in charity that you can find threads here, and elsewhere (including myself) where this is exactly the instance. Should it be? Well to the Church, no. But here we are. So to God, yes.

    Again, they have no business in that position then, and those parishes who are already doing this should be corrected by their Diocese. This isn’t an acceptable reason to be a cantor.


    At the parochial level, I too, will continue in advocacy for the ministerial function in its most formalized use case – and I will continue, too, at the diocesan level to advocate for this will broadening ecumenical dialogue on the matter in professional contexts.
    Thanked by 1Jeffrey Quick
  • SponsaChristi
    Posts: 606
    The ministry of Cantor falls under the umbrella as Lector. You’re not going to convince me that non-Catholics should be permitted to approach the ambo during Mass a proclaim the Word of God. Yes, I know in very very limited circumstances each year the Church makes an exception in the name of “ecumenism” to allow a Protestant to do a reading once a year, but that is an exception, and even then it’s risky for causing scandal.

    I had to sit through a strongly worded 30+ minute sermon today on the importance of obedience to The Church. Suffice to say, I will stick with the Church on this matter.
    Thanked by 2Chant_Supremacist hilluminar
  • Richard MixRichard Mix
    Posts: 2,913
    The ministry of the cantor is not done from the ambo: the role as I understand it is to intone the pitch and lead the congregation and/or choir, who are fulfilling the liturgical role.
  • Liam
    Posts: 5,464
    But if the cantor is singing and leading the responsorial psalm - the ministerial role of psalmist - is part of the proclamation of the Word and can be done from the ambo.
    Thanked by 1MatthewRoth
  • MatthewRoth
    Posts: 3,212
    ^which I hate, but that’s a legitimate practice insofar as the books allow it and mention it.
  • ContinuousbassContinuousbass
    Posts: 374
    In my mind the cantor is required wherever the priests and deacons not able to sing or chant. Also in my opinion all priests and deacons should be able to sing and chant the mass. Sight singing should be made into an exit exam for the seminary school.
  • ArsMusicaSacra
    Posts: 10
    Gracefully, I have seen the trend rising of pastoral staff at the diocesan level looking for training for their deacons prior to their ordination – usually pertaining to the anxiety around the exultet – a start is a start!
  • SponsaChristi
    Posts: 606
    The ministry of the cantor is not done from the ambo: the role as I understand it is to intone the pitch and lead the congregation and/or choir, who are fulfilling the liturgical role.


    Perhaps this is area specific. What you’re referring to is referred to as a “Leader of Song” according to the Liturgical Guidelines put out by the CCCB, https://www.scsba.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/guidelines_liturgical_music.pdf

    The role of Cantor is defined as:
    The Cantor
    The principal role of the cantor is to proclaim God’s Word by singing the verses of the psalm and to elicit the assembly’s response. This ministry is exercised at the ambo from which God’s Word is proclaimed. Frequently, the cantor will also sing the invocations during litanies and the intercessions during the Universal Prayer. Where it is permitted in the liturgical books, the cantor may also sing texts normally sung by the priest or deacon (e.g., the Easter proclamation).
    Because of the unique ministry which the cantor exercises, in addition to musical skills the cantor must have acknowledge [sic] of the scriptures and understand the place of the psalms and biblical canticles in the liturgy.


    One thing is certain- being a cantor is a ministry, not a gig.
  • ArsMusicaSacra
    Posts: 10
    The ministry of the cantor is just that – a ministry.

    The usage of non-Catholics as cantors is, well, a gig. Parishes should not (and will not) be reprimanded for this–especially, if they are seeking in earnest to employ a member of their assembly rather than outsourcing talent immediately. So why not offer these individuals formation rather than signaling they are not welcome? Moreover, when they are often being sought by the presbyterate, nay, the episcopacy?

    The cantor exercises his or her ministry from a conveniently located stand, but not from the ambo.


    Thats STTL § 40 with cross reference to LFM § 33 – so as to the USCCB, the ambo is reserved for the psalmist and the proclamation during the LotW.

    Edit: I should note too, here is what STTL § 49 has to say on all liturgical musicians (choir, psalmist, cantor, organist/instrumentalist, and music directors)

    Liturgical musicians are first of all disciples, and only then are they ministers. Joined to Christ through the Sacraments of Initiation, musicians belong to the assembly of the baptized faithful; they are worshipers above all else. Like other baptized members of the assembly, pastoral musicians need to hear the Gospel, experience conversion, profess faith in Christ, and so proclaim the praise of God. Thus, musicians who serve the Church at prayer are not merely employees or volunteers. They are ministers who share the faith, serve the community, and express the love of God and neighbor through music.


    I want to bold and underline the whole thing because I think it is so good. There is no preclusion to non-Catholics, only those who are not expressed of the four outlined qualities of a baptized believer.
    Thanked by 1PaxMelodious
  • SponsaChristi
    Posts: 606
    There is no preclusion to non-Catholics, only those who are not expressed of the four outlined qualities of a baptized believer.

    Yes there is.

    Joined to Christ through the Sacraments of Initiation

    Note the plural in Sacraments of Initiation. There are three Sacraments of Initiations: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Only Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox are joined to Christ through the Sacraments of Initiation. There are documents put out by the Church as well as the Eastern Orthodox for mutual participation in liturgical functions. Baptism is only the first and one sacrament of initiation.
    Thanked by 1Chant_Supremacist
  • ArsMusicaSacra
    Posts: 10
    I am sure that you are familiar with the Church's position on the validity of ordinances outside of the Church due to your reference to our eastern brothers. It's clear to me that the canonist in reviewal of STTL made the language perfectly obtuse to "baptized" members of the faithful as this is the only valid sacrament of initation thereby referred to. CCC 1256 cf. DE95.a
  • ContinuousbassContinuousbass
    Posts: 374
    Ever since they were composed, the act of proclaiming the Psalm is a calling of and requires acceptance of the Holy Paraclete, so the psalmist /should/ be a confirmed, baptized Catholic. If not, confirmation should be taught and arranged for psalmists /before/ their ministry begins. The work requires going beyond a mere knowledge of the liturgical functions or biblical history.
  • Liam
    Posts: 5,464
    Btw, not only the Eastern Orthodox, but the Catholic Church recognizes and accepts the validity of the sacraments/mysteries - and apostolic succession of the bishops of - the Oriental Orthodox Churches - that is, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian & Eretrian Orthodox Churches, the Syriac Orthodox Churches, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the the Assyrian Church of the East.
    Thanked by 2CHGiffen Roborgelmeister
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