Description

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Cynthia Marr, longtime music director at Ascension Parish in Sudbury MA, to talk about one of the most vital elements of the weekend experience: music. Cynthia shares her decades of experience in parish music ministry, what she learned from attending the Rebuilt Conference and visiting Nativity, and how her parish has transformed its worship culture. From adopting praise and worship as the primary repertoire to seamlessly integrating screens in a traditional sanctuary, Cynthia explains how excellent music creates energy, evokes emotion, and makes the weekend message stick.

If you’re a pastor, music director, or parish leader looking to strengthen your liturgy and engage your congregation more deeply, you’ll be inspired by Cynthia’s insights and practical strategies.

See Cynthia’s worship team in action here: https://youtu.be/wV2-v75MbFY 

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• Music shapes memory. People remember messages more when paired with music, humming refrains long after Mass ends.

• Consistency builds participation. Keeping a set of songs for several weeks helps congregations learn and sing confidently.

• Excellence matters. A strong sound system, prepared musicians, and professional rehearsal practices elevate the entire parish’s worship.

• Screens can unify. With thoughtful placement, screens help people look up, engage, and sing together without being obtrusive.

• Recruitment never stops. Building a “bench” of musicians and investing in relationships ensures sustainability in music ministry.

• Vision drives culture. Music aligned with the pastor’s vision and parish mission creates a unified weekend experience that attracts and retains parishioners.

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