Why Do They Wear That?

Each Sunday the choir follows the cross into the nave during the gathering hymn.  Dressed alike and striving to keep an equal distance between each pair of singers, they lead the singing and encourage our full participation in the liturgy.

“Dressed alike. . .” Have you ever wondered why?

There are many reasons that choirs wear robes, but in a church setting, the primary reason for doing so is to show that one has particular duties in the worship setting.  The alb (a white robe that is nearly floor length) is the most basic of the liturgical vestments and is worn by acolytes, lectors, assisting ministers, and clergy.  For our choir, we have added one more garment – the scapular.

Scapulars (from the latin word for “shoulders”) are worn over the shoulders and drop fairly close to the ground.  They are different from stoles which remind us of yokes as in Jesus’ saying, “Take my yoke upon you. . .”  It is believed that the first scapulars were practical garments, aprons really, that protected a monk’s robe while he did the work of gardening, food preparation, or whatever else needed to be done that day.

Our scapulars today are a little fancier with their liturgical colors and embroidered crosses, but they still remind us that we come to the house of God to do the work of musically leading the assembly in worship.  They remind us of the work that we’ve done in rehearsing the liturgy, psalm, hymns, and musical offering.  They remind us that, as choir members, we have a unique “job” in worship.

Any choir member will tell you that he or she serves joyfully, but the next time you see one wearing the scapular, be reminded that it takes work and commitment to serve as a chorister. Then say a prayer of thanksgiving for that person’s service and for all who work in the music ministry of St. Mark’s.

Top photo:  Modern monks wearing their scapulars.

Bottom photo: Scapular-bedecked and with hymnal in hand, members of the Festival Choir prepare to serve.