Music plays an important, but often misunderstood, role in Catholic liturgy.

Long before the Second Vatican Council reaffirmed the value of liturgical music, both St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas encouraged devotional singing as a means of deepening faith.

In this set of articles from our partner Catholic News Service, we look at how parishes can improve their music at Mass.

How Catholic parishes can develop good worship music

Liturgical music, which plays an important role in the celebration of Mass, deserves more time, attention and funding if it is to give glory to God.

Music ministers advise how to get the congregation singing

Parish music ministers must select hymns that fit both the congregation and the liturgy, while working to evangelize through song.