Church choir

Liturgical function

In addition to leading the singing in which the congregation participates, such as hymns and service music, some church choirs sing full liturgies, including propers (introit, gradual, communion antiphons appropriate for the different times of the liturgical year). In Christianity, chief among these are the Evangelical Lutheran, Anglican and Roman Catholic churches; far more common, however, is the performance of anthems or motets at designated times in the service. In the Catholic Church, the Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy confirmed that choirs featured among those who "exercise a genuine liturgical function" within services such as the Mass. Singing in a congregation contributes to the effaciousness of the ritual. In Christianity, singing has played a significant role in the early Church, not only in authorising certain hymns but also providing the faithful with true Christian spirit.