This post may contain affiliate links. I only promote products I use and love.
Catholic Cantor Feature
Seeing as there are many cantors around the world, some with very little recognition or appreciation, I have decided to do features of them on my website.
While I have already featured the stories of 5 such cantors on A Cantor’s Ministry post, I thought I would do a single story on each subsequent person who took the time to submit their information.
If you are interested in being featured on The Spiritual Cantor, you can fill out the Google Form here. I will post it again at the end of this article so you can do it right from here.
The format for these features is an interview form. From the answers they provide, I will add some extra thoughts and musings, as much as appropriate.
Today we will feature Robert, a kind man who responded to my questions with honesty and clarity. I am honored to have him as my first feature story!
Feature Questions
How Many Years Have You Been Cantoring?
35
Wow, Robert! You have been cantoring longer than I have been alive….does that say something? What amazing dedication to the ministry!
What was your first time cantoring by yourself like? How did you feel about it?
Nervous but prepared
Perfect. I love answers like these because it is real. Of course, you are going to be nervous for your first time! But that fact that he was prepared is a testament to his training and know-how of what it takes to be a good cantor.
Do you feel like cantoring has effected you in a positive way? Or negative?
Positive.
Most people who have been involved in the ministry for this long must certainly have been affected positively. Otherwise, they probably would not be still doing it.
What is Your Most Memorable Cantoring Experience?
I had a music director who made us memorize all the music for service. Not allowed books. I forgot the words to the communion hymn in the middle of the refrain and absolutely no books around for me to find it. Last time I ever cantored without music available. Don’t always use. But it’s available.
This is great advice! It is a great idea to memorize service music, hymns, or even the Psalm. But, I think it shows a bit of lack of preparedness if you decide to ditch the music all together. You never know when your brain will freeze on you and you forget everything.
What is one thing you wish were different about the music ministry at your parish?
More volunteers. I drive 30 plus miles to cantor at parish because if I didn’t there’d be no led singing.
Again, Robert, wow! That is dedication. However, it does point to a need we have in our churches today. Many people see issues with recruitment, willing volunteers, or finding people who are eager to step up and help out the music ministry. I see this struggle especially in rural communities, where the resources are often not as available.
What is your most favorite thing about being a cantor?
Sharing my gift
All I can say to this answer is, Amen!
What is your least favorite thing about being a cantor?
Expectations
Can I say amen again? No really, it does seem at times that the expectations that a cantor has is larger than what can be handled. To answer that, read A Cantor’s Expecations and then follow up with How to Handle Stress as a Cantor.
Do You Cantor for Weddings and Funerals? What has that experience been like?
Yes. Mixed.
Well, not much to say here. A lot depends on who and how the show is run during weddings and funerals. You can read about my tips for singing for a Catholic Mass here.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start being a cantor at their parish?
See your music director or organist after a mass. Express your interest and ask to come to a reversal. See what’s involved.
This is precisely how I got involved, and how many of us got involved in our parish’s music! It’s that simple! Don’t know what a cantor is? Start here!
When will you be the feature?
Do you want to share your story? I would be so grateful if you would share it with me. Just simply fill out this Google form, and I will write a blog post featuring you on my blog!
I believe that by sharing about our ministry, what we do, and giving advice and encouragement to others, it will be more enticing. I also see it as caring enough to share the stories of those who give their lives and hours to serve the Lord in His Church. Feature your story so that someone can be encouraged and inspired!
As cantors, we have a grave responsibility to help others see and live and breathe the music, like we do. We have an opportunity to show them Jesus in a way that no one else can: through music.
Let us be open the callings of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and live life as a cantor with great joy, peace, and humility!
Related Articles:
How to Master Cantoring for Beginners
How to Become a Catholic Cantor
Devotions for Catholic Musicians
7 Ways to Reduce Stress as a Cantor
