Church used for public concerts?

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Basically I agree, though I would think Catholic Christian rock is OK. I just wouldn’t attend as it’s not my genre. But then who am I to impose my tastes on others? I would think that theologically ok rock might be attractive to many, especially younger folks. As something that gets younger faithful to gather together, and potentially attracts young people searching for meaning to join them, I think that would be a good thing.
Yeah… that’s why I said I’m on the fence about Catholic Christian Rock.
 
It was about making “a House of prayer” into a place for commerce. John 2:16 says ,”Get out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market.” (NIV).
So I believe that while yes there were corrupt money changers and merchants that took advantage of those purchasing animals for sacrifice, the “cleansing” was more about the temple being used for making money rather than for prayer.
 
It was about making “a House of prayer” into a place for commerce.
True - but a lot of music is prayer. Again, if you have a concert where Ave Maria, Canon in D, and many other classical liturgical music is being played from the 1500, 1600, 1700, & 1800s then there is zero issue. Esp since most Catholics today never get to hear the mass that Mozart composed at their local parishes.

And if the concert is a Catholic Christian Rock band who is playing spiritual praise and worship songs, then (not my cup of tee) but ok… better to hear that music in a concert than at Sunday Mass.

But if it’s simply secular music with no Catholicity at all… then no, we should avoid having such concerts in a Church (parish hall, ok though)
 
If the Eucharist is removed, no problem.

I suppose to some extent it also depends on what the concerts are–obviously (?) if the concert was some heavy-metal thing with objectionable lyrics, no. If it’s classical music, or innocuous folk songs or popular songs, fine. Even if the parish has a meeting hall, it would be better from an aesthetic point of view to hold a concert in the church.

As others have pointed out, it’s a chance for non-Catholics to have a look at the church.
 
My entire question was because this is a secular concert series to be held in various venues in the city. Regardless of the type of music, I have reservation about the Church being the proper setting, stage, venue.
In reflection, I was led to asking myself the question…if I went, would I still bow to the alter?
If yes, I would bow because of respect of where the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary occurs and where the consecration takes place. Then the obvious next question would be, is this the appropriate place for a concert to take place, before the alter, if the same constant respect is not shown?
If no, I would not because this is a secular concert and the venue is just that…a venue for a concert. Then the obvious next questions would be, is the alter the same? Is the ground itself also consecrated for a purpose? Is the alter not a place to be shown respect at all times because of what it is?
 
My entire question was because this is a secular concert series to be held in various venues in the city.
what kind of secular concert series? Would it be family friendly music, which is pleasing to God?
 
Many concerts given in churches are by non-profit organizations, using the occasion for fund-raising, or to keep the orchestra/choir going.

Not much different than an appeal at Mass for money to fix the leaky church roof, or the bingo games in the basement.
 
On Good Friday & Holy Saturday when we enter the Church the Tabernacle is empty. We do bow to the Altar.
 
Altar, not alter. Sorry for the correction, but it drives me nuts.
 
No, I would respectfully disagree. It is very much different, a collection at Mass,even a special collection for a leaky roof, is actually A prescribed part of the Mass with the Church is being used for its intended purpose. A concert to raise money uses the church for a non prescribed purpose.
 
Our schola (Gregoran chant) has performed recitals in churches, to raise funds for, yes, a leaky roof. On another occasion, to repair a historic organ. We never got a dime for it, all the money went to the parish hosting us. We’ve also sung an oratorio to Mary Magdalen at the cathedral, we were over 100 choristers. Again, appropriate music. With the archbishop’s blessing, and presence.

In any event it’s a decision left up to the local ordinary, making this one of these endless Internet debates about something neither of us in in a position change. Life is full of cringeworthy events. A tasteful concert in a Catholic church is not one of them for me.
 
I could see it being a problem if the parish becomes too commercial and it’s focus switches to making money especially at the expense of the sacraments, ie regularly cancelling a mass because there is money to be made from a concert.
 
If it doesn’t promote the sacred and lead people to heaven I do not support it.

I have heard a number of people refer to the sanctuary as “the stage”. It is better to protect the sacred space and not open it to secular activities.
 
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I was under the impression that concerts in churches had to be free.

That said, there is a Baroque Music Festival that happens in New Brunswick, Canada, each July. It simply couldn’t happen without a paying public. The original and still main venue for this Festival is St. Cécile church in Petite-Rivière de l’Ile. A lovely church that has to be seen to be believed.


 
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