Cantors & Organists

Cantors and organists serve a vital and complementary role in the Church’s liturgical life, especially when a full choir is not present. The Church teaches that “In the absence of a choir, a cantor of the psalm is to lead the singing” (cf. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 104), underscoring the cantor’s essential function within the Mass. Cantors are not soloists or performers; rather, they are ministers who lead and support the sung prayer of the entire assembly, fostering active and prayerful participation in the sacred liturgy.

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Because of this responsibility, cantor positions require highly trained singers who read music fluently and understand the structure and theology of the Mass. Cantors are selected by audition only, ensuring that they possess the vocal skill, musical literacy, and reverence necessary for this ministry.

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The pipe organ holds a similarly important place at Ave Maria Parish. As the Second Vatican Council affirms, “The pipe organ is to be held in high esteem in the Latin Church, since it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up the human spirit to God” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 120). For this reason, Ave Maria Parish customarily uses the organ exclusively as the primary keyboard instrument for the Mass. Organists support all congregational and choral singing and are engaged as needed through an audition process, ensuring excellence in service to the liturgy.

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For questions about our organ, contact Parish Principal Organist, Michael Olbash, for more information: m.olbash@avemariaparish.org