How well do Catholics in the pews sing? Depends on where you sit

Published: 2008-01-02

WASHINGTON. (CNS) -- Catholics in the pews sing fairly well, in the judgment of music ministers at U.S. parishes. The Catholics in the pews themselves, though, hold a less favorable view of their own singing ability. In an online survey conducted in 2007 by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, 72 percent of music ministers said that the singing in the assembly was either "very strong" or "somewhat strong." By contrast, only 39 percent of those not involved in music ministry believed that congregational singing in their parish was strong. Despite the difference of opinion, both groups participating in the survey said the singing in their own parish is better than the general state of congregational singing in the United States. Among musicians, 39 percent of music ministers gave a positive rating to U.S. Catholic singing overall, and only 27 percent of nonmusicians did the same. In both categories of respondents, 53 percent rated U.S. congregational singing as "somewhat weak." About 1,400 people took part in the survey, with musicians making up about three-fourths of all respondents, according to J. Michael McMahon, the musicians' association president. The poll was taken in the fall, and results were announced Dec. 21.

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