Guitars at Mass?

[curtishouse29]

Hello,

Earlier tonight I was on YouTube looking at Catholic videos and saw this user by the name of FatherJeffrey I believe and he had a video up of an entire Mass lasting around 58 minutes or so and thought that would be great to watch and possibly to put it on a profile I had for a different site to show non-Catholic Christians what a Mass truly was like. What I found when I clicked on this video just deeply disturbed me. It started off with a band playing their guitars and seemed like a Protestant “worship service” that was very familiar to me from my Protestant days. I really hope that this isn’t a growing trend. Is this something that is becoming more popular? Does the church have any official position on this type of Mass? It has truly appalled me and, at the same time, made me so thankful that the church I attend isn’t like that one whatsoever. God bless you all and, in advance, I appreciate all replies very much.

Curtis

 

[ChristopherM]

Hello,

Earlier tonight I was on YouTube looking at Catholic videos and saw this user by the name of FatherJeffrey I believe and he had a video up of an entire Mass lasting around 58 minutes or so and thought that would be great to watch and possibly to put it on a profile I had for a different site to show non-Catholic Christians what a Mass truly was like. What I found when I clicked on this video just deeply disturbed me. It started off with a band playing their guitars and seemed like a Protestant “worship service” that was very familiar to me from my Protestant days. I really hope that this isn’t a growing trend. Is this something that is becoming more popular? Does the church have any official position on this type of Mass? It has truly appalled me and, at the same time, made me so thankful that the church I attend isn’t like that one whatsoever. God bless you all and, in advance, I appreciate all replies very much.

Curtis

Curtis-
I must say you have been very lucky to never encounter a guitar mass, and yes they are very common. They are a left over reminder from the 70’s I suppose as I was born in 1984. I think its technically allowed, yet im not 100% sure, I for one would never count them as Sacred music.

Most of the time the guitar is either
A- 70’s Folkish
B- Protestant pop - “Lord I lift your name on High” etc…

I dont have a good rhyme or reason but what ever you did in your life that you have never had to sit through these then you are truly blessed!

 

[GemmaRose]

What a pity that

• neither of you know what you’re talking about; and
• neither of you have that much of a life that this topic is so important to you.

It’s just so sad…

 

[curtishouse29]

What a pity that

• neither of you know what you’re talking about; and
• neither of you have that much of a life that this topic is so important to you.

It’s just so sad…

If you feel this topic is so sad, then why respond? Instead of just skipping over this thread, you instead decided to respond with a personal insult. I hope it helped you feel better. It sure didn’t on my end. God bless you anyways.

 

[Nan_S]

Hello,

What I found when I clicked on this video just deeply disturbed me. It started off with a band playing their guitars and seemed like a Protestant “worship service” that was very familiar to me from my Protestant days. I really hope that this isn’t a growing trend. Is this something that is becoming more popular? Does the church have any official position on this type of Mass? It has truly appalled me and, at the same time, made me so thankful that the church I attend isn’t like that one whatsoever. God bless you all and, in advance, I appreciate all replies very much.

Curtis

I’m not aware of any ordinary instruments that are “forbidden” in Mass. A lot of churches use acoustic guitars for at least one Mass on Sunday, and often a Sunday Evening Mass which immediately precedes “youth group” meetings will have electric guitars.

That being said, acoustic guitars have been used for several decades and are a pleasant accompaniment most anywhere. Whether it is Catholic/reverent or not depends on the song selection.

Electric guitars are another animal, particularly when accompanied by drums. For a youth revival mass, offered in a stadium setting, they can work nicely. The biggest problems are that most churches are not acoustically designed for electric guitars, and that drumsets don’t have a “low” volume setting. The amplifiers and drum flourishes obliterate the singers’ voices.

 

[GemmaRose]

I’m not aware of any ordinary instruments that are “forbidden” in Mass. A lot of churches use acoustic guitars for at least one Mass on Sunday, and often a Sunday Evening Mass which immediately precedes “youth group” meetings will have electric guitars.

That being said, acoustic guitars have been used for several decades and are a pleasant accompaniment most anywhere. Whether it is Catholic/reverent or not depends on the song selection.

Electric guitars are another animal, particularly when accompanied by drums. For a youth revival mass, offered in a stadium setting, they can work nicely. The biggest problems are that most churches are not acoustically designed for electric guitars, and that drumsets don’t have a “low” volume setting. The amplifiers and drum flourishes obliterate the singers’ voices.

Thank you, Nan,

I am so deathly sick and tired of people who think of guitars at Mass as if they were pentagrammed devil worshiping equipment! Frankly, anyone “deeply disturbed” at seeing guitars played at Mass is deeply disturbed, only not in the way they may think.

For 35 years, I have played my 12 string at probably several thousand Sunday Masses, healing Masses, prayer meetings, prayer services, Penance Services, and retreats. I do not play heavy metal, but mostly contemporary liturgical music with some “golden oldies” (such as “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,” “Immaculate Mary”, etc.) mixed in. I have played as a volunteer and as a paid member of the music staff.

I have never had any complaints since I always follow the rubrics. What I have always received were compliments - compliments on my voice (which is my primary instrument), my guitar, my choice of songs… to all of which my response has always been and will always be: “Thank you, but you must really thank God because anything I have comes from Him.”

What gives me cause to rejoice, however, is how very, very many people in my lifetime have come to me with tears in their eyes and have shared how my music has helped them to pray.

Not once has anyone been “deeply disturbed.”

As to why I responded:

People with the “deeply disturbed” attitude of the OP, and those with the Christoper M’s attitude (“I must say you have been very lucky to never encounter a guitar mass, and yes they are very common. They are a left over reminder from the 70’s I suppose as I was born in 1984.”) only do a disservice to HMC by posting so controversially (not to mention the pride with which they do so – obviously, one born in 1984 knows so much more than those of us who have been leading music with guitars while they were still pooping in their pants!).

 

[ProVobis]

I am so deathly sick and tired of people who think of guitars at Mass as if they were pentagrammed devil worshiping equipment!

It’s good that you’re a very gifted guitarist but it bothers me more when someone decides to use an abnormal font to express himself/herself. This seems to make more of a statement than whether guitars were ever permitted in the church.

 

[Cat]

It’s good that you’re a very gifted guitarist but it bothers me more when someone decides to use an abnormal font to express himself/herself. This seems to make more of a statement than whether guitars were ever permitted in the church.

C’mon, now. The comment seems a bit petulant. Can’t people be a little creative on CAF?

Some people just like to do “different” things to make life a little special for themselves and others. I like to wear the cute children’s earring that Avon sells (the little doggies and kitties, etc.). I’m sure some people think I’m an idiot–I don’t care.

The fonts are provided, we may as well use them. There is no such thing as an “abnormal” font. If you think there is, perhaps you should contact the moderators and ask them to remove the “abnormal” font.

Peace, please?

 

[JKirkLVNV]

Guitars have never been prohibited by the Church as a whole, though I suppose some pastors may have done so in individual parishes. As far as I know, the only statement that has been made is along the lines of that it should be prudentially considered whether an instrument is suitable for Mass. I think that Holy Mother Church probably realizes that that is a matter of subjective opinion generally…though I’d hate to see the kazoo played at Mass or the saw or a jug band up there performing! The guitar IS an ancient instrument considered alone, without even it’s antecedents (the lute, the oud, the lyre, etc.).

My honorary nephew is a classically trained guitarist who plays at Mass. Frankly, you can’t hear him over the piano or the violins (which are miked) or the dreadful bass guitar, all used in the youth group choir. The music is generally ghastly when compared to the canon of music in the Church’s treasury (We had to endure OCP’s “The Canticle of the Sun” on Sunday night).
When, however, Nicky plays the communion prelude, while the choir is receving Holy Commuinion, it is sublime. Of course, then it’s just him and it’s always a classical piece. There’s also a difference between a plucked guitar and a strummed guitar.

At any rate, while the organ is supposed to have pride of place, as far as I can recall, no other instrument has been singled out as inappropriate.

 

[ethelzguy]

Thank you, Nan,

I am so deathly sick and tired of people who think of guitars at Mass as if they were pentagrammed devil worshiping equipment! Frankly, anyone “deeply disturbed” at seeing guitars played at Mass is deeply disturbed, only not in the way they may think.

For 35 years, I have played my 12 string at probably several thousand Sunday Masses, healing Masses, prayer meetings, prayer services, Penance Services, and retreats. I do not play heavy metal, but mostly contemporary liturgical music with some “golden oldies” (such as “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,” “Immaculate Mary”, etc.) mixed in. I have played as a volunteer and as a paid member of the music staff.

I have never had any complaints since I always follow the rubrics. What I have always received were compliments - compliments on my voice (which is my primary instrument), my guitar, my choice of songs… to all of which my response has always been and will always be: “Thank you, but you must really thank God because anything I have comes from Him.”

What gives me cause to rejoice, however, is how very, very many people in my lifetime have come to me with tears in their eyes and have shared how my music has helped them to pray.

Not once has anyone been “deeply disturbed.”

As to why I responded:

People with the “deeply disturbed” attitude of the OP, and those with the Christoper M’s attitude (“I must say you have been very lucky to never encounter a guitar mass, and yes they are very common. They are a left over reminder from the 70’s I suppose as I was born in 1984.”) only do a disservice to HMC by posting so controversially (not to mention the pride with which they do so – obviously, one born in 1984 knows so much more than those of us who have been leading music with guitars while they were still pooping in their pants!).

Gemma Rose,

What you are seeing is just another example of self-righteous elitism, Cafeteria Catholic style.

Many of the traditionalist crowd go thru the line, picking and choosing what they want on their plate (based on personal interpretation of documents and actions by the Pope), and then arrogantly sneer at those who don’t have the same thing(s) on their plate that they do.

I too have attended Masses, for decades, that had guitar music. Some of it is downright wonderful, while some of it makes me cringe. But then again, I’ve heard some rather awful renditions of traditional hymns from a pipe organ as well.

Some tradtional hymns actually lend themselved quite well to guitar. Immaculate Mary is one that comes to mind.

Cheers, TBL

 

[Eric_Olsen]

this past Sunday I went to St. Helena in Blue Bell Pa for the 7:30 am mass thinking it was a ‘spoken’ mass with no music. Unfortunately it was not. It had guitars, piano and a singer who sounded like just like Gordon lightfoot. Sorry but I do not like guitar and piano masses.

However to my delight when I walked in before mass, they had playing very low over the PA system, gregorian chant! It was very pleasant soudning with the way the acoustics are setup in that chuch. Also, the church furnishings are very gothoic and were aquired from a church that closed in Philly back in 2003. I felt like I was in a church until the guitar and piano stuff started.

 

[KingAlfred]

Hello,

Earlier tonight I was on YouTube looking at Catholic videos and saw this user by the name of FatherJeffrey I believe and he had a video up of an entire Mass lasting around 58 minutes or so and thought that would be great to watch and possibly to put it on a profile I had for a different site to show non-Catholic Christians what a Mass truly was like. What I found when I clicked on this video just deeply disturbed me. It started off with a band playing their guitars and seemed like a Protestant “worship service” that was very familiar to me from my Protestant days. I really hope that this isn’t a growing trend. Is this something that is becoming more popular? Does the church have any official position on this type of Mass? It has truly appalled me and, at the same time, made me so thankful that the church I attend isn’t like that one whatsoever. God bless you all and, in advance, I appreciate all replies very much.

Curtis

I love the guitar, but I have concluded it’s dangerous to an orderly Mass, in that guitar music takes on a life and identity of its own, and ‘runs away’ with Mass, such that the congregation can’t focus on God. Guitar music simply goes too far, and hijacks the Mass. I’m opposed to it. Conversely, as a hard-rock fan, I think that if we absolutely MUST have guitar music, we should go all-out and play heavy-metal, and simply submit fully to our latent craving for a rock concert. I’ll catch a real Mass later, somewhere else.

 

[KathleenElsie]

Since this is posted in the Traditional Catholic Forum I would make the assumption that the OP was looking for a more traditional form of Mass. I agree that the guitar is not banned nor forbidden. It depends on the music chosen for any instrument as to whether an instrument should be used. Worship and proper music go together. The type of music should be another thread.

I personally believe that if the form and type of music at Mass is to be innovative the fact should be published in the weekly news letter to allow people to choose if this is what they want to participate in or not. There will be other choices from near parishes.

 

[KingAlfred]

I agree. It’s wrong-headed for those in charge to assume everyone wants to hear pop-music at Mass. Down here in South Texas, it appears mandatory that every Mass must be consumed by an enormous musical performance. I think it’s the influence of our prevailing Hispanic culture.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

I think you may have been a little too quick to jump onto the ‘scolding bandwagon’.

The OP did not say that he was ‘deeply disturbed to hear guitars’ --but that he was 'deeply disturbed because the music the guitars were playing sounded very much like the worship music he was accustomed to as a Protestant. IOW, it was the ‘songs and style’, not GUITARS THEMSELVES, that caused him concern.

He is discerning Catholicism. As such, he is very likely thinking more subconsciously that since he wants something different (Catholicism) from his OWN EXPERIENCE AS A PROTESTANT, if he hears “Catholic” music that sounds no different from his ‘usual’ music, then maybe Catholicism isn’t so different, and that worries him.

Furthermore, the poster who responded is first of all quite young (23), has most likely heard guitar all his life (and, to be fair, while most guitar masses are perfectly LOVELY, there are some guitarists, some songs, some settings, and some actions which are not and he may have been very, very much influenced by very bad guitar Mass settings), and may have recently been exposed to ‘non guitar’ Masses which (because they were different from his ‘norm’) seemed in comparison quite wonderful. Younger people who have become enthusiastic over something can often sound a bit ‘abrupt’ in ‘dismissing’ something else.

IMO a much more CHARITABLE way of responding to the first two posters would have been:

To the OP: Can you tell me if you were disturbed by guitars themselves? It seems, if you have heard them all through your experiences at Protestant services, that you must be familiar with them. If you dislike the sound personally, well, you can just say that. . .it’s nothing against the guitarists after all, it’s your personal preference. Catholic Masses may be very varied. Some have guitars, some have organs, some pianos, some other instruments, some ‘mixes’, some have only singers, some have no music whatsoever. All can be beautiful; some can be marred by factors of ‘aesthetics’ or a personal view which ‘likes’ or ‘dislikes’ certain things, but all of them when offered validly give to us the most Sacred Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord offered for us.

To the second poster: You are young and enthusiastic over what you like–which is great! But while you personally may dislike ‘guitars’ (for any number of reasons), your post came across to some as an attack personally on guitar players (which I am sure you never meant it to be). There are many guitar Masses and guitarists who do a wonderful job; there are a few who do not but by and large, any Mass when offered validly gives to us the most Sacred Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord offered for us. In many places there are ‘options’ for Masses included those ‘without guitars’ (other instruments, singing alone, or no music). You are free to see if you can find one more aesthetically pleasing; you are also free to learn to play the organ or to assemble, teach and direct a group in Latin chant and offer your services at a Mass, etc. Your (name removed by moderator)ut is welcome and valued but your experience is just that: Your experience. You have heard guitars play 70s and Protestant pop perhaps, but others (as noted) have heard much more. Be sure you note what is your PERSONAL experience and knowledge as PERSONAL and not as 'doctrinal and experienced by all". . .and God bless.

 

[KathleenElsie]

I think you may have been a little too quick to jump onto the ‘scolding bandwagon’.

The OP did not say that he was ‘deeply disturbed to hear guitars’ --but that he was 'deeply disturbed because the music the guitars were playing sounded very much like the worship music he was accustomed to as a Protestant. IOW, it was the ‘songs and style’, not GUITARS THEMSELVES, that caused him concern.

He is discerning Catholicism. As such, he is very likely thinking more subconsciously that since he wants something different (Catholicism) from his OWN EXPERIENCE AS A PROTESTANT, if he hears “Catholic” music that sounds no different from his ‘usual’ music, then maybe Catholicism isn’t so different, and that worries him.All the more reason to not use this form of music without first thinking about the people that will see and hear it.

Furthermore, the poster who responded is first of all quite young (23), has most likely heard guitar all his life (and, to be fair, while most guitar masses are perfectly LOVELY, there are some guitarists, some songs, some settings, and some actions which are not and he may have been very, very much influenced by very bad guitar Mass settings agreed), and may have recently been exposed to ‘non guitar’ Masses which (because they were different from his ‘norm’) seemed in comparison quite wonderful. Younger people who have become enthusiastic over something can often sound a bit ‘abrupt’ in ‘dismissing’ something else. many of todays youth are seeking a quieter more traditional way to worship

IMO a much more CHARITABLE way of responding to the first two posters would have been:

To the OP: Can you tell me if you were disturbed by guitars themselves? It seems, if you have heard them all through your experiences at Protestant services, that you must be familiar with them. If you dislike the sound personally, well, you can just say that. . .it’s nothing against the guitarists after all, it’s your personal preference. Catholic Masses may be very varied. Some have guitars, some have organs, some pianos, some other instruments, some ‘mixes’, some have only singers, some have no music whatsoever. All can be beautiful; some can be marred by factors of ‘aesthetics’ or a personal view which ‘likes’ or ‘dislikes’ certain things, but all of them when offered validly give to us the most Sacred Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord offered for us.

To the second poster: You are young and enthusiastic over what you like–which is great! But while you personally may dislike ‘guitars’ (for any number of reasons), your post came across to some as an attack personally on guitar players (which I am sure you never meant it to be). There are many guitar Masses and guitarists who do a wonderful job; there are a few who do not but by and large, any Mass when offered validly gives to us the most Sacred Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord offered for us. In many places there are ‘options’ for Masses included those ‘without guitars’ (other instruments, singing alone, or no music). You are free to see if you can find one more aesthetically pleasing; you are also free to learn to play the organ or to assemble, teach and direct a group in Latin chant and offer your services at a Mass, etc. Your (name removed by moderator)ut is welcome and valued but your experience is just that: Your experience. You have heard guitars play 70s and Protestant pop perhaps, but others (as noted) have heard much more. Be sure you note what is your PERSONAL experience and knowledge as PERSONAL and not as 'doctrinal and experienced by all". . .and God bless.

As I said just let people know if the form is to be changed so they can choose.

 

[latinmass]

1st, all need to read what Pope B16 has written on music and the liturgy, he speaks to contemporary music, and that Gregorian is always ideal, so why not always go for the ideal in your mass. 2nd, if the music or anything about the N.O. you are attending is bothering your Catholic formation and/or properly formed Catholic conscious, then support the EF only, we need more Latin masses at more parishes everywhere. With the EF, you know what your are getting. God bless you.

 

[HelenRose]

It isn’t the instrument that is in error. It is the way it is played and used. The guitar’s ancestry is the ancient lyre that the psalmist used to praise God. An organ is used to play rolicking and wonderful polkas, which are all great as such, but hardly suitable for Mass.

I was raised as a Protestant and guitars were not part of any service that I attended until after the 60’s. To object to guitars because they are Protestant is no different than Protestants objecting to guitars because they a Catholic. They were introduced to both Catholics and Protestants about the same time.

 

[Angel_Bradford]

The music for Silent Night was composed for the guitar and first played on guitar at a Midnight Mass in 1818.

 

[VociMike]

On a scale of 1 to 10, where does the guitar rate as an instrument for leading congregational singing?