Transforming the choir loft into a holy place: How the sacred music program is enriching liturgy, inspiring the faithful

​“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art.”
​– Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1156

One of the most famous quotes attributed to St. Augustine is, “He who sings well, prays twice.” By ‘well’ the Doctor of the Church meant with our whole being. He knew that when singing is done as a full-hearted offering to God it becomes prayer. This is why music is an essential part of Catholic worship.

The experience of divine mysteries in the Church’s prayer and worship is greatly enriched by the sacred music she has inherited over the centuries. Firstly, from the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant – composition and singing of psalms – and secondly, from the development of Christian liturgical music over the last two millennia.
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The goal of St. Gregory’s Hall is to draw on this tradition to deepen the experience of the Church’s liturgical life both to catechize Catholics and evangelize the larger community. Under the direction of Composer-in-residence Kevin Allen, parishioners and others have the opportunity to hear and learn beautiful sacred choral music in its appropriate liturgical setting with professional musicians and singers.

Throughout its history, St. Gregory the Great church – now part of Mary, Mother of God Parish – has had a legacy of evangelization through the arts. This included a large, popular choir singing at Mass. However, the group was disbanded during the COVID-19 lockdown and struggled to rebuild afterwards. This was when Kevin Allen was invited to be choir master.

In addition to rehearsing the singers and picking the pieces they sing (repertoire), Allen said his role gives him the opportunity to teach parishioners about the Church’s sacred music tradition – both in technique and appreciation.

St. Gregory's Hall · Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

“The purpose of the choir is to sing the liturgy,” said Allen, whose original compositions have been played around the world. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The Church has an ancient musical tradition, and this gives us a form to use. It’s less about my vision as a director and more about what the liturgy needs, and the Church tells us what that is.”

When Allen arrived at St. Gregory the Great there was only a cantor and musical accompaniment for Masses. There was no standing choir roster so he made an announcement about auditions and hoped interest would come through word of mouth. The choir today is made up of both long-time parishioners and those new to the Faith.

"The Church has an ancient musical tradition, and this gives us a form to use.
​It’s...more about what the liturgy needs, and the Church tells us what that is.”

Choir member Courtney Roberson said sacred music was a major part of her conversion experience. She was impressed by the choral Masses being offered by St. Gregory’s Hall and asked Allen if the Sunday choir was open to anyone.

“It appealed to my artistic mindset,” said Roberson, who was confirmed in the Church this past Easter. “I grew up singing in church and community choirs, so music is a major part of how I worship.”

Being in the choir has been a major part of Roberson’s formation as a Catholic and has deepened the education she received in RCIA.  She said it is powerful knowing they are singing pieces that Christians have been singing for centuries. Roberson also praised Allen’s insight into the role of music in the liturgy.

“Kevin is very reverent,” Roberson said. “He understands the choir is making the place a sacred space. When you attend Mass, you are witnessing Christ’s sacrifice. It is important that your music reflects why you’re there. We’re there to worship Him. Not to be entertained.”

Margie Creed has sung in the St. Gregory choir for the last twenty years and agrees that sacred music is a “very important” part of Catholic worship.

“I think that singing as part of worship fosters more of a feeling of community than just spoken responses – both within the choir and with the congregation,” said Creed, who is a current choir member. “Whenever I am at a service of any kind, I feel more like I am participating rather than just attending if I am able to sing.”

The St. Gregory choir has doubled in size in just two years and continues to develop their repertoire with more complicated pieces. Allen said the choir members have risen to the occasion and that this growth is only possible because of the Christian charity and mutual trust they have developed.

​“It’s been a huge stretch in many ways, but they have been happy with the outcome,” Allen said. “There is plenty to learn but fortunately the group is open and there is good will. That’s why we’ve been able to progress is such a short time both liturgically and musically.”

Allen also complimented the camaraderie within the choir.

“We have a great group of folks,” Allen said. “We do have a good time at Thursday night rehearsals. During our breaks, we have coffee and cake. We get to hear about what is going on in everyone’s lives.”

Members of the St. Gregory Choir were also instrumental in forming the Chicago Catholic Choir (CCC), a volunteer choir deeply committed to the Catholic faith. The group is dedicated to bringing passion, faith, and tradition to the experience of choral music and regularly performs at St. Gregory the Great church.

Roberson, also a member of the CCC, said the programs of St. Gregory’s Hall continue to help her build connections and relationships within her new faith community. She also stressed the importance of the Hall as a way for our society to experience Jesus Christ through beauty, goodness, and truth.
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“St. Gregory’s Hall is filling a need by showcasing Catholic art, music, and culture,” Roberson said. “The choral programs and Masses are moving and there is a need for them in our community. The Hall was part of my own conversion experience, and it will continue to do that for others.”

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How can you get involved?
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• Sing! Both the St. Gregory the Great choir (email) and the Chicago Catholic Choir (email) are looking for new members to join their ranks.
• Learn! Check out the sacred music workshops and special choral liturgies being held throughout the year.
• Donate! Make a contribution to support the Sacred Music Program of St. Gregory’s Hall.