Top Ten Reasons Given by Parishioners for Not Singing At Mass

(September, 2005) 

A recent informal survey sheds light on why some parishioners are not singing at mass.  Here are the top ten reasons given for not joining in:

Number 10: I didn't come here to sing. I came here to pray.  It has been said that “when we sing once, we pray twice”.   The music becomes a symbol of our spiritual unity as Christ’s church.  We are not only given permission to sing, we are encouraged.

9. When I was young we never used to have to sing at mass.  I just want to sit, relax, listen to the music and meditate.  Singing, as well as reciting the parts of the mass, actually helps us better stay in the moment, so we can be more fully present as we receive our Lord in the liturgy of the Word and liturgy of the Eucharist.  The Second Vatican Council made the mass more accessible, and singing became more important as one way for us to become more deeply involved in the mass.

8. Roman Catholics don't sing. I prefer to leave it to the Protestants that join the church, the musical families, the choir, etc.  My family and friends sure don’t sing, and I might embarrass them if I did.  Worse yet, they might even laugh at me!  Although it is true we cannot choose our families, we are all free to express the Holy Spirit’s presence in us through song.  You might make it easier for the next person to join in, and they might actually be grateful you started the ball rolling for your group.  It takes humility to sing, and humility is very disarming.

7. I give enough to the church.  You want me to sing, too?  You mean I’m actually supposed to sing along?  Why? They’re doing fine without me!   Actually, we would love to have you join in, especially if you have been on the sidelines.  It makes it more enjoyable for everyone the more people join in.  Singing forces us to become more childlike and vulnerable, qualities Jesus wanted us to develop so we could enter His kingdom.

6. I prefer to listen to the cantor's beautiful voice. Besides, I believe in job protection - after all, that’s what the cantor gets paid for, isn’t it?  Actually, cantors are also called “leaders of song”, implying others “follow”.  Song leaders encourage singing, intone new melodies, facilitate responses, and occasionally deliver babies.  No, wait; they don’t really do that last one, unless they are also doctors or midwives.  But the relationship with the congregation is reciprocal, like an exciting tennis match (or so we hope)!  A tennis match with only one player wouldn’t last very long or be very interesting.

5.  Choir members may hear me and try to recruit me into the choir.  If one is afraid of being recruited, one can sit in the back, where, chances are, the choir will not hear one. 

4. I/m too tired.  Singing does not need a lot of energy to be honest, and it can make a person feel relaxed and attentive at the same time.  It’s worth a try.

3. I don't know the music.   For the ambitious, there is always the option of joining the choir so you can be taught the songs in advance.  But many hymns are also repeated throughout the year, giving listeners multiple chances to learn.  Musicians usually play the melody as an introduction, and one can use that ”intro” time to hum along, feel the beat of the music, or just get into the mood of the piece.

2. I don’t sing well, and they might throw me out of church.   The saying “Sing once, pray twice” does not mean much to people who actually believe their voice will upset others.  However, this is usually simple embarrassment.  A quick solution: The important thing is to say the words of the song.  You can start by mouthing them.  No one will know you are not singing.  If that feels comfortable enough, try increasing the volume a little at a time.  If everyone turns around, you may be right and need to head for the door fast (just kidding!), or it may be that you have an angelic voice.  You will actually stand out more if you are not at least mouthing the words.