Music in the Catholic Church: An Analysis of Hymns and Congregational Singing in Roman Catholic Churches in the United States

This thesis examines the musical dilemma in the American Catholic Church, highlighting issues such as inappropriate musical selections for the Mass and a profound lack of congregational singing. Through a literature review of Vatican documents, expert opinions, and hymns, I analyze the criteria for music used in the Mass, identify common failures of musical selections presented in many Catholic churches, and offer practical guidance to improve sacred music in parishes and dioceses. I conclude that music used in the Mass must be sourced primarily from Sacred Scripture, in full conformity to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, and easy for congregations to sing. These results offer practical guidance for music directors and clergy to improve the state of sacred music in parishes and dioceses across the United States.