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Joe Simmons was the psalmist for Pope Benedict XVI's 2008 papal Mass in Yankee Stadium. Right now, he's principal cantor at the Church of St. John the Baptist in New York City and directs music and cantors for "The Sunday Mass" on the ABC Family Channel.

On Aug. 8, Mr. Simmons will host a day-long "Cantor Intensive Workshop" at St. James parish in Chatham.

"It's a great opportunity for cantors of all different levels," said Justine Rodriguez, director of music and a cantor at St. James. The workshop is open to cantors of all ages, though Ms. Rodriguez said it's "fast-paced" and thinks mostly teens and adults will attend.

The workshop will help cantors "deepen their ministry as leaders and animators of prayer and proclaimers of the Word through the psalms," said Mr. Simmons in an interview via email.

Mr. Simmons' credentials include books titled, "The Work of the Cantor: Proclaimer of the World, Leader of Prayer," and, "Cantor Basics."

Well-known for leading cantor and lector formation, his workshop will feature sessions on topics like "the cantor as a leader and animator of prayer," "the cantor as proclaimer of the Word," "exercises for vocal health and expansion" and "vocal performance to vocal prayer."

The day will end with an optional master class where participants will be able to get their skills fine-tuned.

"It's important to get feedback and work with people who have lots of experience," said Ms. Rodriguez. "Even [cantors] who are great singers need training as a cantor. It's not about performance; it's about leading the prayer and being a part of the ministry."

The workshop will not only teach cantors how to sing the prayers, but also how to "encourage participation in liturgy by empowering the voice of the assembly," said Mr. Simmons, who believes that "the cantor's role extends beyond the liturgy into building relationships with members of the parish."

Ms. Rodriguez thinks a proper cantor is "someone who believes in what they're proclaiming, someone [who] takes the time to warm up their voice and really strives to sound the best they can."

For Mr. Simmons, the ideal cantor has "a pleasing voice that is easy to follow" as well as the ability to "go beyond just getting the notes right to illuminate poetic text so that people see themselves reflected in it. He or she must also remain present to the assembly with a combination of confidence and vulnerability."[[In-content Ad]]

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