Weddings, funerals and anniversaries are always very special times for people as we gather to give thanks for so many blessings – the blessing of a life as we say farewell, the blessing of memories as we fondly recall their lives, the blessing of love as couples pledge their lives to each other.  At these times we gather in the Church to pray God’s strength, guidance or hope in the Sacraments, and these hours are set aside as a sacred time where we specifically draw closer to God in prayer.  We all know that certain songs are always favourites of people and can be very emotive and special to families and that is a wonderful thing, as it keeps the bonds between us all strongly knit.  However only hymns and religious music are appropriate for the Church setting.  The Church documents Musicam Sacram and Sacrosanctum Concilium (VI) explain this well as they outline that in the Church setting

1. all music is performed to enhance the liturgy and never to overshadow it,
2. it is performed to raise our minds to thoughts of God,
3. it is performed to help us pray and reflect
4. and to teach us through song and verse the lessons and meaning of scripture.

As such, in planning funerals, weddings and anniversaries I would ask you all to ensure that only appropriate religious hymns and instrumental pieces are played. 

Secular music is a wonderful thing and marks so many moments in life.  However, secular songs that people loved are more appropriate for those quiet moments of family reflection at home when people have the privacy and space to freely express their grief.  So too secular music is appropriate for a wedding reception rather than a wedding Mass. Equally hymns and religious music are fitted to the Church and would be the completely wrong choice for a hotel meal or a couple’s first dance.  Everything has its proper place. 

As all our Sacraments take place in Church in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the Tabernacle, it’s only fitting and respectful that music appropriate to a place of prayer be played.

With such a beautiful and vast selection of religious music at our disposal every Mass and celebration can be a truly religious and uplifting event and the great work of musicians, cantors and choirs can come into its own as a ministry that helps us all come closer to God in our happiest days.