USCCB Guidance (For Catholic Parishes)

Guidance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops suggests that, for aesthetic reasons, music be provided by live musicians. As stated in the he USCCB guidance document, Sing to the Lord, Music in Divine Worship, “Recorded music lacks the authenticity provided by a living liturgical assembly gathered for the Sacred Liturgy. While recorded music might be used advantageously outside the Liturgy as an aid in the teaching of new music, it should not, as a general norm, be used within the Liturgy.” As a musician, I agree with this general norm. Recorded music should not be used as a substitute for a competent musician when such a musician is available.

USCCB does not specifically define recorded music. The assumption (I believe) that they refer to CDs of commercially-produced works, often with solo or choral singing. Our focus is on producing music (both MIDI and .mp3) that are specifically designed to support congregational singing, and are so good that they are often confused as being played by a live musician.

One real concern is that one might be tempted to use recorded music to replace an available competent musician in order to save money. This, in my opinion, would violate the guidance of the USCCB. However, many rural parishes and mission churches simply do not have access to a competent keyboardist, or one that is not always available. The decision should be made by the pastor whether an exception to the general norm exists and provide guidance to the music groups on when recorded music might be proper for them.

That pastor’s diocese may provide additional guidance on this matter, and the opinions expressed in this section are subject to any additional guidance that they provide.