Archdiocesen-wide Homily in Cincinnati!

[mwscott]

Anyone else go to Mass in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati yesterday? The Archbishop gave a homily via CD!! I was wondering if the GIRM or other document even mentions this possibility (whether in a good or bad light). While I thought it was interesting that technology makes it possible for the archbishop to address his diocese all-together, I do not think that the Mass is the appropriate time, or if it should have replaced the homily. His “homily” was just a speech requesting donations to a ministry within this diocese. I understood that it was supposed to be “played” at every parish in the diocese in place of a “live” homily.

Besides replacing the homily (which I thought was inappropriate) it was also very hard to pay attention to because there was no one to look at and it was given like a poor radio address, read word-for-word from a script.

Also, I was disturbed by the priest (who loves to wear his rainbow colored stole over his chasuble) when he said, "it is very nice to finally have an archbishop that has an off-switch.

 

[TheWhoFreak]

I live in Cincinnati, but I went to Mass on Saturday. So I didn’t see it. And a rainbow-colored stole? What church to you go to, might I ask?

 

[benedictgal]

We just had our Catholic Sharing Appeal down here. However, at my parish, a homily was preached and the video was shown after the Post-Communion prayer, it’s rightful time.

 

[Joannm]

We had a bishop’s appeal video at our parish this past weekend. It was shown after the Prayer after Communion, when we usually do our announcements. It is a once a year thing. The bishop needs to get the word out regarding the appeal and this seems to be the easiest way to reach the largest audience. Since one of the precepts of the Church is to support the work of the Church, financially, these appeals are necessary, especially since monetary support of the Church has gone down and many dioceses are in financial straits.

 

[Digitonomy]

Is there a more recent rule that supersedes paragraph 71 of De Musica Sacra?

The use of automatic instruments and machines, such as the automatic organ, phonograph, radio, tape or wire recorders, and other similar machines, is absolutely forbidden in liturgical functions and private devotions, whether they are held inside or outside the church, even if these machines be used only to transmit sermons or sacred music, or to substitute for the singing of the choir or faithful, or even just to support it.

 

[benedictgal]

Is there a more recent rule that supersedes paragraph 71 of De Musica Sacra?

However, this is not a homily nor does it fall under the realm of sacred music. Thus, DMS would not apply here.

 

[Digitonomy]

However, this is not a homily nor does it fall under the realm of sacred music. Thus, DMS would not apply here.

A couple points.
First, in the bigger picture, De Musica Sacra doesn’t appear to limit the rule to homilies or sacred music.
Second, in this specific case, I’m not sure what your basis is for contradicting the OP that this was a homily.

 

[benedictgal]

A couple points.
First, in the bigger picture, De Musica Sacra doesn’t appear to limit the rule to homilies or sacred music.
Second, in this specific case, I’m not sure what your basis is for contradicting the OP that this was a homily.

The OP mentioned that this was a “homily”, but, I don’t think that it was. It was a statement from the Archbishop promoting the archdiocesan appeal. That is not a homily, per se.

 

[PacoG]

The OP mentioned that this was a “homily”, but, I don’t think that it was. It was a statement from the Archbishop promoting the archdiocesan appeal. That is not a homily, per se.

It could be considered a sermon because supporting the Church and her activities is a precept of the Church, and, thus, is an obligation of all her members.

 

[MariaTheresa]

I am a member of a parish in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. This talk was given at my parish also by CD at the request of the new Archbishop for the Catholic Ministries Appeal. A version of this appeal is done every year on this Sunday. It used to be called the Archdiocesan Fund Drive. Our Pastor introduced it respectfully and said that our new Archbishop appeared to be a good shepherd and we should listen to the talk prayerfully. This message came across as a heartfelt and gracious request to help others in need this Lent, especially in light of the current economy and the tragedy in Haiti etc. It was the first time most people in the Archdiocese had heard our new Archbishop speak.
Remember, if we our in doubt about something someone has done, we need to be charitable and give the person(s) the benefit of the doubt. This in no way took away from the Mass only added to it as it ended up emphasizing the poor and needy for whom Jesus also died.

God Bless

 

[benedictgal]

It could be considered a sermon because supporting the Church and her activities is a precept of the Church, and, thus, is an obligation of all her members.

However, what should have been done was to defer this until after the post-Communion prayer. The subject could be incorporated into the actual homily, but, a homily needs to be preached on Sundays.

 

[MariaTheresa]

I’m sure that the Archbishop and our Pastor have the correct permission to make this appeal how and when they did.

 

[Digitonomy]

Is there a more recent rule that supersedes paragraph 71 of De Musica Sacra?

My question still stands, but I did go back and read all of paragraph 71 just now. In my earlier post I had pasted from another thread, which only included the first half of 71. Here’s the entire thing:

1. The use of automatic instruments and machines, such as the automatic organ, phonograph, radio, tape or wire recorders, and other similar machines, is absolutely forbidden in liturgical functions and private devotions, whether they are held inside or outside the church, even if these machines be used only to transmit sermons or sacred music, or to substitute for the singing of the choir or faithful, or even just to support it.

However, such machines may be used, even inside the church, but not during services of any kind, whether liturgical or private, in order to give the people a chance to listen to the voice of the Supreme Pontiff or the local Ordinary, or the sermons of others. These mechanical devices may be also be used to instruct the faithful in Christian doctrine or in the sacred chant or hymn singing; finally they may be used in processions which take place outside the church, as a means of directing, and supporting the singing of the people.

So if this part of De Musica Sacra is still in force (which is questionable), it is envisioned that recordings of the pope or bishop may be played, but the proper time would be before or after mass.