How do you select content and contributors?

Our process starts with what we’re practically seeing as we work closely with pastors, music directors, and devotional musicians. We’re answering real questions that real people have asked us, and we leverage our network of Catholic clergy, religious, speakers, musicians, and more to find the exact right person who can gently guide us through answering the questions.

Is there a traditional or contemporary agenda behind the liturgical content on the platform?

Our content on liturgy is carefully considered, vetted, and aligned with the Catholic Church’s vision for music as outlined in her documents (from Tra le Sollecitudini and the documents of the Second Vatican Council, straight to today). We pastorally teach that the Church holds organ, chant, and Latin in pride of place, and that as Catholic musicians we need to be stewards of the musical tradition of the Church. We also seek to bolster a path for musical devotion, which has a wide breadth of genres from instrumental music to praise and worship, but we don’t confuse this for a liturgical expression.

So if I’m not an organist or Gregorian chant scholar, I’m not a Catholic musician?

Also no. The past six decades have taught us that there is a real need for devotional music in the Church. A look at any single parish music ministry will show you how wildly diverse our Church is musically. If the Lord has called you to serve Him through music; glory to God! On the platform we explore these many expressions of Catholic music, and the moments they exist for. In the course library you will find everything from videos on worship guitar and how to improve your technique, to chanting the seasonal Marian antiphons.

Do you accept submissions?

It’s complicated. First, we want your ideas. What questions are you asking yourself as a Catholic musician? Where are your challenges? Who have you found to speak well to those challenges? Send your thoughts and contribution ideas to us at: agoldstein@thevigilproject.com. We do not accept video submissions to post on the platform, however. This is partly so that we can thoroughly vet content to ensure we’re pastorally guiding musicians and bolstering a positive community. It is also because we are very exacting about presenting consistent and high-quality films that capture a sense of beauty and warmth.

Why should I watch this? There are other things I already pay for.

In the modern age, we are beyond blessed with many incredible resources for Catholic musicians. There are some that are free, and others that are paid, that bring great value to ministry. This tool is something entirely unique, and the vision behind that – as a nonprofit – requires funds to make it all happen. For instance, there has yet to exist (to our knowledge) any other platform that features praise and worship musicians for devotion alongside chant and liturgy experts for the Mass. There are very few platforms that offer film-quality videos with presenters from across the globe.

Are you a nonprofit?

Yes! CatholicMusician.org is an initiative of The Vigil Project, a 503(c)3 nonprofit organization. Monthly membership or direct contributions benefit our mission of helping Catholics pray with music.

Can I show these videos to my choir?

Great question. We want this to be a resource that you can use for your fellow musicians, be that a church choir or a devotional ensemble. Consider using the videos for a day-long retreat (bring meals to make it an excellent experience!) This is perfect for a music director wanting to provide ongoing formation for a choir, or for a diocese wanting to provide formation for music directors.