Cantors are improving singing in parish

There's been better singing at St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, thanks to volunteers who have been trained as cantors.

According to Bob Harrison, cantor coordinator for the parish, the organist and choir have traditionally been located in the second-story choir loft, which can remove sung prayer from the congregation. Having cantors on the altar leading parishioners, he noted, leads to greater participation.

"The Masses that have been cantored have had a marked increase in participation," he said. "It's led to a much richer liturgical program."

Training

To become a cantor at St. John's, volunteers must participate in a two-day training program that provides them with an appreciation for the role of the cantor as well practical advice for serving in this ministry.

"It's really important to get them up on the altar, to listen to them sing and to help them get a feel for the microphone," Mr. Harrison said.

Currently, there are four fully trained cantors, and several who are partially trained. Mr. Harrison would like to have six more trained cantors.

More to come

Other changes may be down the road in music ministry at St. John's, Mr. Harrison said.

The liturgy committee is investigating offering worship guides so that parishioners would have the songs right in front of them at Mass. That would mean less reliance on hymnals.

The committee is also looking at ways to bring the choir closer to the altar so that the parish could follow the current worship norms.

(Cantors are now present at the Saturday evening Mass and the 7:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy. The choir fills the role of cantor at the 10 a.m. Mass, and the contemporary choir takes over at the Sunday evening Mass, which is mainly attended by collegians.)

(1/24/08)