Director of Faith Formation?

[pdxgirl]

What precisely is the definition of “Faith Formation”? I can’t find it anywhere.

The Director of Faith Formation at my parish has decided that there will be no chant; no music with Latin or any other language than English will be used during Mass (this was explained in an email to the choir, of which I am a member). Is it within this person’s position to make this decision?

 

[benedictgal]

The Faith Formation process is only relevent to CCD or Adult Religious Education. So, this person, in theory (and in practice) should only concern himself/herself only in that area, not in liturgy.

I would talk to the pastor about this and show him these documents:

From Sacramentum Caritatis, the apostolic exhortation written by Pope Benedict XVI:

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).

Here is a reference from Musicam Sacram, the authoritative document on music issued by the Holy See:

IV. The Language To Be Used In Sung Liturgical Celebrations, And On Preserving The Heritage Of Sacred Music
47. According to the Constitution on the Liturgy, "the use of the Latin language, with due respect to particular law, is to be preserved in the Latin rites."30

…In observing these norms exactly, one will therefore employ that form of participation which best matches the capabilities of each congregation.

Pastors of souls should take care that besides the vernacular "the faithful may also be able to say or sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them."33

1. Where the vernacular has been introduced into the celebration of Mass, the local Ordinaries will judge whether it may be opportune to preserve one or more Masses celebrated in Latin – especially sung Masses (Missae in cantu) – in certain churches, above all in large cities, where many come together with faithful of different languages.

1. As regards the use of Latin or the mother tongue in the sacred celebrations carried out in seminaries, the norms of the Sacred Congregation of Seminaries and Universities concerning the liturgical formation of the students should be observed.

…50. In sung liturgical services celebrated in Latin:

(a) Gregorian chant, as proper to the Roman liturgy, should be given pride of place, other things being equal.34 Its melodies, contained in the “typical” editions, should be used, to the extent that this is possible.

(b) "It is also desirable that an edition be prepared containing simpler melodies, for use in smaller churches."36

(c) Other musical settings, written for one or more voices, be they taken from the traditional heritage or from new works, should be held in honor, encouraged and used as the occasion demands.36

1. Pastors of souls, having taken into consideration pastoral usefulness and the character of their own language, should see whether parts of the heritage of sacred music, written in previous centuries for Latin texts, could also be conveniently used, not only in liturgical celebrations in Latin but also in those performed in the vernacular. There is nothing to prevent different parts in one and the same celebration being sung in different languages.

1. In order to preserve the heritage of sacred music and genuinely promote the new forms of sacred singing, “great importance is to be attached to the teaching and practice of music in seminaries, in the novitiates and houses of study of religious of both sexes, and also in other Catholic institutes and schools,” especially in those higher institutes intended specially for this.37 Above all, the study and practice of Gregorian chant is to be promoted, because, with its special characteristics, it is a basis of great importance for the development of sacred music.

…As regards the heritage that has been handed down those parts which correspond to the needs of the renewed Liturgy should first be brought to light. Competent experts in this field must then carefully consider whether other parts can be adapted to the same needs. As for those pieces which do not correspond to the nature of the Liturgy or cannot be harmonized with the pastoral celebration of the Liturgy – they may be profitably transferred to popular devotions, especially to celebrations of the word of God.39

This document, which was promulgated on May 14, 1967, by Pope Paul VI, remains in force.

 

[pdxgirl]

Where did you get this from? I think it may be helpful… though our Pastor has already been spoken to many times and does not appear to be compelled to participate in liturgy decisions.

 

[benedictgal]

Where did you get this from? I think it may be helpful… though our Pastor has already been spoken to many times and does not appear to be compelled to participate in liturgy decisions.

Sacramentum Caritas can be found by following this link:
adoremus.org/SacramentumCaritatis.html

You can find Musicam Sacram by following this link:
adoremus.org/MusicamSacram.html#anchor15520705

I hope that these links can help you.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What precisely is the definition of “Faith Formation”? I can’t find it anywhere.

The Director of Faith Formation at my parish has decided that there will be no chant; no music with Latin or any other language than English will be used during Mass (this was explained in an email to the choir, of which I am a member). Is it within this person’s position to make this decision?

Faith Formation was a term that replaced the traditional “CCD” or “Sunday School”, “Catechism Class”. The purpose was to make it more comprehensive, and include more “Formation” of the individual’s Catholic identity.

The parish should have a Parish Council that represents the people of the parish and advises the pastor. This Council is usually made up of Commissions. One should be the Faith Formation Commission, another should be the Liturgy Commission. This liturgy Commission is responsible for advising the Pastor on Liturgical matters. Usually the EMHC’s, Altar Servers, Readers, Music Director, all the people related to the Liturgy are effected by this Commission.

Faith formation should have nothing to do with the Liturgy or choir (Music Director)

The DRE is usually the person responsible to the Pastor for the Religious Education programs in a parish. Today this is being refined a bit. There is a trend towards the DRE being responsible for Childrens Religious Education processes including Sacramental preparation, vacation Bible School, etc. Then another person, the Coordinator of Adult Religious Education, being responsible to the Pastor for RCIA, Adult Sacramental processes, On-going Adult Faith Formation, Baptismal preparation of parents, Sponsor Formation (RCIA, Baptism, Confirmation), Etc.

Youth Ministry is usually a separate program and Director (Minister) from either of these for post Confirmation to 18 Yo’s.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What precisely is the definition of “Faith Formation”? I can’t find it anywhere.

The Director of Faith Formation at my parish has decided that there will be no chant; no music with Latin or any other language than English will be used during Mass (this was explained in an email to the choir, of which I am a member). Is it within this person’s position to make this decision?

The Director of Faith Formation at my parish has decided that there will be no chant; no music with Latin or any other language than English will be used during Mass (this was explained in an email to the choir, of which I am a member). Is it within this person’s position to make this decision?

Faith Formation was a term that replaced the traditional “CCD” or “Sunday School”, “Catechism Class”. The purpose was to make it more comprehensive, and include more “Formation” of the individual’s Catholic identity.

The parish should have a Parish Council that represents the people of the parish and advises the pastor. This Council is usually made up of Commissions. One should be the Faith Formation Commission, another should be the Liturgy Commission. This liturgy Commission is responsible for advising the Pastor on Liturgical matters. Usually the EMHC’s, Altar Servers, Readers, Music Director, all the people related to the Liturgy are effected by this Commission.

Faith formation should have nothing to do with the Liturgy or choir (Music Director)

The DRE is usually the person responsible to the Pastor for the Religious Education programs in a parish. Today this is being refined a bit. There is a trend towards the DRE being responsible for Childrens Religious Education processes including Sacramental preparation, vacation Bible School, etc. Then another person, the Coordinator of Adult Religious Education, being responsible to the Pastor for RCIA, Adult Sacramental processes, On-going Adult Faith Formation, Baptismal preparation of parents, Sponsor Formation (RCIA, Baptism, Confirmation), Etc.

Youth Ministry is usually a separate program and Director (Minister) from either of these for post Confirmation to 18 Yo’s.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Where did you get this from? I think it may be helpful… though our Pastor has already been spoken to many times and does not appear to be compelled to participate in liturgy decisions.

I would just in a nice way have your Music Director or Choir director tell this person to go mind their own store.

 

[puzzleannie]

What precisely is the definition of “Faith Formation”? I can’t find it anywhere.

The Director of Faith Formation at my parish has decided that there will be no chant; no music with Latin or any other language than English will be used during Mass (this was explained in an email to the choir, of which I am a member). Is it within this person’s position to make this decision?

no, that would be the lay person with the equally amorphous and non-canonical job title of “Director of Liturgy”

The director of faith formation and the director of liturgy in the Catholic parish is the pastor. Period.

He may hire or appoint a lay director of religious education (there is a job descriptions and national standards for that position, and liturgy is not part of it). The catch-all phrase for the person who administers religious education and formation classes for adults, youth and or children in the parish is “catechetical leader.”

Catechesis is not liturgy although it flows naturally from the liturgy.

 

[japhy]

What precisely is the definition of “Faith Formation”? I can’t find it anywhere.

“Faith formation” is more than mere “religious education” because faith requires more than just information, it requires formation. Faith formation should include catechesis in the dogmas and doctrines of the faith (sacraments, Scripture, ecclesiology (what the Church is), Mary, saints, etc.) as well as how that faith nurtures us and fulfills our own identity. Faith formation is not directly tied to liturgical and musical matters – that is, the director of Faith Formation is not the person to make pronouncements on liturgy or music – but it can draw from the liturgy and sacred music to teach.

The Director of Faith Formation at my parish has decided that there will be no chant; no music with Latin or any other language than English will be used during Mass.

This person has NO authority to make such decisions. This person is obviously opposed to Vatican II, which said in its first document, Sacrosanctum Concilium, “the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites” (n. 36.1), “steps should be taken so that the faithful may also be able to say or to sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them” (n. 54), and that 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” (n. 116).

Latin is the language of the Roman Rite. It is not permissible to FORBID its use in the Roman Rite. First speak to the director of Faith Formation, charitably, politely, and calmly. Ask questions, hear his/her answers, and provide your own answers. If they continue to be stubborn (and, plainly put, wrong) about the issue, take it up with your pastor.

And inform and educate your choir… it will help form them.

 

[Verbum_Caro]

This person is obviously opposed to Vatican II

japhy, I can’t help but imagine a look of shock and confusion on the person’s face when told that they are opposed to Vatican II.



VC

 

[forever_always]

What precisely is the definition of “Faith Formation”? I can’t find it anywhere.

The Director of Faith Formation at my parish has decided that there will be no chant; no music with Latin or any other language than English will be used during Mass (this was explained in an email to the choir, of which I am a member). Is it within this person’s position to make this decision?

Yeah, the faith formation director would be the person that heads CCD and RCIA… i don’t see how they can make that desision. =\

 

[dconklin]

Around these parts, Directors of Faith Formation or Religious Education or Parish Catechetical Leaders have no say in the workings of the Mass (I am of the genus). Our Dir of Music Ministry reports to the Pastor - as I do. I may take the liberty to request a particular song, but that is it. Is this director a priest?

 

[japhy]

japhy, I can’t help but imagine a look of shock and confusion on the person’s face when told that they are opposed to Vatican II.

That’s the idea.

I think serious Catholics need to start making that statement when confronted with ridiculous fluff like this. “Vatican II got rid of Latin.” “No, it didn’t. {produce Sac. Conc. from back pocket} Are you opposed to Vatican II?”

I should start carrying around that book I own of the Vatican II documents, just for occasions like that.

I’ve had an idea of writing up a quiz, made up of quotes from Church documents, and for each quote you have to place it as pre-Vatican II, during Vatican II (conciliar and NON-conciliar documents, such as Mysterium Fidei and Ecclesiam Suam of Pope Paul VI), and post-Vatican II. Maybe a fourth category: “made up”. That would include things like “remove altar rails” and “turn altars around”…

 

[pdxgirl]

Wow- all great responses- thanks so much for the support! I definitely need to educate myself and my fellow choir members.

Here are some excerpts of what they said:

*"As we review our Liturgical practices/customs here at [our parish] we will be asking you to continue to assist us in leading our
community into a full understanding of the power of Liturgy in
their lives. Since the Book of Psalms tells us that the one ‘who sings, prays twice’ we ask that all of our hymns/music cooperate
in providing the assembly the opportunity to join in singing. As
you already know, prior to Vatican II most Liturgical music was
‘devotional’ in essence. Since Vatican II, we have been directed
to use music that is primarily based on Scripture. This focus was
carefully chosen by the Vatican II Liturgy Commission so that
people will not only learn to use Scripture in their personal
prayer, but, in addition, they will want to join in singing which
gives the Liturgy an audible life.

[Your choir director] has been asked by both the Liturgical Commission and the
Pastoral Staff to provide music that invites our community to
participate throughout the entire Mass. With that in mind, we
ask that all music is sung in the English vernacular with very
few exceptions in Latin as decided by [the choir director]. It is important to
the work of the Liturgy that the people understand all that is
said and done in their worship.*

The bottom of the email is signed with their name and then the title “Director of Faith Formation”. The Liturgical Commission is made up of this person and the choir director that this person just recently hired (yes, the Director of Faith Formation hired the music director, not us, not the pastor). This person also scheduled Liturgy Committee meetings for Mondays, the priests days off. As a result they do not attend the meetings. This person is presenting themselves in all manners as the leader of the Liturgical Commission, but was never officially given that position. Since we received a new pastor about six months ago, this person has made many changes to the Mass and handed down many decrees about “adjustments” that we are being asked to make. We no longer sing any chant or polyphony either. Just hymns from the 70’s.

 

[puzzleannie]

japhy, I can’t help but imagine a look of shock and confusion on the person’s face when told that they are opposed to Vatican II.



VC

we would love to see the picture here when you tell her - AFV

 

[Genesis315]

It bears pointing out that Sacramentum Caritatis was written at the behest of a Synod of Bishops–in other words, bishops from all over the world also thought it was for the best.

 

[benedictgal]

Wow- all great responses- thanks so much for the support! I definitely need to educate myself and my fellow choir members.

Here are some excerpts of what she said:

*"As we review our Liturgical practices/customs here at [our parish] we will be asking you to continue to assist us in leading our
community into a full understanding of the power of Liturgy in
their lives. Since the Book of Psalms tells us that the one ‘who sings, prays twice’ we ask that all of our hymns/music cooperate
in providing the assembly the opportunity to join in singing. As
you already know, prior to Vatican II most Liturgical music was
‘devotional’ in essence. Since Vatican II, we have been directed
to use music that is primarily based on Scripture. This focus was
carefully chosen by the Vatican II Liturgy Commission so that
people will not only learn to use Scripture in their personal
prayer, but, in addition, they will want to join in singing which
gives the Liturgy an audible life.

[Your choir director] has been asked by both the Liturgical Commission and the
Pastoral Staff to provide music that invites our community to
participate throughout the entire Mass. With that in mind, we
ask that all music is sung in the English vernacular with very
few exceptions in Latin as decided by [the choir director]. It is important to
the work of the Liturgy that the people understand all that is
said and done in their worship.*

The bottom of her email is signed with her name and then the title “Director of Faith Formation”.

Evidently, the author of this letter has not read Pope John Paul’s Chirograph on Sacred Music. You can find it by following this link:

adoremus.org/Chirograph-SacredMusic.html

It sounds like youri faith formation person is quoting OCP more than she is quoting the documents of the Church. Here is what Pope John Paul II wrote in the Chirograph. He says, in part, that:

1. The Second Vatican Council followed up this approach in chapter VI of the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium on the Sacred Liturgy, in which the ecclesial role of sacred music is clearly defined: “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 melody united to words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn Liturgy”[5]. The Council also recalls that “Sacred Scripture, indeed, has bestowed praise upon sacred song. So have the Fathers of the Church and the Roman Pontiffs who in more recent times, led by St Pius X, have explained more precisely the ministerial function exercised by sacred music in the service of the Lord”[6].

In fact, by continuing the ancient biblical tradition to which the Lord himself and the Apostles abided (cf. Mt 26: 30; Eph 5: 19; Col 3: 16), the Church has encouraged song at liturgical celebrations throughout her history, providing wonderful examples of melodic comment to the sacred texts in accordance with the creativity of every culture, in the rites of both West and East.

The attention my Predecessors thus paid to this delicate sector was constant. They recalled the fundamental principles that must enliven the composition of sacred music, especially when it is destined for the Liturgy. Besides Pope St Pius X, other Popes who deserve mention are Benedict XIV with his Encyclical Annus Qui (19 February 1749), Pius XII with his Encyclicals Mediator Dei (20 November 1947) and Musicae Sacrae Disciplina (25 December 1955), and lastly Paul VI, with the luminous statements that punctuated many of his Speeches.

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council did not fail to reassert these principles with a view to their application in the changed conditions of the times. They did so specifically in chapter six of the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium. Pope Paul VI then saw that those principles were translated into concrete norms, in particular with the Instruction Musicam Sacram, promulgated on 5 March 1967 with his approval by the Congregation then known as the Sacred Congregation for Rites. In this same context, it is necessary to refer to those principles of conciliar inspiration to encourage a development in conformity with the requirements of liturgical reform and which will measure up to the liturgical and musical tradition of the Church. The text of the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium in which it is declared that the Church “approves of all forms of true art which have the requisite qualities[7], and admits them into divine worship”, finds satisfactory criteria for application in nn. 50-53 of the above-mentioned Instruction Musicam Sacram[8].

1. On various occasions I too have recalled the precious role and great importance of music and song for a more active and intense participation in liturgical celebrations[9]. I have also stressed the need to “purify worship from ugliness of style, from distasteful forms of expression, from uninspired musical texts which are not worthy of the great act that is being celebrated”[10], to guarantee dignity and excellence to liturgical compositions.

I seriously doubt that any of what this person wrote is fouind in the authoritative documentsn of the Second Vatican Council. I think that this is the individual’s interpretation of the Spirit of the Council, rather than the substance.

 

[puzzleannie]

That’s the idea.

I think serious Catholics need to start making that statement when confronted with ridiculous fluff like this. “Vatican II got rid of Latin.” “No, it didn’t. {produce Sac. Conc. from back pocket} Are you opposed to Vatican II?”
.

no one who is ignorant of V2–the actual council and the documents, not the garbage passed of as being “in the spirit of” is unfit by definition to be the director of anything in the parish, let alone “faith formation” “RE” or “liturgy”. stupid is as stupid does.

there is an occupational hazard that comes with my job, DRE, which can also mean “Dame who Runs Everything.” it starts out in parish w/o a resident pastor, or with a weak pastor who is content to let lay people have it all their own way to save himself work. It gets worse with a strong personality who interpets everthing from holy writ to canon law to suit her own whims. So the DRE ends up putting her oar in everyplace where she can shout down everyone else: liturgy, music, children’s programs, youth group, altar society, parish socials and everything else.

Parishes who also have an on-going epidemic of SSP disease are prone to this DRE infection as well. (Same Six People who do everything–the bane of any parish and the scourge of the modern church.

 

[pdxgirl]

Around these parts, Directors of Faith Formation or Religious Education or Parish Catechetical Leaders have no say in the workings of the Mass (I am of the genus). Our Dir of Music Ministry reports to the Pastor - as I do. I may take the liberty to request a particular song, but that is it. Is this director a priest?

No, this director is not a priest. She is, in fact, a woman.

 

[pdxgirl]

no one who is ignorant of V2–the actual council and the documents, not the garbage passed of as being “in the spirit of” is unfit by definition to be the director of anything in the parish, let alone “faith formation” “RE” or “liturgy”. stupid is as stupid does.

there is an occupational hazard that comes with my job, DRE, which can also mean “Dame who Runs Everything.” it starts out in parish w/o a resident pastor, or with a weak pastor who is content to let lay people have it all their own way to save himself work. It gets worse with a strong personality who interpets everthing from holy writ to canon law to suit her own whims. So the DRE ends up putting her oar in everyplace where she can shout down everyone else: liturgy, music, children’s programs, youth group, altar society, parish socials and everything else.

Parishes who also have an on-going epidemic of SSP disease are prone to this DRE infection as well. (Same Six People who do everything–the bane of any parish and the scourge of the modern church.

I think this is precisely what is going on. But now about 15 people who have volunteered their time for 20+ years a piece to this parish in song are being told, essentially, that their services are no longer needed. We have tried having meetings with her, with the pastor, with the music director, send emails, but this last email is just the most recent in a long succession. While we are united and many, we feel we are powerless to do anything to stop these absurdities from becoming reality.