Annoying Concert Masses

[LilyM]

Put it this way - I DO see where the musicians are coming from - I HAVE performed on stage and in church, and no it isn’t easy. And I’d never accuse any church musician of showboating either.

At the same time, if a musician is doing something wrong - whether it be hitting the wrong notes, coming in at the wrong time, or not adhering to the rubrics thus preventing the congregation partcipating in those parts of the Mass that they are supposed to participate in, they’ve got to be told, in spite of the fact that it hurts. It wouldn’t have been doing me any favours to keep silent if I was doing such things, neither is it doing any favours to musicians to keep silent either.

Rubrics are all, each one, there for a reason, priests need to follow them unless there’s good reason not to, and so do the laity (including musicians). The late great John Paul II, whom no-one could accuse of insensitivity, told us that we have not just the right but the duty to point out to our priests when they aren’t adhering to the rubrics.

If our priests are not immune from such criticism (and doubtless they could put forward all the very same arguments that you do and more - since people don’t usually compliment them on their saying of Mass before sticking the boot in) then neither should you be.

 

[Sarabande]

Put it this way - I DO see where the musicians are coming from - I HAVE performed on stage and in church, and no it isn’t easy. And I’d never accuse any church musician of showboating either.

At the same time, if a musician is doing something wrong - whether it be hitting the wrong notes, coming in at the wrong time, or not adhering to the rubrics thus preventing the congregation partcipating in those parts of the Mass that they are supposed to participate in, they’ve got to be told, in spite of the fact that it hurts. It wouldn’t have been doing me any favours to keep silent if I was doing such things, neither is it doing any favours to musicians to keep silent either.

Rubrics are all, each one, there for a reason, priests need to follow them unless there’s good reason not to, and so do the laity (including musicians). The late great John Paul II, whom no-one could accuse of insensitivity, told us that we have not just the right but the duty to point out to our priests when they aren’t adhering to the rubrics.

If our priests are not immune from such criticism (and doubtless they could put forward all the very same arguments that you do and more - since people don’t usually compliment them on their saying of Mass before sticking the boot in) then neither should you be.

Let me tell you, I’m totally in favor of constructive criticism. I handle that very well and with my years of working professionally with the wolves, I can handle even the downright mean stuff done or said to another or even the very cruel way some people give criticism. Since you are musician, you should know what I’m talking about. What you mentioned above is NOT the type of criticism that I believe the musicians here are speaking of. At least that is not the kind that I’m talking about. If a musician, and especially a paid musician, in a church is producing slop and just doing his or own thing without any adherence to what their Director of Worship or music director is instructing them to do, then I’m right there as a constructive critic with the others. I’m ready to teach, fire or kick out a person who refuses to shape up, can’t shape up or have major ego problems. I actually don’t abide mediocrity when more can be given and I don’t abide by sitting and letting things happen when I see people are getting hurt. I experienced a recent problem at my parish where a hired “organ player” (I won’t even call him an organist because he wasn’t even a musician) did and said some horrible things about people, spreading gossip on everyone, including the priests. He continually produced slop, had an ego beyond belief which wasn’t even warranted because he was so horrible and was just a negative person all around. People in the congregation would come up to me to complain about him. I was even hired to cantor funerals without an organist because they thought this guy was the permanent organist. There was only a small few who had the cajones to say something. I did. I didn’t care if it would get me in any kind of trouble (it didn’t) because I was doing what was right. No person like him should have been working in a church with such an unchristian attitude, lack of professionalism and huge ego to boot. (He’s one of the very few I speak of when I say that I have worked with some who are doing it for their own glory.)

Anyway, what I’m talking about (and I believe what other musicians are talking about) are the cruel, judgemental, negative and assuming criticisms perpetuating the belief that musicians are there for their own glory and that they are only there for the music and nothing more. This is the kind of mean-spirited assumption and critique that you expect from the secular music world, but not from the sacred music world. It shouldn’t be something musicians in church have to worry about it.

I also agree that adherence to the Rubrics is very important. But the rubrics were also written in such a way to allow for certain circumstances and situations - holy days, special Latin masses, etc. Words are very important to me. To use a word like, “ordinarily” does not mean “under no circumstances”. It means “usually”, “generally”, thus some masses could have just the choir sing those parts. I also want to make clear when the parish is not doing a Latin mass, the congregation and the choir do chant the Kyrie. Another example is the use of hymns and even motets versus the propers for mass. (Actually a recent thread has been started regarding this.) Although hymns and motets are permitted, really the singing of the propers is even more correct and is actually ideal, yet most churches don’t do it. Our parish does sing the propers at mass, albeit the current musical settings used are pretty mundane. But until the better chants are learned and better settings are composed it is what it is. At the same time, because it is permitted, most have opted to stick with hymns.

Anyway, it has been fun discussing with you.

 

[Famule]

I went to the Easter vigil mass this year at my new parish and was annoyed by the music chosen for the mass. They were, for the most part, complicated pieces and I had a hard time singing along with the choir. It was beautiful but annoying at the same time since I like to participate at mass not just sit/stand/kneel there and listen to the choir sing all the responses and the hymns.

So What is your thoughts on these Concert like masses?

What was some of the music that was chosen?

 

[mistypoint]

Having the choir sing alone is a valid choice for all the hymns except for the post-Communion meditation piece if one is done. That one is supposed to be sung by the congregation.

OTOH, the responses and acclamations should be sung by the people.

I’m not even in a choir but it’s discouraging to read that the hard work that choirs put in to make their praise to God the best it can be is perceived as showing off by members of the assembly. We expect the best from all our other ministries, why is it that when a choir gives its best it’s shot down? I’d rather listen and meditate to a complicated, well-done piece done by the choir alone than sing some of what passes for ‘hymns’ these days.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!

As a member of several choirs (both Spanish and English), and as a cantor for our local parish, I will tell you that we work hard to make the music we sing an honor to God! We are not there to perform for the congregation, we are there to lift our praises to God. We work so hard, rehearsing twice every week so that the music we put forth is pleasing to the ear. Several of us participate in multiple Masses during the weekend. Our Director of Music is extremely careful to make sure the acclamations are completely familiar to the congregation, NEVER springing new Mass settings. It is so funny that, although we hear complaints like these, it is impossible to get Catholics to sing the hymns or acclamations. It is like it is too much work for you to open your mouths and sing! I mean, come on, half the church empties immediately after Eucharist, and the rest of the pews empty before the first verse of the closing hymn is done (as if it is too difficult, or too much of an inconvenience, to spend three more minutes with the Lord, singing His praises!). I will tell you just how lonely it is to be at the ambo, leading the psalm from “Breaking Bread”, practically begging the congregation to sing praises with me, only to be met by blank stares, as if this is just another inconvenience you must put up with to get your “daily bread” and then beat the Baptists to the buffet.

Bottom line, if you don’t like the music, join the choir. Rehearse with us, praise with us, but don’t criticize us!

Here endeth the sermon.

 

[mistypoint]

I.

Unfortunately, in my current church we have almost no good singers at all including the song leader and soloists or singers of “specials” as they are called. (I won’t even go into the torturous experience our “Singspiration” is to endure.) Nonetheless, our singers/choir expect to be applauded and their expressions show their displeasure if they are not.

I would absolutely DIE if anyone applauded after I sang! (and I am a multiple Mass Cantor for our Parish)

It’s just not appropriate!

 

[whatevergirl]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!

As a member of several choirs (both Spanish and English), and as a cantor for our local parish, I will tell you that we work hard to make the music we sing an honor to God! We are not there to perform for the congregation, we are there to lift our praises to God. We work so hard, rehearsing twice every week so that the music we put forth is pleasing to the ear. Several of us participate in multiple Masses during the weekend. Our Director of Music is extremely careful to make sure the acclamations are completely familiar to the congregation, NEVER springing new Mass settings. It is so funny that, although we hear complaints like these, it is impossible to get Catholics to sing the hymns or acclamations. It is like it is too much work for you to open your mouths and sing! I mean, come on, half the church empties immediately after Eucharist, and the rest of the pews empty before the first verse of the closing hymn is done (as if it is too difficult, or too much of an inconvenience, to spend three more minutes with the Lord, singing His praises!). I will tell you just how lonely it is to be at the ambo, leading the psalm from “Breaking Bread”, practically begging the congregation to sing praises with me, only to be met by blank stares, as if this is just another inconvenience you must put up with to get your “daily bread” and then beat the Baptists to the buffet.

Bottom line, if you don’t like the music, join the choir. Rehearse with us, praise with us, but don’t criticize us!

Here endeth the sermon.

***Bless you for your contribution at mass! I really enjoyed reading your post, and pray that more music ministers and choirs take the role they are blessed with, in the same way you do. I belong to a parish now, that literally everyone sings…even my kids! That didn’t happen at masses where the music minister seemed to want to drown everyone out with his voice, sorry, it is what happened, I’m not judging–it was a constant observation. He was an amazing singer, and pianist…and I went up to him after mass and told him so, but he didn’t lead the congregation in singing praise…he didn’t. I just couldn’t sit by and watch that anymore…it was sad to look around and everyone looking at each other totally confused as to what ‘version’ of Gloria he was singing that week. (this took place at the parish we belonged to prior to this one) Now, I sing loudly…and I’m not the greatest singer, by any means! The congregation stays in their seats even after the priest proceeds out of the church, after mass…it’s really been an amazing experience. I have always belonged to parishes like this, the parish I mention with the music minister drowning everyone out, not explaining what version of song he was using, etc…was a very new experience, and I just couldn’t sit there week after week, not knowing what he was singing. Even the priest would look over and wonder what was going on…Whatever, not for me.

I pray that more cantors are like you–you are very humble in your calling to do this. hugs***

 

[Sarabande]

***Bless you for your contribution at mass! I really enjoyed reading your post, and pray that more music ministers and choirs take the role they are blessed with, in the same way you do. I belong to a parish now, that literally everyone sings…even my kids! That didn’t happen at masses where the music minister seemed to want to drown everyone out with his voice, sorry, it is what happened, I’m not judging–it was a constant observation. He was an amazing singer, and pianist…and I went up to him after mass and told him so, but he didn’t lead the congregation in singing praise…he didn’t. I just couldn’t sit by and watch that anymore…it was sad to look around and everyone looking at each other totally confused as to what ‘version’ of Gloria he was singing that week. (this took place at the parish we belonged to prior to this one) Now, I sing loudly…and I’m not the greatest singer, by any means! The congregation stays in their seats even after the priest proceeds out of the church, after mass…it’s really been an amazing experience. I have always belonged to parishes like this, the parish I mention with the music minister drowning everyone out, not explaining what version of song he was using, etc…was a very new experience, and I just couldn’t sit there week after week, not knowing what he was singing. Even the priest would look over and wonder what was going on…Whatever, not for me.

I pray that more cantors are like you–you are very humble in your calling to do this. hugs***

Many cantors and other musicians ARE like mistypoint. I’m sorry that this one music minister gave a bad taste in your mouth about them. Yes, there are some diva wannabes, but I know and believe most cantors are doing it for God with the utmost humility.

 

[whatevergirl]

Many cantors and other musicians ARE like mistypoint. I’m sorry that this one music minister gave a bad taste in your mouth about them. Yes, there are some diva wannabes, but I know and believe most cantors are doing it for God with the utmost humility.

---

Yes, I agree…it didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth about “them”–I didn’t say that, I said that I didn’t care for that parish, largely due to that. I did infer that he was the ONLY music minister that I ever witnessed that with–it was a new experience for me. I actually believe he was serving God with humility, as an aside. I just think that the end result was that no one else could be heard but him, and in the end…it felt more like a performance, than a congregation participating in song. ***

 

[Appleby]

I am a former member of a performance choir in a large Anglican church. The congregation appreciated us most heartily and they all sang equally heartily when the congregational singing was indicated.

I have belonged to two Catholic parishes since I converted, and in both the congregation stands obstinately mute during the hymns – or even worse, starts putting on its coat, gathering its belongings, and shoving its way past those of us who ARE trying to sing that final hymn.

Why won’t Catholics sing?

I asked the priest that on the way out of the service and he said, “Well, I was singing.” I said that I was too, but nobody around me even opened the hymnal.

It’s very sad that the children yell all the way through the service, but the parents remain silent.

 

[Sarabande]

---

Yes, I agree…it didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth about “them”–I didn’t say that, I said that I didn’t care for that parish, largely due to that. I did infer that he was the ONLY music minister that I ever witnessed that with–it was a new experience for me. I actually believe he was serving God with humility, as an aside. I just think that the end result was that no one else could be heard but him, and in the end…it felt more like a performance, than a congregation participating in song. ***

Oh, I understand your sentiments more clearly. Thanks for clarifying yourself more.

That’s why I believe that sometimes the microphone can be a cantor’s worst enemy. I’m a real believer in backing off the mic, especially if the congregation is singing well. If the congregation seems to be having problems with a particular piece of music, it’s our job and the other instrumentalists’ jobs to provide good support in helping them with that music. We’re not there to be rock stars or opera stars. For instance, I’m an opera singer in my secular life, but I don’t sing like an opera singer at mass. For one, if I did and was using the mic, I’d totally be blowing people’s ears out. (We’re trained to only use our natural voices to fill a huge room without any help of amplification except for acoustics.) You learn how to adapt and it seems as if this one particular music minister didn’t really know how to adapt.

Once a piece of music is learned by the congregation, the cantor, should not be singing into the mic - and I think people appreciate that. I actually don’t like it when a cantor can be heard over the rest of the congregation and the choir - especially when they are all singing. It’s a different story if the congregation doesn’t sing, and some just don’t no matter what people try to do. In those instances, it can’t be helped if the cantor can be heard more.

I’ve been cantoring since I was 16 and I’ve learned the ins and outs of doing it in various different churches and instrumentation to know how to gauge what I should do in each room. What works fine in one church could be overpowering in another church. Some churches have such wonderful acoustics that you really don’t need a mic and you can hear the natural voice except for a little pick up on the voice during the psalm and Gospel Acclamation. I do know some cantors who have taken these special classes on cantoring given by their diocese, but I kind of disagree with how some of it is taught. I don’t believe in looking out into the congregation, smiling and engaging people in that way. To me, that’s performing, because that is what people do in voice recitals and concerts. They look out over the audience and express themselves through the music and connect with the audience. I very rarely ever look out into the congregation except right before I bring them in on a hymn or a refrain. I keep my focus on the sheet music and say a prayer before I begin. Perhaps other people feel differently about that because they don’t sing outside of mass. Because I often perform recitals and concerts, doing the above is too much like a performance for me, going against my conscience.

I personally do not like microphones, nor do I like having to be up in front during the entire mass, and that’s why I try to keep away from the mic and be as inconspicuous as possible. I really like the parishes where they only have the cantor up there for the psalm and Gospel Acclamation and then in the choir loft for everything else OR they have them totally step away from the microphone for any hymns. We just announce the hymns, start the first couple of measures, then completely back away. Those congregations sing very well, too. And with those parishes we don’t even have to be at the mic for the mass parts since they know them so well. That is the ideal situation for me. It truly takes any focus off the cantor.

I will say, once we attended a mass where myself, husband and about 20 other people around us, started to all really sing out for a hymn. It was one of those wonderful, robust traditional hymns. I think it was “To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King”. It was great to have everyone around singing. A few of the people in front of us thanked my husband and I after mass for singing out because it gave them the courage to sing out too. They said that the cantor always overpowered them. And that day was no different. The cantor apparently didn’t like having this section of the congregation singing out. When she realized that she was not being “heard”, she began to get closer to the microphone so that she drowned everyone out - including the organ! Yikes!!!

 

[maryjk]

I have attended one of those “Concert Masses.” It happens about once a year.

There is a couple that visits our town. They used to live here, sang with the choir and moved away about 3 years ago.

Every time they visit, the woman does a solo. It is meant to be a performance. It has to be. The song always comes after Communion. They announce that we are lucky to have “John and Jane” visiting and then “Jane” sings her song. After the song, the choir starts the clapping.

Hello!!! I have just received the Lord!!! Any clapping should be for Him.

 

[Scott_D]

Why won’t Catholics sing?

.

I can only speak for my own parish. I believe its because the same half dozen songs or so keep getting recycled and played to death. I’ve been a convert for 13 years now and I’ve heard “On Eagle’s Wings” and other pop hymns played to death in every parish I’ve belonged to (that’s about 5 parishes in New England). In that time, I’ve never heard a Latin hymn at a mass, except for O Come All Ye Faithful, or at the masses I’ve attended at a Benedictine monastery. The pop hymns written by Haas, Schutte, and Haugen are boring, banal, and predictable. That’s why Catholics won’t sing, at least in my opinion. They are not inspired. However, when an old hymn occasionally played, people usually shake the rooftops with their singing.

On the other hand, I have played bass at some masses. I questioned myself (bass at mass!?!), but I thought of the Little Drummer Boy. All I have to offer is my bass just like he offered his drum. I think the Church needs to cease throwing away it’s musical tradition, that’s all.

 

[agapewolf]

I can only speak for my own parish. I believe its because the same half dozen songs or so keep getting recycled and played to death. I’ve been a convert for 13 years now and I’ve heard “On Eagle’s Wings” and other pop hymns played to death in every parish I’ve belonged to (that’s about 5 parishes in New England). In that time, I’ve never heard a Latin hymn at a mass, except for O Come All Ye Faithful, or at the masses I’ve attended at a Benedictine monastery. The pop hymns written by Haas, Schutte, and Haugen are boring, banal, and predictable. That’s why Catholics won’t sing, at least in my opinion. They are not inspired. However, when an old hymn occasionally played, people usually shake the rooftops with their singing.

On the other hand, I have played bass at some masses. I questioned myself (bass at mass!?!), but I thought of the Little Drummer Boy. All I have to offer is my bass just like he offered his drum. I think the Church needs to cease throwing away it’s musical tradition, that’s all.

My parish sings all types of music: hymns, jesuit era, contemporary. They sing loud…all of it.

 

[Scott_D]

A mix of old and contemporary would be effective.

 

[MarysGirls]

They sing loud…all of it.

I wish the congregation at my church would. The only ones that sing at all are mainly the elderly ladies (besides the choir).

 

[Appleby]

I wish the congregation at my church would. The only ones that sing at all are mainly the elderly ladies (besides the choir).

There is nothing more depressing than having the organist play the rousing beginning to an Easter hymn of triumph and thanksgiving and seeing the congregation stand rigid as Easter Island Statues, staring straight ahead, while half a dozen of us praise God to the heavens and try not to miss those high notes.

This past Sunday we had the First Communion and I felt so sorry for those lovely boys and girls that they walked down an aisle past rows of statues – some way to welcome them to the famliy, isnt it?

 

[Sarabande]

There is nothing more depressing than having the organist play the rousing beginning to an Easter hymn of triumph and thanksgiving and seeing the congregation stand rigid as Easter Island Statues, staring straight ahead, while half a dozen of us praise God to the heavens and try not to miss those high notes.

This past Sunday we had the First Communion and I felt so sorry for those lovely boys and girls that they walked down an aisle past rows of statues – some way to welcome them to the famliy, isnt it?

Yeah, really!!! And their actions teach their children that it’s ok to not sing, so the cycle continues. There are many reasons for why Catholics don’t sing, but I think this is a part of the reason why some parishes sing and other don’t.

 

[jpunto7]

This is an interesting blog. I would have to say that I can find valid points on both sides.
I have seen both some churches using the new styles and some using the old styles. I will say that I had some great experiences with olde style music and newer styles. I also had some expirences that have been dull for both sides as well.
Overall, I think people should thank the choirs, because this is usually voluntary, and if someone gets paid, it’s usually low.
I will say, being a Gen-Y person, the newer styles of music will have to be played more often if you want to keep younger generations in the church. Off of experience, one of my sisters left the church for the neighborhood Nazeriene church and said the priest at my church, the music, and the youth ministry programs were boring and out of tune. Out of being forced to attend her church a few times, I will say that I have noticed that it is the same type of music at her church as you would hear on christian radio stations like klove.
I noticed that she also had a tendancy to be the snobby “I’m the first chair flute” type of person. Not slamming talented fluteists, but I’m saying that she has gotten quite arrogant at times.
I will point out, I been to an easter mass at a Franciscan retreat center and it was more energetic than her church ever was, plus they also had the most talented church choir I had ever seen!!!

 

[Cat]

We do traditional and contemporary music in the various Masses at our parish, and people don’t sing either way. Even on the old favorite Catholic cow, “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,” people just stand there.

The only time I hear them sing is when a really really GOOD cantor sings. I think having someone who can hit the notes and sing the melody clearly, and who is very accurate on coming in on the entrances and cutting off the phrases on the right beat gives others courage to join in the song. Unfortunately, most of the cantors are older, not young, strong singers. God bless them for their willingness and their sweet voices, but they don’t inspire people to sing.

We do have some young cantors, but frankly, I don’t blame the parents for not allowing their teens and collegiates to cantor. Why would you want your child to be subjected to all those criticisms and accusations of “showing off” and “being irreverent” and “singing like a pop star?” I don’t blame parents for saying “No thanks, we want you to believe that Catholics are kind.”

And frankly, I think the congregation sings when I play. I don’t want to brag, but when I play, I think like an accompanist. I “breathe” when I play (phrasing). I also play fairly fast, which makes it easier for the people to get enough air to actually sing. When the traditional hymns are played like dirges, people have to take two or three breaths just to get through one phrase, and they give up in a hurry. Also–very important–I accompany the cantor well, so the cantor has courage to sing out and sing well, knowing that I will be there for him/her, and this in turn helps the congregation to sing better.

At the moment, we are experiencing some rather bad organists, and this is making people, even me, give up on singing. There is NOTHING worse than singing with a bad organ. It’s impossible. I’m telling you–this blind commitment to having an organ instead of a piano is going to be the end of music in the Catholic churches. In our city, I don’t know ONE organ student, not even one (and since I am closely involved with youth music programs at our local music club, I know the young people in the community). Not one. And most of our universities are closing down their organ majors, since they haven’t had students in years. When all our current organists retire or die, that will be it. No more organ. And that means no more music unless you’re willing to put up with the worldly piano.

And even that’s going to be a challenge. When Catholics criticize and nit-pit pianos and pianists in the Mass, well, if I were a Catholic parent, I would NOT allow my young teenager to play for a Mass unless he/she was PAID. At least he/she would get SOMETHING out of the experience to make up for being called “lounge lizard” or “irreverent” or “inappropriate” or “Protestant” by all the Catholics who are living in the long-gone and never-to-return past.

When all is said and done, though, I think the main reason Catholics don’t sing is that Americans don’t sing as a group. That form of recreation is gone. No one does it anymore, except for home-school families who don’t have televisions. The idea of singing together with a group of friends is so bizarre to most people, as bizarre as the idea of preparing a dead body for burial at home. We have become a nation that pays professionals to do this work for us–prepare our dead bodies for burial, and sing our songs.

I don’t know how we can ever restore interest in singing together. Maybe Coke will do another good commercial and we’ll all start singing together again. Or maybe the song, “The Ants Go Marching One by One” should be used to create a Mass setting, and the nave should be designed to look and feel like a bus–although for all I know, kids don’t even sing together on a bus anymore.

All I know is that we can’t live in the past. People don’t sing together and people don’t play the organ anymore. That’s reality. We have to deal with it.

 

[Sarabande]

We do traditional and contemporary music in the various Masses at our parish, and people don’t sing either way. Even on the old favorite Catholic cow, “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,” people just stand there.

Again, I think this has to do with the dynamic of different parishes. I substitute and freelance at many parishes and each one is different. For instance, in our parish and many others, they sing hymns like “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” with gusto and with much more love than some of the newer hymns. It doesn’t mean they don’t sing newer hymns well, but I’m putting out an example to show that just because a few parishes may not sing out on certain hymns doesn’t mean that is the case in other parishes. And I will admit it is also the other way around, too.

The only time I hear them sing is when a really really GOOD cantor sings. I think having someone who can hit the notes and sing the melody clearly, and who is very accurate on coming in on the entrances and cutting off the phrases on the right beat gives others courage to join in the song.

So true. It’s hard to sing when the cantor can’t sing or can’t read the music correctly. I’d rather just have the organist/pianist lead without a voice over the mic. One parish I attended often only had an organist (a farmer who also dedicated his time as the parish organist), but he was good with the hymns and people were able to sing out - AND boy did they sing. Not to mention, it was an old-fashioned parish and almost every hymn we sang there were traditional hymns. There was no cantor.

I don’t want to brag, but when I play, I think like an accompanist. I “breathe” when I play (phrasing).

We cantors LOVE real musicians like you. Thank you! I can’t tell you how many churches (Protestant and Catholic - but mostly Catholic) have I freelance at for weddings and the pianist/organist can’t play the right notes, play the correct rhythm or a singable tempo. Another one of the many reasons why Catholics don’t sing.

I’m telling you–this blind commitment to having an organ instead of a piano is going to be the end of music in the Catholic churches.

Well, I doubt that. Again perhaps your city may not have one up and coming organist. But where I live and in the surrounding cities, we have young organists - I personally know and work with a few. Perhaps not the amount that there used to be, but I think that has to do with pushing out good organists in the churches a couple of decades ago and not having any good influence on the up and coming kids.

all our current organists retire or die, that will be it. No more organ. And that means no more music unless you’re willing to put up with the worldly piano.

It’s a shame that this will probably be the case in your city.

When all is said and done, though, I think the main reason Catholics don’t sing is that Americans don’t sing as a group. That form of recreation is gone. No one does it anymore, except for home-school families who don’t have televisions. The idea of singing together with a group of friends is so bizarre to most people, as bizarre as the idea of preparing a dead body for burial at home. We have become a nation that pays professionals to do this work for us–prepare our dead bodies for burial, and sing our songs.

You have some point to this. Also, if you haven’t already, read “Why Can’t Catholics Sing?”

All I know is that we can’t live in the past. People don’t sing together and people don’t play the organ anymore. That’s reality. We have to deal with it.

Or we can all work as a community to change things instead of giving up. If we thought this with everything in the Church, we’d throw away all of our traditions. When you have musicians or whoever ecstatic about the music the use for the church, you’ll get the people ecstatic as well. One can feel that energy. We have more parishes in our diocese that do that - with music from our long and rich Catholic heritage. If we can see those parishes doing it here, it can be done elsewhere.

I don’t know, my mom taught me to never give up on things especially when you believe it truly. Negativity breeds more negativity. Of course, one should also be practical. But if my mom listened to everyone that she couldn’t get to America or that she should just give up on her children who had learning disabilities or hearing problems, she and none of us would be where we are today. And we were taught to bring that kind of attitude to every aspect of life. As annoying as it was for me growing up, my mother’s mantra “Never say never,” was so true and telling in life.