- The Catholic Association of Music is an associational community of Catholic musicians and their support systems who fall between the pre-existing categories of Liturgical and Contemporary music while overlapping both. Its emphasis is Sacred, Evangelistic, Prophetic and Didactic without excluding the Liturgical or Contemporary.
- While recognizing our unique place in the church and in relation to non-Catholic churches, we work in a complementary way with the support organizations of Liturgical and Contemporary Christian music.
- As a Catholic association in contemporary society, we go the extra mile to express radical, or rooted and balanced obedience to the Pope and bishops who act as the magisterium of the church. We avoid extremes of disobedience, either subtle or blatant, or fanatical obedience that is overly zealous, self-righteous, and often judgmental, with unbalanced or excessive emphasis on a particular aspect of genuine radicalism. Both extremes cause unhealthy personal spirituality and breed factions and division within the church.
- The Catholic Association of Music exists as a private association under the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, an association of the faithful in the Diocese of Little Rock, and a civil religious not-for-profit organization (501)(c)(3) of the Catholic Church in America, established in the state of Indiana with a DBA (Doing Business As) in the state of Arkansas.
- The primary purpose of this association is to provide religious, artistic, and professional support to Catholic musicians and their respective support organizations. We do so through conferences, shared newsletters, and personal relationship. Conferences occur on general, regional and local levels. The General Conference is the primary gathering of the Association.
- Our approach is in-cultural, counter-cultural, and trans-cultural. We use the music of a culture to reach a culture as long as it is consistent with gospel values and the teaching of the church. When it conflicts with those values and teachings, we adopt a counter-cultural approach. As Catholics we seek an approach that is truly universal to all cultures and times, so it is also trans-cultural.
- We recognize both entertainment and ministry qualities in music. Some emphasize entertainment, but also minister because of their faith. Others emphasize ministry but also entertain because of their talent. Entertainment oriented ministry uses a more secular model consistent with Catholic faith and morality. Ministry oriented entertainment uses a more religious model of ethics and mode of operation. A balance between the two approaches is always respectful, but priority is given to ministry orientation since Jesus himself came primarily to minister rather than just entertain the crowds.
- Aware of the phenomenon of Christian celebrities, we work to nurture and maintain Christian "saints" rather than "stars". We emphasize holiness of lifestyle as directed by the teaching of the church in contrast to popularity alone as the criterion for success and leadership.
- While recognizing the valid stewardship responsibilities of artistry and economy, we primarily recognize spirituality, artistry, and economy as the order of
priorities that inspire our music ministry and lifestyle.
- Music ministers to the whole person,
body, soul and spirit. We recognize that much modern music primarily appeals to the body and emotions through its "groove" and the mind through it's innovations and novelty. We also recognize and give priority to the spirit without neglecting a holy use of the emotions of the body and the creativity of the mind. Thus, a whole new music is always coming forth to minister to the new person in Christ.
- The primary biblical purpose of music is
to aid in public or private worship, or to stir up the Spirit for prophecy, teaching or godly living, and the godly mystical experiences associated with them all. The use of music in liturgy is most commendable and the most obvious use in the church. History has also seen the use of the arts, including music, to aid in evangelization of the masses, especially in the mystery plays of medieval Europe promoted by the new religious communities of the time.
- The Lord's words call us to "give what
you have received as a gift", and for all his disciples to embrace evangelical poverty according to their state of life. We recognize the tendencies towards opulent consumeristic lifestyles within contemporary music and the western world. We also recognize both the imperfections of local church support systems, and the legitimate need for financial support for music ministry. We support the concept of legitimate stipends for musicians and their support systems, while encouraging all to embrace a counter-cultural lifestyle of simplicity in contrast to the consumerism of our time.
- The Lord Jesus calls all of his disciples to either celibate or marital chastity. We recognize the historic
tendencies to promiscuity within the contemporary music world as well as in our modern world in general, and make special efforts to live chaste lives for Christ according to the teaching of the church.
- We also recognize the role of the media in the destruction of good morals, most especially in the area of sexuality, and
do our best to present a music and an image that is counter-cultural to this destructive modern tendency.
- The Lord calls us to "obedience unto
death" to God, the church, and even civil authority when not in conflict with God and the church. We recognize the historic tendency towards rebellious and individualistic attitudes within contemporary music and the modern world. We strive to live and manifest attitudes of appropriate humility and submission within the community of the church.
- The primary general means of pastoral support and guidance in the above areas is the leadership of the Association. The specific local pastoral guidance
comes from the local diocesan and parish church, or a more intense community of the church. The means for such guidance are:
- Full communion with the church.
- Frequent and active participation in the liturgy and sacraments of the church, especially Eucharist and Penance.
- Spiritual guidance and/or direction from the pastors of the church and her communities.
- The General Conference is the primary gathering of the Association. It normally meets once a year.
Regional gatherings and local cell groups are also possible with the approval of the General Council.
- The Association is free to establish committees and sub-groups according to need. We recognize
different types of musicians within the Association and specialized tasks and talents within the systems and organizations that support Catholic music such as, but not exclusively, management,
booking, recording producers, arrangers and companies. Such committees and groups are established by the General Council.
- Membership is open to Catholic musicians and support systems that hear and respond to this ministry as their primary calling.
- The Association is governed by a general President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer who comprise the minimum General Council. Each is elected for a 3-year term. They govern by
generally applying the directives of the General Council and General Chapter on a daily (ongoing) basis.
- The General Council meets annually to enact policies and discipline of the Association and its
members. It may meet more frequently in person or by quorum when necessary. It is convened by the President.
- The President presides over the General Chapter and General Council, and over the whole
Association in the interim. He/she convenes the General Council and the General Chapter.
- The Vice President assists the President in all duties as directed by the President. He/she assumes
the role of President when the President is personally impeded. In the case of death, debilitation,
terminal illness, or resignation, a General Chapter is convened at the next annual General Conference.
- The membership meets in General Chapter every 3 years in conjunction with the General
Conference to discuss and enact any major visionary concerns or to amend the Statutes and to elect
General Council members. It is convened by the President and the General Council. The President may convene any extra-ordinary General Chapters more frequently if necessary.
- If there are more than 50 members, they are represented by elected delegates proportionate to the
character of the Association as decided by the General Council. If there are less than 50 members, they participate in the convened Chapter personally.
- While under the jurisdiction of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, all leadership and legislation are
confirmed and guided by the BSC General Minister and General Council or their delegates, which, in turn, exist under the magisterial guidance of the Roman Catholic Church.
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