This post is not assuming that you aren’t a humble cantor. You probably are. But it helps me to write it down and to remind others because I think we all can be prideful or forget why we are a cantor in the first place.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Gessica, and I am the creator of this website. Why? Because I felt the need to help others who wanted to become cantors and in general, information about the ministry to help others be encouraged and inspired.

I am a former choir teacher with years of experience as a cantor and church musician. While I have primarily served as a cantor or choir member, I have a little experience with directing and playing as well (thanks to teaching and VBS!).

Just to clarify, I need this post. Because all too often I get a big head. Do you? Here are some of the signs.

Signs You Are Not a Humble Cantor (or person, really)

• Worrying about how your voice sounds 24/7
• You arrogantly scoff when the congregation can’t sing something right
• Secretly, you pride yourself in getting all the right notes and rhythms
• Looking down on other choir members or cantors who are not as accomplished as you are
• You critique others’ voices like they are on America’s Got Talent
• You “forget” to show up to choir practice because you don’t need it
• Often, you refuse all help with your music because you are a professional and you’ve got it down
• You don’t help others when they are struggling because they should have gotten it on their own
• Effortlessly, you can outsing anyone by your loud and demanding volume (no matter the situation)

I’m Not Humble

I know I am at least 2 of these at times. And probably more if I really look deep down and admit some things to myself.

I’m sure I can get all the notes and rhythms correct, thanks to training. I know I am a loud singer, I learned that a long time ago. And it is kind of fun to watch America’s Got Talent, but I’m not the one getting critiqued, so it doesn’t make ME feel bad. And of course, as a teacher at heart, it is super satisfying to get the notes and rhythms spot on.

Why I am Talking About This

When are prideful about what we do within the Church, it puts a block on us as ministers. As people of God, too. We are not meant to be there to showcase our talents. We are there to share our talents for the glory of God.

At this past weekend’s Mass, Father talked about humility. (just the other day, EWTN was also talking about how humility is the way to holiness. Coincidence? Probably not). I sure was thinking that I didn’t have issues with being too prideful about my singing. But earlier during Mass, while listening to my 2-year-old and 6-month-old crying and fussing, I was angry.

Angry that I couldn’t be there for them. Angry that no one saw my role as a mother more important than my cantor role. Really angry that no one else offers to step up and sing, so I could have a break more often to take care of my children (our other cantor was out of town).

Then Father pointed out that sometimes our pride can be hidden in a “woe is me” attitude, and I stopped short. I felt like holding my hand up. I came to realize that even though I have to make sacrifices to sing for the Church, I am thankful.

Super thankful that I have extended family to help my husband watch the kids (and are genuinely happy to do it!). Thankful that I have a gift of singing that I can share Christ with people in that way. Grateful that I can recognize when I am being out of line (keep it up, Spirit, convict me when I am wrong!) and need to turn back to God.

5 Simple Ways to Stay Humble

So how can we fight the vice to be prideful when we should be humble? These are things that keep me down-to-earth when I truly reflect on them.

#1: Keep your eyes on the prize

The Eucharist, that is. If you focus on the best part and purpose of the Mass, you will find that you aren’t worrying about every little singing detail. Mass music is a high form of prayer, and we have a huge responsibility to help guide the congregation to that higher form of prayer.

#2: Pray for a humble heart

This may seem obvious, but I often forget to pray for virtues. You have to be careful which ones you pray for, however, because God will certainly put you in situations for you to test your newfound grace. You learn not to pray for patience too much, even though you should.

All kidding aside, you really should ask for humility. We all need to be put in our place and recognize who we are in Christ. How fortunate we are to have our lives, how small we are compared to God’s huge picture of life.

It’s all a journey to becoming holy and virtuous. Humility is the way to a holy life. God, grant us humility.

#3: Look Outside of Your Little Box

Look at the people instead of your music. Seeing the congregation humbles you and reminds you of your purpose of leading them in song.

Look at Jesus on the crucifix. Focus on the priest becoming the middle man between God and his people. Look at God’s goodness as he gives us the Eucharist for life.

Or, you can think about how much you are blessed with. When you start writing down your blessings, your little view of life starts to be humbled as you realize how much you really have. You have a lot. If anything, you have Jesus.

#4: Prepare Physically and Spiritually

Prepare ahead of time the music, Psalms, and Mass propers. If you can, find the verses or inspiration in Scripture and ponder the message this way.

Some more info on how to do this:

• Best practices for cantors
• Sign up for Catholic Cantor Training: The Basics
• 5 Ways to Become a Better Vocalist Every Day
• 9 Simple Tricks for Better Singing
• 5 Simple Warmups
• How Sing Well for Early Morning Masses
• Art of Psalm Preparation mini-course
• Devotions for Catholic Musicians

#5: Remember our true Role

As Christians and Catholics first, we have to remember that our role as a cantor is to be a positive leader in the parish. That we are not to be heard over the voices of the congregation. We must be a middle man between the congregation and the music.

How do we do this? By inviting them to sing with a welcoming voice and a smile. By being confident and unafraid to proclaim the good news. And most of all, by showing them how to connect with God through singing and music.

Being humble doesn’t mean denying our gifts or not being confident in those gifts to help others. But by showing the right kind of humility when we are asked to do something or complimented, that is how we show our humble hearts.

A humble heart before Jesus is capable of great things. He has promised to use those who are faithful to Him. Lord Jesus, I pray that you use us to your glory through this music ministry.

Are You Humble?

When I think of the song, “Humble Thyself”, it gives me chills. Not familiar with it? Listen to it on YouTube. God calls us to be humble servants of His every day, regardless of our roles in life or within the ministry of the Church.

After we admit our pride, we can do things to help it, like praying for conversion. We can also prepare our heart and minds for our role, remember the real reason we are there and our main purpose for being cantors.

Remember these things the next time you start to criticize or bring a “woe is me” attitude to your Church music and position. God has put you there for reason. Embrace it, and pray that God may use you to bring others to Him.

Amen? Amen.