Neither the legitimate liturgist nor the competent choral director takes any great pleasure in noting that since the '60s a fundamental transformation has affected the celebration and concept of the liturgy. This change has tragically damaged our sacred music. The job of recovery, the step that will get us singing again, begins with our understanding of sacred liturgy. The Mass is the very core of the Catholic liturgy, the supremely important expression of the Church's faith. It is clear that a skewed concept of the Mass that fails to do justice to its essence will in due time harm the believer's piety and undermine the faith of communicants.
Sacred music is a necessary and integral part of the solemn liturgy.
Since form is an inner expression of the spiritual reality in the Mass, music too will be affected by any shift of emphasis regarding the form of the Divine Liturgy. It is clear that the Mass is not the time to celebrate human dignity or purely terrestrial claims or hopes. It is rather the sacrifice which renders Christ really present in the sacrament. Hence liturgical music, including that provided for the congregation, must be holy. It is a fact that liturgical music is an integral part of the liturgy itself, not merely a means to assist or enrich worship.