There is an ancient saying
(sometimes attributed to St Augustine),
“He who sings prays twice over”.

The document Musicam Sacram, given in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, expresses the importance of music in the liturgy:

Thanks to music, “prayer is expressed in a more attractive way, the mystery of the liturgy… is more openly shown, the unity of hearts is more profoundly achieved by the union of voices, minds are more easily raised to heavenly things by the beauty of the sacred rites, and the whole celebration more clearly prefigures that heavenly liturgy which is enacted in the holy city of Jerusalem” (MS 5).

These weighty words remind us that music both voices the faith and prayer of the Church and deepens their hold on us. It makes a unique contribution to the effectiveness of the Church’s worship and to her mission to evangelise.

The musicians and singers of the Kilmarnock parishes’ music ministries enrich the liturgical celebrations of the Risen Christ among us with their gifts of music.

St Joseph’s Church

St Matthew’s Church

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

Organists Raymond McCluskey and his sister Fiona McCluskey accompany the liturgies. The Christmas Masses and Holy Week liturgies are sung by the four-part choir of local parishioners which rehearses for several weeks before Christmas and Easter.

New members who enjoy singing are always encouraged to join the choir (of about 20 members at present) for these high points of the Church’s year. Please get in touch if you would like to join us.

St Paul urges us to “Sing the words and tunes of the psalms and hymns when you are together.” (Ephesians 5:18-19). Our liturgy and prayer at St Matthew’s is enriched by music which hopefully not only brings us together in song but also helps us reflect on God’s Word.

New members are always welcome in this Ministry, contact Robert to learn more.

Our Music Ministry is an integral part of our Mass and community at OLMC. We actively encourage new members and suggestions from parishioners to enhance the weekly liturgy.

New members are always welcome and should contact Jean to learn more.