America the Beautiful - at Mass today?

[lak611]

I went to the Independence Day votive Mass this morning. The entrance hymn was “America”. “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” was the offertory hymn. “God of Our Fathers” was the communion hymn. The recessional hymn was “America the Beautiful”. We sang all the verses that were in the hymnals. I cannot remember the last time that all verses were sung for every hymn at a Mass in my parish. The congregational singing was excellent. Everybody sang.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

When I was leading our folk group, our pastor asked me to play America the Beautiful, for the 4th Celebration, when it happened to land on Sunday.

I have no problem with it, after all, its a song thanking God for the graces he has blessed our nation with.

As far as the song America the Beautiful? I think it should be our national anthem instead of the Star Spangled Banner. I think America the Beautiful is more fitting, is easier to sing and is not written on the crux of war.

Jim

 

[lak611]

As far as the song America the Beautiful? I think it should be our national anthem instead of the Star Spangled Banner. I think America the Beautiful is more fitting, is easier to sing and is not written on the crux of war.

Jim

I agree. I cannot sing “The Star Spangled Banner” in the key that it is usually played in. Once it gets to the “rockets red glare”, it is too high. I have seen it in a different key, but unfortunately, nobody ever plays it in that key.

 

[chicago]

I agree. I cannot sing “The Star Spangled Banner” in the key that it is usually played in. Once it gets to the “rockets red glare”, it is too high. I have seen it in a different key, but unfortunately, nobody ever plays it in that key.

It’s a hard song and very difficult to sing in any key. I wonder what was the key of Francis Scott?

 

[KatholikosMercy]

We sang America the Beautiful at mass today. Granted it was the exit song, but still…
Mass is for the worship of the Lord.
Seems like the songs should be for/about HIM, not our beloved nation.

**So thoughts? I’m NOT against the song. Heck, no. Not me. One of our favorites. We’re patriots in this house! **

But we’re Catholics first. If we sang it at a Church BBQ, if we sang it at the ice cream social, these would not have bothered me in the least.

**BUT at MASS?! Yikes. This rather bothered me. **

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**My dh, non-catholic, says it would have been better to sing “God Bless America”, thus it would have been a blessing in his mind. hmm, spliting hairs a bit there I think? Besides, the church is neutral in nationality? **

God - Country - and Family in that order.

Its not irreverant to choose that song from the hymnal especially on the occasion of the indipendance of our country for who countless men and women have died for. In fact it is very appropriate.

Its the duty of our Parish to lead us and to point out whats most important in life. We should be greteful for that freedom.

 

[lak611]

Its the duty of our Parish to lead us and to point out whats most important in life. We should be greteful for that freedom.

My priest mentioned in his homily about our freedom to worship in the USA.

 

[Cat]

What makes “The Star Spangled Banner” such a great anthem is that it takes all of us working together to be able to sing it! Most people just can’t do it alone. The altos and basses get the beginning and the sopranos and tenors take over when the song starts climbing. What a symbol of the U.S.–millions of people from different backgrounds, nationalities, colors, and religions–all working together!

My daughter had the privilege of competing in several international and world competitions with her synchronized skating team and winning medals, including Gold. She said that “The Star Spangled Banner” is the perfect anthem because while you’re standing there crying on the medal podium, you can’t see “America the Beautiful,” but you see “the star-spangled banner,” our flag, going up.

When you are far away from your country (athletic competition, war, tour, etc.) you will never be able to see the beautiful U.S., but you will be able to see the star-spangled banner, our flag, and always remember the U.S., your home. My uncle who served in Japan during WWII said that when he came home, the U.S. flag in the harbor was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.

As for America the Beautiful, Yes, it’s appropriate for Mass, especially the recessional song. It’s a prayer, and in the Bible, God tells us to pray for our national leaders and honor our king. The song also is a reminder to us to pray for the souls of all those who have work, fought, and died for this country.

 

[adrift]

We usually sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

 

[Peregrino]

We sing it after the dismissal. Anywhere else would be wrong.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

And put her on an ELEPHANT!

Now you’re talkin’! But will the Democratic Party be jealous?

Of course, here in Chicago the Grant Park Symphony’s Independence Even concert is now annually conducted by a man from Scotland. He always notes, however (to save face) that he has Irish blood. Tonight we get to see his Navy Pier bought red white and blue vest yet again!

Ah, tradition!

Which makes it quite appropriate for singing before ballgames.

Of course, particularly in the bleachers.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

I went to the Independence Day votive Mass this morning. The entrance hymn was “America”. “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” was the offertory hymn. “God of Our Fathers” was the communion hymn. The recessional hymn was “America the Beautiful”. We sang all the verses that were in the hymnals. I cannot remember the last time that all verses were sung for every hymn at a Mass in my parish. The congregational singing was excellent. Everybody sang.

“Eternal Father” is my second favorite hymn ever.

 

[drafdog]

As the Mass is supposed to be a prayer uniting us, the celebrants, with all other Catholic Christians throughout the world, there should be the singing of patriotic songs of the whole Christian world. Thus we should sing songs imploring that God save the Queen, Bless Mother Russia, pour out grace upon Angola… Have we got one that does all that?

That said, let us open to the book of Psalms.

Matthew

 

[Rob_s_Wife]

As the Mass is supposed to be a prayer uniting us, the celebrants, with all other Catholic Christians throughout the world, there should be the singing of patriotic songs of the whole Christian world. Thus we should sing songs imploring that God save the Queen, Bless Mother Russia, pour out grace upon Angola… Have we got one that does all that?

That said, let us open to the book of Psalms.

Matthew

Amen! LOL

Tap-dancing liturgical dancers with sparklers, like the show they used to have at American Girl? One young liturgical dancer, waving the flag? Red, white and blue vestments that shimmer and make Father look a lot like old Elivs? Fife and drum corps piping the reader up with the Lectionary?

**Be careful! Some nutcase could take you up on those ingenius and creative ideas! **

To tell you the truth it bothers me more when they sing Amazing Grace

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**I completely agree with that.:dts: **

I voted No. I also do not like to see the American flag next to the sanctuary.

:bigyikes: NO! I don’t believe that is allowed at all if my understanding is correct? Absolutely not, uh-uh, no way. That’s a sacred holy place - as in GOD’s place. Oh my.

When I was in grade school, we sang “Fifty Nifty United States” (not for Mass, though).

“…each individuall state contributes a quality that is great. Each individual state deserves a bow, let’s salute them now…”

It’s a great way for remembering the states, though.

Hey could you send me a link to the words to that song please? This homeschool mom teaching american history this year would appreciate it. TIA!

 

[chicago]

Hey could you send me a link to the words to that song please? This homeschool mom teaching american history this year would appreciate it. TIA!

A google search reveals that Ray Charles apparently performed the song. So perhaps you could find a recording. We used to play around with it making them into “communist states” and stuff.

Here’s a lyric:

teridanielsbooks.com/fiftyniftysong.htm

This one offers a brief musical exceprt, also:

classroomclassics.com/filecabinet/htmlfiles/A3.html