“Although the Church has had a glorious tradition of sacred music...much of this tradition has been lost to the average parish. Most Catholic congregations have not had the opportunity to experience this great music,” Bishop Joseph Bernardin said in his homily at a special Mass for the American Guild of Organists.

He went on to say that “Now, however, the Church is asking a great deal, especially of musicians. Church musicians now need much more skill, even on the parish level. Our goal is to have qualified personnel in each parish to plan and coordinate the music program.”

Bishop Bernardin commented that music used in the Sacred Liturgy must be “real art” to be worthy of a part and place in worship. He cautioned those who rush into the more active participation of the congregation in sacred music often at the sacrifice of excellence.

There is now a definite role, he said for professional musicians and their organizations “whose purpose is to demand and uphold excellence in Church music.”

He praised the American Guild of Organists for their system of examinations and diplomas for degrees of perfection and excellence as a “realistic and professional approach to achieving this desired excellence.”

The American Guild of Organists, a non-sectarian group, met in Atlanta this week for their annual meeting.