"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy." These words from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council speak of the great importance of the sacred music of the liturgy, and the significance of its 2000 year tradition. The Church documents articulate a clear and beautiful vision for the sacred music of the liturgy, a topic that our own Bp. Olmsted has recently taken up in his catechesis on sacred music, Singing the Mass.

This four-part homily series on the topic of sacred music explores the Church's vision for authentic sacred music and applies them in practical terms for the liturgical life of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral and the parishes of the Diocese of Phoenix.

The sermons on this page are designed to help the average Catholic better understand the Church's vision for sacred music in the liturgy so that as we strive to implement this vision more fully at Ss. Simon & Jude, you will understand not only what the Church teaches...but why.

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