Catholics & Contemporary Christian Music

[Sweeney]

It’s not the music, its the lyrics… I enjoy modern gospel and Chirstian “rock”, but I have trouble with the old rock music I use to listen to. It can be a bad influence on my spirituality. I listen to U2, but I can not listen to the Rolling Stones, no matter what song by them that I hear, “Sympathy the Devil” always comes in mind.(The Hells Angels murdered a black man while Mick Jagger sang the song at a rock concert in 1969)
Deon I will listen to, he is a devout Catholic. Eric Clapton is ok by me, but I no longer listen to Elton John, nor will I listen to Sheryl Crow. My dos and don’ts for myself goes on and on. My wife and I disagree on this all the time.

You have to have your head in the sand if you think all rock n roll was meant to be innocent songs for teenagers and not have had some evil influence.

Jerry Lee was in revolt against his religious upbringing and he made a concsious effort to be irreligious with his style of playing, lyrics and lifestyle etc.

Music is meant to bring out your passion, no matter what style, so it is wise, in my mind, to be very discerning to what you listen to no matter what style you listen to.:twocents:

And be not conformed to this world: but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and the acceptable and the perfect will of God.

The Stones were oerforming “Under My Thumb” when the Angels stabbed the man (who was carrying a pistol) at the Altamont concert, not “Sympathy Fot the Devil”.

 

[gardenswithkids]

Is it ok for a Catholic to listen to Contemporary Christian Music?

I enjoy listening the Christian music and find lyrics about God lift my heart and mind to Him when I listen to it. Songs can be beautiful ways to pray. Probably my favorite is a little known Catholic artist named Marie Bellet. (I started a thread on her newest cd on the parenting forum.) She’s a mom who sings about life as a Catholic wife and mother.

Some Catholics are involved in the Christian music scene, but I think there are probably more Protestant Evangelicals involved in it. Christian music is a way to share their beliefs, and not all the lyrics correspond to Catholic theology. I agree those unfamilar with their Catholic beliefs should guard against false teachings, (that happens with ordinary music too.) People really need to know their faith and be on guard to turn off and not listen to songs that go against it. A catchy tune can spread any kind of message–including Catholic messages and prayers.

 

[Bennie_P]

The Stones were oerforming “Under My Thumb” when the Angels stabbed the man (who was carrying a pistol) at the Altamont concert, not “Sympathy Fot the Devil”.

I appologize, my old mind is not as good as it once was, either why, when I hear the Stones “Sympathy for the Devil” comes to my mind. I wasn’t at the concert being only 14 at time and living in Ohio.

Actually they open their set with Sympathy for the Devil , this from the description of the movie Gimme Shelter “…The Stones finally hit the stage and open up with “Sympathy for the Devil” and the true terror begins. From beginning to end, Mick Jagger sings the classics and does some of the best singing of his career. Longtime Stone fans will tell you that this Altamont concert was one of the greatest the Stones have ever sounded. Of course, in the crowd people are being beaten with pool sticks, thrown to the ground and beaten. Worst of all apparently there was a black man in the audience who had a gun. This man was eventually beaten to death and stabbed by the Angels…”

Either way, Satan seemed to have his way that day.

 

[Cat]

And Hitler used Wagnerian opera to help develop National Socialism into a religion of race, which led to the deaths of 12 million people, including the genocide of 6 million Jews.

So I guess opera is Satanic?

 

[Bennie_P]

And Hitler used Wagnerian opera to help develop National Socialism into a religion of race, which led to the deaths of 12 million people, including the genocide of 6 million Jews.

So I guess opera is Satanic?

I didn’t say rock was Satanic, but there might be a case for the Rolling Stones. What I am implying is that music can have a bad influence based on the lyrics and how it used and who is using it.

For me the Rolling Stones triggers memories of my alcoholic - drug induced outlaw biker days. So for me, yes it is Santanic.

The only Geman I know is ein Bier bitte, so Wagnerian opera doesn’t have any meaning for me, but for some neo-Nazi I would say it may have a Santanic affect on them.

In my opinion music does have influence on people some good, some bad.

That is my two cents, but outlawing opera and gansta rap wouldn’t hurt me a bit, I’m not a fan of either.

I just came from a Celebrate Recovery meeting where the first half hour was a praise worship service with CCM and I sang to the Lord with all my heart, music was good , the lyrics were right, (my singing isn’t as good as it was 20 years ago), but I think God was glorified.

PAX

 

[AquinaSavio]

It’s personal preference.

Liturgical music has nothing to do with preference. It has to do with what GOD wants. Gregorian Chant and classical hymns are the highest achievement in music, and are therefore the best fit for worship in the Holy Mass. We have no say in what music is to be played in the Mass. If we say that it’s personal preference, we’re putting the focus on ourselves and what kind of music we like…rather than what kind of music praises God in the highest and most reverent way.

 

[Cat]

AquinaSavio, we DO have a choice of music in mass.

Some human being in every Catholic Church has to make a choice every week. The choice of specific songs and music styles is not dictated by the Vatican. It is the choice of the priest, the music director, or the liturgical director, and sometimes, the instrumentalist or cantor (e.g., when the cantor doesn’t know the specified hymn and a substitution must be made).

As I said, the only specified qualification for mass music is that the music must be “reverent.” This is according to our church music minister and liturgical director. He should know. It’s his job to know what the Catholic Church requires of church music.

And there are other styles of music that are “reverent” besides chant and classical hymns.

I’m don’t prefer rock music. But at times because of schedules, I attend out Life Teen mass. It rocks, and it’s very reverent, even though it’s loud and the instruments are electric guitars, keyboards, and drums.

There are many who would disagree with you that chant and classical hymns are “the highest achievement in music.” Are you honestly saying that God stopped working through musicians after these styles were developed? I don’t agree. I believe that God continues to work through musicians and give them new songs and forms, and that these new songs and forms please and glorify Him.

I’m not saying that ALL CCM qualifies–I think there’s a lot of fluff out there. But let’s assume, shall we, that most Christian composers are seeking to glorify and please God, not self or human passions. I am amazed at how many Christians don’t remember that a fellow Christian wrote CCM, and that even if we don’t particularly like the song or musical style, we should respect WHAT GOD HAS DONE through others. It’s OK to criticize music for it’s banality or awkward musical line, but to say that the music does not glorify God is crossing a line.

I do believe strongly that Catholics need to examine CCM lyrics and discern which are non-Catholic. IMO, we need more CCCM–Contemporary Catholic Christian Music.

I play piano, BTW, and I’ve written about 70 Christian songs, most of which are fluff, but a few of which are very good.

 

[Bennie_P]

I do believe strongly that Catholics need to examine CCM lyrics and discern which are non-Catholic. IMO, we need more CCCM–Contemporary Catholic Christian Music.

I play piano, BTW, and I’ve written about 70 Christian songs, most of which are fluff, but a few of which are very good.

Cool!

 

[lak611]

I am listening to the Contemporary Christian station on Yahoo radio as I type this.

 

[Cat]

Don’t get me wrong, please.

I think that to listen to pure CCM is like eating nothing but cereal.

Cereal is tasty, and you’ll survive if you eat only cereal

But what poverty when a whole banquet is laid before us!

I think we should strive to listen to all kinds of music (in and out of church), respect all musical forms, discern the WORDS in all musical forms (including opera), and be careful not to allow music to sweep us into an emotional state where we do or say sinful things (classical music can do this, too!).

When my daughters were growing up, I exposed them to every kind of music, and now that they are grown, they listen to all kinds of music. We never did go through a time at our house where our kids rebelled and listened exclusively to the latest musical style .

They didn’t criticize any musical form, and they enjoyed dancing at school dances to rock music as much as they enjoyed singing in our community’s annual presentation of Handel’s “Messiah.” They also like country music–like I said, I didn’t teach musical snobbery. To this day, my younger daughter, who sings opera, usually listens to country while driving. (unless she can find an opera on a classical station).

I don’t buy this nonsense that all teenagers will listen to the latest “young” music and adults may as well try to find them “Christian versions” of this “young music” so that they won’t be listening to “Satanic words.”

I don’t believe we should be presenting CCM as “an alternative” for our young people. CCM is not an alternative, it is a musical genre in its own right.

At any rate, once a person is grown up, it doesn’t matter anymore. Their musical tastes are set, and if they hate a certain musical form or style, it’s probably too late to ever hope that they can learn to like it. Too bad. (I’m kind of that way about polka–I still cringe when I hear an accordion and string bass. And I’m a GERMAN American–yikes! I’m so ashamed!)

But I think that we would do well to at least learn to tolerate all kinds of music and to not criticize the musical tastes of others. (Polka’s OK.)

And that includes God. No one but the Catholic Church has a right to pronounce that God’s favorite music is “Chant” or “Classical” or “CCM.”

It happens in both directions. We’ve seen people state that God prefers chant or classical or traditional music.

And I’ve read quite a few articles in music publications stating that the Holy Spirit is trying to get rid of the old musical styles and bring in the new musical styles.

This is presumption. We can’t speak for the God. A reading of the Bible, especially passages like Psalm 150 and Ephesians 5:19 implies that God likes all kinds of music as long as it is “spiritual.” Psalm 150 sounds a lot like rock music to me! (And classical.)

The Catholic Church DOES have the authority to pronounce what kind of music God prefers in mass. And the Catholic Church has said that God wants “reverent” music in mass.

The Catholic Church has NOT said that God doesn’t like rock music or pop music or country music or African music or Latin music in mass. In fact, mass is supposed to be in the language of the people. That includes the musical language of the people. A mass in Puerto Rico doesn’t generally include chant.

Pope Benedict has offered his *personal opinion * on rock music, but he has not declared this as church dogma. Until he does, the local Church must take care to present reverent music in the liturgy, and that’s the only rule.

 

[AquinaSavio]

AquinaSavio, we DO have a choice of music in mass.

Some human being in every Catholic Church has to make a choice every week. The choice of specific songs and music styles is not dictated by the Vatican. It is the choice of the priest, the music director, or the liturgical director, and sometimes, the instrumentalist or cantor (e.g., when the cantor doesn’t know the specified hymn and a substitution must be made).

Ok…yeah, someone has to pick the music. However, we should not be able to pick the type, instruments, songs, etc… Pope Benedict and Cardinal Arinze have both pointed out that electric guitars, drums, and the like are not appropriate for Mass. You can read the Redemptionis Sacramentum, and I believe it is also covered in Sacramentum Caritatis. The songs and instruments (specifically, the organ) have come down to us and have always been considered most appropriate for worship. The doctors of the Church found them to be the most reverent and fitting. Some interesting quotes from very important people in Church history are:

St. John Chrysostom (a Doctor of the Church) said, “Is it Tradition? Then ask no more.”

St. Jerome: “The best advice that I can give you is this. Church traditions – especially when they do not run counter to the Faith – are to be observed in the form in which previous generations have handed them down.”

Pope St. Stephen: “Let nothing be innovated beyond what is traditional.”

And there are other styles of music that are “reverent” besides chant and classical hymns.

Very few…the loud music and pounding beats of electrice guitars and drums are not condusive to prayer, silence, and the air of reverence necessary at a Mass. They’re more condusive to crowd surfing and hand waving.

I’m don’t prefer rock music. But at times because of schedules, I attend out Life Teen mass. It rocks, and it’s very reverent, even though it’s loud and the instruments are electric guitars, keyboards, and drums.

That is always the first defense of “Youth Masses” with such music. However, your idea of reverent might differ with mine. Reverence in Church is no talking, no immodest dress, nothing that will take the focus off of God in the celebration of the Eucharist. I’ve never seen such reverence at any Mass with the modern music.

This certainly doesn’t prove that such music is bad. However, it does make one wonder what the music teaches the youth of today. They come to Mass, chat, dress as if they were at the beach, and look as if they were bored to death.

There are many who would disagree with you that chant and classical hymns are “the highest achievement in music.”

I’m glad I have Pope Benedict and Cardinal Arinze on my side…

Are you honestly saying that God stopped working through musicians after these styles were developed? I don’t agree. I believe that God continues to work through musicians and give them new songs and forms, and that these new songs and forms please and glorify Him.

I never said anything of the sort. Those types of music are not bad…they are just not suitable for Mass. There’s a big difference.

I play piano, BTW, and I’ve written about 70 Christian songs, most of which are fluff, but a few of which are very good.

That’s great! I would really like to learn how to play the piano. :yup:

 

[Cat]

AquinoSavio, I looked up “reverence” in the dictionary. “Honor or respect felt or shown.”

I tried to find a “Catholic” definition, but a lot of the websites are questionable in my mind. I’m not sure that all of them are in communion with Rome.

Your definition of reverence seems to include “quiet.” Is this an official definition from the Catholic Church, or just a personal definition?

IMO, one does not have to be “quiet” to show reverence.

IMO, reverence can be felt and shown with loud music and singing. It can be shown with rock music as much as it can be shown with classical or chant or silence.

Again, I turn to the Psalms. There is a great deal of variation in how the Psalmists worship God. Some of the Psalms call for silence, while others call for cymbals.

You prefer quiet, silence in order to feel and show honor and respect to God.

But others prefer volume, animation, in order to feel and show honor and respect to God.

You say that such things aren’t appropriate to mass? I’ve heard priests say that the mass is the perfect time for us to SING PRAISES at the tops of our lungs, to boldly recite the responses, the Creed, and the prayers, and to show on our faces the joy that is in our hearts.

That’s kind of my approach. It is a joyful thing to witness Jesus’s sacrifice at Calvary–a sorrowful but joyful thing, and it is even more joyful to receive Him in the Blessed Sacrament. I agree with the old Fanny Crosby song–“I sing for I cannot be silent. His love is the theme of my song.”

I respect those who want quiet and contemplation in mass. But I don’t think the Church teaches that mass should be “quiet”.

 

[gardenswithkids]

The original poster placed this thread question under the “Popular Media” section of Catholic Living, *not *“Liturgy and Sacraments”. I assume the original question referred to the selection of music for personal listening enjoyment at home or in the car. Singing praises to God can happen outside of Mass, and our personal selections to praise God can include music other than music from the Mass.

 

[AquinaSavio]

AquinoSavio, I looked up “reverence” in the dictionary. “Honor or respect felt or shown.”

I tried to find a “Catholic” definition, but a lot of the websites are questionable in my mind. I’m not sure that all of them are in communion with Rome.

Your definition of reverence seems to include “quiet.” Is this an official definition from the Catholic Church, or just a personal definition?

In the Tridentine Mass, the faithful were to observe the sacrifice of the Mass in almost complete silence. The acolyte did all of the responses for the people. So yes, the Church does encourage silence. The Charismatic movement that has become popular in the Church during the last few decades has tried to change that. However, I hold to tradition.

That doesn’t mean that one always has to be silent. Music is obviously an important part of the Mass. However, it has to be a music that is conducive to prayer and not distracting. It is incredibly hard to say the rosary during loud rock music. It is very easy to say it during light chant.

IMO, one does not have to be “quiet” to show reverence.

IMO, reverence can be felt and shown with loud music and singing. It can be shown with rock music as much as it can be shown with classical or chant or silence.

One can be reverent with loud music. I see examples of it all of the time. However, rock music tends to get the emotions going and getting the focus on our feelings, rather than God, Who is the object of our reverence.

Again, I turn to the Psalms. There is a great deal of variation in how the Psalmists worship God. Some of the Psalms call for silence, while others call for cymbals.

Yep…but they weren’t using cymbals during Mass.

You prefer quiet, silence in order to feel and show honor and respect to God.

But others prefer volume, animation, in order to feel and show honor and respect to God.

We’re going about in circles. I’ve already brought up the argument that the Mass is not about us. It is not about how we prefer to worship, but how God prefers us to worship.

You say that such things aren’t appropriate to mass? I’ve heard priests say that the mass is the perfect time for us to SING PRAISES at the tops of our lungs, to boldly recite the responses, the Creed, and the prayers, and to show on our faces the joy that is in our hearts.

I’ve heard priests say that contraception is ok…

I respect those who want quiet and contemplation in mass. But I don’t think the Church teaches that mass should be “quiet”.

I’m not saying the Church teaches it…I’m saying that Tradition has held to silence. It is not our duty to change things in the Mass to make them more “modern.”

 

[Joe_5859]

A few quotes to consider regarding music and the Mass from the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC):

“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy” (SC 112, emphasis added).

"The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services.

“***But ***other kinds of sacred music, especially polyphony, are by no means excluded from liturgical celebrations, so long as they accord with the spirit of the liturgical action, as laid down in Art. 30” (SC 116, emphasis added).

"In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.

“***But ***other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful” (SC 120, emphasis added).

So, yes, the Church does give pride of place to Gregorian chant, but it is not the only music that can be used (just as the Church emphasizes the use of the organ but does not limit us only to that). Personally, I would love to see more Gregorian chant done at Mass (and this coming from a guy who listens primarily to heavy metal! ).

Music does effect people and different music effect different people differently (if that makes any sense!). I think what it comes down to is knowing yourself and how it effects you and making the appropriate moral choices.

 

[gardenswithkids]

…I’ve already brought up the argument that the Mass…

Yes, you already brought up an argument. :ehh: I already brought up the point that this thread was probably not started regarding music at Mass, but for personal use. This was the original post:

Is it ok for a Catholic to listen to Contemporary Christian Music?

The answer to the question is yes. Catholics may listen to contemprory Christian music, but as others noted on page one, sometimes the lyrics include Protestant theology that disagrees with Catholic teachings, so choose carefully.

I’d like to also welcome the original poster to his first week at CA forums. As you can already see, we’re an opinionated bunch here. God bless you on your journey into the Catholic Church.

 

[AquinaSavio]

Yes, you already brought up an argument. :ehh: I already brought up the point that this thread was probably not started regarding music at Mass, but for personal use. This was the original post:

I think we all understand the point of this thread. We are arguing about WHEN this music is appropriate.

 

[AquinaSavio]

Joe 5859,

From Sacramentum Caritatis:

Liturgical song

1. In the ars celebrandi, liturgical song has a pre-eminent place. (126) Saint Augustine rightly says in a famous sermon that “the new man sings a new song. Singing is an expression of joy and, if we consider the matter, an expression of love” (127). The People of God assembled for the liturgy sings the praises of God. In the course of her two-thousand-year history, the Church has created, and still creates, music and songs which represent a rich patrimony of faith and love. This heritage must not be lost. Certainly as far as the liturgy is concerned, we cannot say that one song is as good as another. Generic improvisation or the introduction of musical genres which fail to respect the meaning of the liturgy should be avoided. As an element of the liturgy, song should be well integrated into the overall celebration (128). Consequently everything – texts, music, execution – ought to correspond to the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, the structure of the rite and the liturgical seasons (129). Finally, while respecting various styles and different and highly praiseworthy traditions, I desire, in accordance with the request advanced by the Synod Fathers, that Gregorian chant be suitably esteemed and employed (130) as the chant proper to the Roman liturgy (131).

(Emphasis added)

 

[Cat]

AquinaSavio,

I think we’re both reading our own interpretation into the passage you’ve quoted.

It seems to me that you think this passage implies only traditional music and chant. Am I misinterpreting you?

I don’t get that at all. I see that the passage encourages the creation and use of new music that respects the meaning of the liturgy.

I also see that the passage admonishes us to NOT ignore the music that has already been written.

I certainly agree with this. I think one of the biggest problems in the Protestant “Worship Wars” is when the CCM crowd moves into a church and throws out all the old music and instruments.

I’ve seen it happen. My husband and I have a collection of articles written by those who advocate sweeping out the old and allowing the Holy Spirit to breathe fresh air (new music) into the church.

It’s a terrible thing for those who love the old songs, the organ, the piano, and classical music.

In the Protestant (Conference Baptist) Church I grew up in, a music minister trashed ALL the old songs, and instituted two services: The Contemporary Service, featuring mainly HIS music (he was a world-famous contemporary music composer and singer–you would probably recognize his name), and the “FIRST DAY” service, featuring a ROCK (not pop) band.

The organ was shut off and used only for funerals. The grand piano locked and replaced with keyboards and praise band.

And the choir was replaced by the “Praise Chorale,” and the singers had to TRY OUT. Many old people didn’t get a “call-back” after the “audtions.”

Many of the old people quietly left that church and went to mainline Protestant churches that were still using classical and traditional music. These churches often teach terrible things (e.g., homosexual marriage, abortion rights, Jesus was just a man, virgin birth is a myth,etc.), but these old people were willing to put up with this in order to listen to something other than CCM and rock music.

I’ve personally seen this same kind of thing happen in MANY Protestant churches. This “worship war” issue is a hot one in Protestantism, and many churches split over music issues.

Often, the old people and the traditionalists are accused of “hindering the Holy Spirit” and “creating factions” in the Church. They are told that these things are “sin” and that they need to publicly apologize for their “divisive spirit” and submit to the leadership of the church and cast off their stubborness and learn to love the “true music of the Holy Spirit.”

Some actually do apologize–they go before the church and apologize for their “sin” of not liking CCM and rock music. It’s horrible and unjust and cruel to these old people!!! These CCM/rockers will have a LOT to answer for when they meet the Lord!

So you see, AquinaSavio, I am not opposed to continuing the traditional music and chant. I think that churches should strive to respect tradition.

But I think that the passage you quote allows for the introduction of new styles of music, new songs, and new instruments, as long as they “respect the meaning of the liturgy” and can be “integrated into the mystery of the overall celebration.”

My daughter sang a Sandy Patti song, “We Shall Behold Him” at one of our local parishes (the ancient Italian parish in our city). I played piano for her while she sang. It was done at Advent, and it was absolutely PERFECT for the season and for the mass. She did it as a “Communion Meditation”–again, what a wonderful meditation–“As on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive your beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see him face to face in glory.” Those are the words in the song!

After Christmas, she sang a contemporary ballad that I wrote, “It’s Time To Hold The Baby” and many people–young and old people–in the congregation were in tears. (they didn’t know until after she had sung that I wrote it–the priest announced it). Afterward, people told her that they had never heard a more beautiful song and words about holding the Baby Jesus. It wasn’t chant or traditional, but it was an appropriate song done with reverence and respect for the liturgy. In fact, it even went along with Father’s homily almost word for word.

My point–I can’t see in the passage you’ve quoted that CCM is forbidden in the mass. On the contrary, I think the passage affirms the value of all kinds of music, as long as it respects the liturgy.

 

[AquinaSavio]

AquinaSavio,

I think we’re both reading our own interpretation into the passage you’ve quoted.

It seems to me that you think this passage implies only traditional music and chant. Am I misinterpreting you?

I don’t get that at all. I see that the passage encourages the creation and use of new music that respects the meaning of the liturgy.

I know that the Holy Father does not say that other music is bad (although that is his personal opinion). I’m saying that my own personal opinion coincides with the Holy Father’s. I don’t think I’ve ever said that such music is forbidden by the Church. If I have, I’m sorry. I’m saying that, in my opinion, such music is harmful.

“Certainly as far as the liturgy is concerned, we cannot say that one song is as good as another. Generic improvisation or the introduction of musical genres which fail to respect the meaning of the liturgy should be avoided.” My point in quoting this passage was to point out that the Holy Father does not consider the rock music to be on the same level as traditional Gregorian Chant. It also points out that music which does not reflect the sacred nature of the Mass is not acceptable (and many of the Protestant rock songs are not reflective of this Catholic mystery).

So you see, AquinaSavio, I am not opposed to continuing the traditional music and chant. I think that churches should strive to respect tradition.

I realize that you also love the traditional hymns. :yup:

But I think that the passage you quote allows for the introduction of new styles of music, new songs, and new instruments, as long as they “respect the meaning of the liturgy” and can be “integrated into the mystery of the overall celebration.”

They can be included in the liturgy, but should they? Some songs are appropriate, but, in my own opinion, most are not.

My daughter sang a Sandy Patti song, “We Shall Behold Him” at one of our local parishes (the ancient Italian parish in our city). I played piano for her while she sang. It was done at Advent, and it was absolutely PERFECT for the season and for the mass. She did it as a “Communion Meditation”–again, what a wonderful meditation–“As on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive your beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see him face to face in glory.” Those are the words in the song!

After Christmas, she sang a contemporary ballad that I wrote, “It’s Time To Hold The Baby” and many people–young and old people–in the congregation were in tears. (they didn’t know until after she had sung that I wrote it–the priest announced it). Afterward, people told her that they had never heard a more beautiful song and words about holding the Baby Jesus. It wasn’t chant or traditional, but it was an appropriate song done with reverence and respect for the liturgy. In fact, it even went along with Father’s homily almost word for word.

Well, I’m sure that it is a great song. You sound like a very talented musician.

However, emotional effects really have no bearing on whether or not a song should be used in Mass.

My point–I can’t see in the passage you’ve quoted that CCM is forbidden in the mass. On the contrary, I think the passage affirms the value of all kinds of music, as long as it respects the liturgy.

No arguments. As I said, if I’ve given the impression that I believe the Church forbids CCM, I’m sorry. That’s not my intent. The Church doesn’t forbid it. However, my own opinion is that it still shouldn’t be used even if the Church doesn’t prohibit it.

I thank you for a nice, charitable debate.