Before Mass Silence

[rondirect]

At my church it’s the piano and singing before Mass that messes up my concentration.

Hi Hope. I don’t speak for all music directors, but for myself I’d admit “guilty.” For all of my 3 choral groups that I direct each weekend, we do our best to be respectful as possible to those sitting in prayer. Some people show up as early as one half hour before Mass, so there is really not time to review the Psalm or any particular song that we might had a problem with at rehearsal, or a missed rehearsal, or someone who could not attend a rehearsal in a manner that will not disturb someone, although I never get complaints. Situations vary. For me and my groups (cannot speak for all), it is a quiet review, sometimes without instrumentation.
It becomes a tough call: either be wrong to some and rehearse respectfully before Mass or be wrong as we sing and lead during Mass.

 

[rondirect]

If truth be told here, I think that most all churches face the same dilemma.
Its a tough one to control, my friend, as I said in the beginning of this thread where silence is requested in the nave, the vestry, the Sacristy, the vestibule. Before Mass, those in ministry must communicate to each other and other ministries, priests and deacons as well. People who cannot understand think that Mass just happens and do not think of the preparation and the communication that has to take place in order for the ministries to work together cohesively. If not, you will undoubtedly hear complaints that Mass was a mess, no one knew what was happening and nothing was prepared well. Just my take…

 

[Pup7]

All of that just strikes me as part of the scenery, though. (I don’t mean that disrespectfully, I mean as a part of what’s going on around you prior to Mass - it’s appropriate.) That stuff is supposed to be going on, and has to go on. It’s the loud conversations that are out of place for me.

 

[rondirect]

All of that just strikes me as part of the scenery, though. (I don’t mean that disrespectfully, I mean as a part of what’s going on around you prior to Mass - it’s appropriate.) That stuff is supposed to be going on, and has to go on. It’s the loud conversations that are out of place for me.

Yes, as we rehearse just for a few moments quietly as possible, I see the same people week after week sitting or kneeling in prayer. As you say, it is “part of the scenery” and it is accepted by them. In 36 years, never one complaint or dirty look; just thanks for the choir’s commitment and a good job.

Pup, you made me think more about this. My responses are mostly in view of the ruling that silence is golden in all parts of the church as I mentioned a few moments ago; practically impossible. Then I re-read the responses here. I see a divide: people are more annoyed with loud talking vs. those in ministry who need to communicate (including our mini music review if needed) with each other respectfully in all areas of the church.

 

[rondirect]

Depends on the parish. It’s their job in our parish, though we don’t have people talking in church, but if kids get too noisy during Mass and the parents do nothing about it, the ushers were instructed to say something. In my opinion parishioners should not be put in a position to deal with other parishioners’ behavior. But, I’ve never heard of ushers referred to as ministers of hospitality either.

Hi Lisa. To have the ushers, greeters, or Ministers of hospitality, approach someone is opening a can of worms in my opinion. Every usher’s demeanor is different. It’s all about what is said and how it is said. And, that coming from a person who is a minister of the church is more reason for someone to move on. A look at them from another person or a “shhh” from another person is more in order, IMO. It leaves those who “work” for the church out of the picture: “Boy, I went to St. XYZ, and their ushers are so mean.”

Ministers of Hospitality: new buzzword for ushers or greeters. Google it…many dioceses have adopted the new term.

 

[KATRINA_68]

We have three different choir groups at our Church. I recently attended a Mass for a group I’d not heard. The acoustic guitar was fine, as was the singing, but the electric bass guitar was overpowering, and spoiled the music, also hurt my ears. Practice before Mass at all of them is minimal, and not distracting.

 

[rondirect]

but the electric bass guitar was overpowering, and spoiled the music, also hurt my ears. Practice before Mass at all of them is minimal, and not distracting.

I hear ya. In some churches, like mine, even though the instruments are in the aisle way against the back wall under a high overhang that surrounds the entire church, and only about 8 feet from me standing between the piano and organ and in front of the choirs, the sound only the 8 feet away is so different and the bass blends. Go out into the congregation and it resounds all over, and closeness to an open mic is no help, not to mention the acoustical environment: hard pews, floors, walls, glass. Bass notes boom everywhere very easily; it’s inherent in the frequency. Could you tell the music director in a nice and friendly way, “thank you, but it was hard to hear the choir because where I sit the bass guitar’s lower register was overpowering the choir.” ??
If he/she is concerned and values your (name removed by moderator)ut, they should mention this to the bass player to be corrected. Believe it or not, testing the sound at a rehearsal is different because the congregation is not there, and people absorb sound. For what it’s worth…
However, for this thread, I am glad the practice before Mass is not distracting; we have to do it at times. The only time I forbid any communication, quiet talking, or practice is during the Paschal Triduum Liturgies, excluding Easter Sunday, and especially on Good Friday, and my people are well aware of it.

 

[KATRINA_68]

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut rondirect. Because there are other Masses available, I usually go to an earlier one with piano/organ and guitar. It wouldn’t be right for me to complain about the bass guitar, because it’s not as if there are no other Masses being offered. Maybe no one else is bothered by it? Overall, in almost all of the Churches I’ve attended over the years, the volume imo is too loud. Not sure how other people feel, but when Communion is being distributed, I wish there was no hymn, just silence, because that’s when I’d like a private moment to talk to Jesus. Or, if only the choir would play/sing softly. Now just complaining isn’t even really fair, because all the choirs are doing their best, giving their time to God, and who knows? Maybe that bass player is giving God the only talent he has, I don’t know his story. They say silence is golden.

 

[Pup7]

I’m not a fan of the Communion Hymn either. I expected quiet music. I feel bad because I think I owe it to the choir to sing (because they somewhat ask…“Please join us for our Communion Hymn, number XXX”), but at the same time, I’d rather pray.

I always feel torn about that. Hardly anyone is singing, the choir is doing their job…ugh. It’s a dilemma for me.

Strangely, if I go to the Cathedral, I don’t feel guilty about it. Only at the military chapel, which I actually consider my home parish. It’s like I’m disappointing my family.

 

[ShowersofRoses]

I’ve felt that same dilemma @Pup7. I think it’s best to think “Please join us for our Communion Hymn, number xyz, if you wish.” The majority of people at my parish don’t join in the singing after Communion because they’re praying, but for those who like to sing, the option is there and they’re welcome to join in. Don’t stress about it any more and do as you feel led.

 

[Pup7]

I’ve felt that same dilemma @Pup7. I think it’s best to think “Please join us for our Communion Hymn, number xyz, if you wish.” The majority of people at my parish don’t join in the singing after Communion because they’re praying, but for those who like to sing, the option is there and they’re welcome to join in. Don’t stress about it any more and do as you feel led.

Thanks - that actually helps.

 

[Irishmom2]

I can’t help thinking of obnoxious ways to retaliate! What if you sat right behind them, and started praying out loud, loud enough to disrupt their conversation? Maybe they would get the message!

Or just join in the conversation. "Oh, really? What day did that happen? " And when they look at you funny, tell them since they are speaking so loudly, you thought they wanted you to be part of their conversation.

 

[rondirect]

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut rondirect. Because there are other Masses available, I usually go to an earlier one with piano/organ and guitar. It wouldn’t be right for me to complain about the bass guitar, because it’s not as if there are no other Masses being offered. Maybe no one else is bothered by it? Overall, in almost all of the Churches I’ve attended over the years, the volume imo is too loud. Not sure how other people feel, but when Communion is being distributed, I wish there was no hymn, just silence, because that’s when I’d like a private moment to talk to Jesus. Or, if only the choir would play/sing softly. Now just complaining isn’t even really fair, because all the choirs are doing their best, giving their time to God, and who knows? Maybe that bass player is giving God the only talent he has, I don’t know his story. They say silence is golden.

You are very welcome. The director should be aware of the loudness and control it. His loud playing should not be part of the equation of giving his talent to God. It was nice of you to say so though. He should blend with the rest of the group and not overpower and other instrument or especially the choir.

 

[rondirect]

I’m OK with the Communion Song. It is part of the protocol of the liturgy: “During Communion we sing psalms and other songs that express our praise of the Father, our spiritual union in Christ and our fellowship in the Holy Spirit.” We that said, singing a quick and upbeat song at this time is not appropriate, IMO.

What we do is this (and I would like to know how others handle this): Since our choirs sing a song during Communion (and, yes, I see people singing as they kneel or on line), our pianist plays a quiet, peaceful familiar tune as an EM distributes the body and blood to the music ministry first on our side. As the choir line gets near the end, the pianist closes her song and receives last. About a minute passes by and we then start the Communion Song and conclude it as soon after the last communicate receives. At that time, the altar is cleared and the body of Christ is placed in the tabernacle to silence: “After communion, we spend some time in silent prayer and/or sing a psalm or song of praise.” For us, silence continues as the priest sits and the deacons and EMs find their way back to their seats. Mass continues with the Prayer after Communion, etc. Announcements are not said at this time (except for a request from our Youth Director or Pastor from time to time) since we say our announcements with our welcoming of everyone and Mass intentions before Mass begins.

We never announce any songs since the songs are projected. I’m glad for that because I think they interrupt the sacred flow of the Mass, just as much as announcements after the Prayer after Communion to hear: “Don’t forget about our pizza party this Friday Night!” Ugh!

From Showersofroses:
I’ve felt that same dilemma @Pup7. I think it’s best to think “Please join us for our Communion Hymn, number xyz, if you wish.” The majority of people at my parish don’t join in the singing after Communion because they’re praying, but for those who like to sing, the option is there and they’re welcome to join in. Don’t stress about it any more and do as you feel led.

I agree.

 

[anon10271182]

Sometimes I go “ssshhh” loud enough that the chatterers can hear me. But I don’t look at them, because I don’t want to be confrontational.

 

[Lormar]

I sympathize very much with you. Just last May I stopped attending a parish for precisely this reason - no silence ever - either before or after. Before the Mass, the choir tuned up and practiced for thirty minutes. After Mass, it was deafening chatter. Only one Mass at the parish with the church opening thirty minutes before and closing ASAP after, so hanging around to pray is discouraged because the appointed person is waiting around to lock up.

We returned to the EF Mass last June. It’s heavenly.

 

[Lormar]

I think this type of behavior is on its way out.

It belonged to another place and time that is fading away with the generation that created it.

 

[DeniseNY]

Does it work?

 

[anon10271182]

Seems to. I hardly do it “rudely,” lol. And only those who are carrying on conversations in the nearby pews will hear it. After all, I don’t want to disturb others who, like me, are trying to pray after Mass.

 

[anon10271182]

It does seem to be the older parishioners who are the worst offenders and, in my experience, mainly the ladies. No offense to anyone!