The concept of a Catholic Cantor is simple: to engage the congregation into singing the praises of God during Mass. That’s the overall big picture of the role. There are several other roles and things that cantors may be expected to do. I won’t go into that here, but you can read about A Cantor’s Art and Cantor Expectations if you are curious.

Also, you may read What is a Cantor in the Catholic Church? to get a full rundown of what a cantor actually is and does, etc. This post will focus on HOW to become a Catholic cantor, which is equally as simple, though requires more than just one step.

The Easiest Way To Become a Catholic Cantor

It will depend on a few factors. First, are you part of a large parish, medium parish, or small parish? This will determine whether or not the position is paid, volunteer, or somewhere in the middle.

What do I mean by this? I have had experiences where only one of the weekend Masses would get paid because the choir was present for the other Masses. I have had other experiences in which I was only there as a volunteer and was compensated with thank-you meals and gift cards about once a year. If you are expecting to be paid as a cantor, you need to talk about this and get all of this worked out up front.

Secondly, does your parish have and actively use a choir? If so, the need for a cantor may not be as great, and you may have the role as the Psalmist (the Psalmist is not the same as the cantor, though the roles are similar) as a part of the choir. If not, you might be able to step in as a cantor without much resistance.

That being said, the easiest way to become a cantor is to ask. Ask your parish music director, your parish priest, or whoever is involved in the music of the Mass. They will most likely have all the information you need in order to start your ministry within the Church.

You may have been asked to be a cantor while part of your church’s choir. If this is the case, take some time to go over the questions in the next section and pray about it! Sometimes it works really well as being a part of the choir a while before stepping up to fill a bigger role.

Things to Think about Before Deciding to Become a Cantor

While the responsibilities and time commitment is different in each parish, you need to write down a list of pros and cons before making a final decision about becoming a cantor. This position is not one that you should take lightly, nor should you go into it thinking it will be easy.

Questions to consider:

• Are you comfortable leading and singing in FRONT of people?
• Do you know the basics of music so that the music is not difficult for you?
• If you don’t know how to read music, do you have a good ear that you can repeat the pitches with ease?
• Do you have the time and schedule to commit to being a cantor?
• Are there weekly practices and special times to meet that you will have to make time in your schedule for?
• Are you confident in your singing ability? (this does not mean you have to be a professionally trained singer!)
• Will you prepare for each Mass diligently and be able to be there, on time and prepared?
• Do you regularly ask questions or for clarity when you don’t get or understand something?
• Most importantly, have you prayed about taking this role? Is the Holy Spirit prompting you to serve the Lord with your voice? 

You can use these questions to highlight the pros and cons with the above worksheet. This will help you decide if becoming a Catholic cantor is something that you are really ready to commit to.

Remember, having a calling from God is something you should respond to immediately. All the rest of the details will fall into place as you trust Him to prepare you for this role!

Do you want to Become a Cantor? Other Things to Consider

While you cannot always predict how long you will be able to do something for the Church, if you feel like you want to master the role of the cantor in the future, there are a few ideas.

First, you can check out NPM’s Basic Cantor Certificate. When you feel like you are at a place when you can easily obtain this without too much stress, it might be a good idea to get one. I am in the process of discerning whether or not I should get on. I feel I am being called to, so I better get on that!

Secondly, I have two courses that might help you start off on the right foot. The Catholic Cantor Training Basics Ebook and Course! These are two different things, though have basically the same content. See the links below for more info!

In these online resources, I go over how to prep for Mass, what vocal techniques you should use, how to intone Latin, Psalm tips, and how to act and dress during Mass. My goal is to get you from knowing not much about cantoring to being a confident and prepared leader. 

Here is a sneak peek of the course curriculum!

Invest in Cantor Training Ebook!

Invest in Cantor Training Course!

Tips on Being a Good Cantor

Here are a few things that are desirable in your role as a cantor:

• You are a humble person, seeking to glorify God, not yourself
• You focus on best practices for cantors so that you can become the best cantor that you can.
• If you know, you try to give your organist/other cantors/choir members a heads up when you can and cannot be there
• It helps to schedule all of the practices in immediately and set alarms, so you don’t forget about them
• You do your best to be a good example and help others when they need in during practice
• Most of all, you pay attention to the Mass, are reverent of the Eucharist, and are a practicing Catholic with the intention of being the best example of Christian life you can be. This helps tremendously, as you are not there for the wrong reasons.

Becoming a Catholic Cantor is No JOke

It must be said. This role is serious and joyful and beautiful and heartfelt. You must be a singer, an evangelizer, a minister, a Christian, a leader. It is a lot. But you know what? I know you can do it!

Ask your local parish about their music needs, step up where they need you, then go from there. Expand your education about being a cantor, learn the required music, and keep going. Maybe you’ll even get a Basic Cantor certificate!

Most of all, pray about how God is calling you to use your talent and time for Him within the music ministry. God Bless you on this journey!

Let me know if I can help in any way!