By Cl. Ankit Ganawa for BIS Mumbai

VADODARA, SEPTEMBER 2026: Don Bosco Parish, Makarpura, Vadodara, organised a formation session for its choir members and musicians, led by Fr Anthony Charles. The session focused on the sacred role of music in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and invited participants to deepen their understanding of choir ministry as a service of prayer rather than merely a musical performance.

Fr Charles began the session by reflecting on the important role played by the choir in helping the congregation enter more deeply into prayer. He reminded the participants that the choir is not simply a group that sings during Mass but a liturgical ministry entrusted with helping the worshipping community participate more consciously and wholeheartedly in the Eucharistic celebration.

The participants were encouraged to view their musical talents as gifts placed at the service of God and the community. The primary purpose of liturgical music, the session emphasised, is not to showcase individual talent but to help the faithful pray. The choir therefore needs to sing in a manner that encourages congregational participation and directs attention towards God and the sacred mysteries being celebrated.

A significant part of the formation dealt with the appropriate selection of hymns for the liturgy. Fr Charles stressed the need to choose hymns carefully, keeping in mind the Scripture readings, the liturgical season and the particular moment of the Eucharistic celebration. Rather than selecting songs simply because they are popular or musically appealing, choir members were encouraged to consider whether the lyrics and character of a hymn complement the liturgy.

When thoughtfully chosen, hymns can reinforce the message proclaimed through the Word of God and enable the congregation to respond to it through prayer and song. The choir therefore has the responsibility of preparing well in advance and understanding the liturgical context before selecting music for a celebration.

Special attention was also given to the Eucharistic Prayer and the Consecration, which form the heart of the celebration. Fr Charles reminded the choir members that these sacred moments require particular reverence and sensitivity. Music, wherever appropriate, should support the prayerful atmosphere and never distract the congregation from the altar or the mystery of the Eucharist being celebrated.

The formation also highlighted the importance of the spiritual preparation of choir members and musicians. While musical ability, practice and technical competence are essential, Fr Charles emphasised that these must be accompanied by humility, discipline, teamwork and a genuine spirit of service. Choir members were encouraged to prepare themselves prayerfully before Mass and to see their ministry as an offering to God.

The session proved to be an enriching experience for the choir members and musicians of Don Bosco Parish. It provided an opportunity to reflect not only on how they sing but, more importantly, on why they sing.

The formation concluded with a renewed understanding that liturgical music is ultimately a ministry of faith. By singing with prayerfulness, preparation and unity, the choir can help transform music into an invitation for the entire congregation to participate more deeply in the Eucharist and encounter God through worship.