M
mfaustina
Guest
My understanding is that the church has specifically stated that all members of the congregation are to kneel during the entire Eucharistic Prayer and from after the end of the Agnus Dei to when they get in line to receive (extraordinary circumstances excluded). And our EHMCs do not approach the altar until after the priest has consumed both Body and Blood.
It is also my understanding that choir members are no less a part of the congregation than anyone else.
I have found it frustrating for quite some time that the people in the choir loft at my parish conduct themselves quite differently than they would if they were in the main sanctuary. Many of them sit during the first part of the Eucharistic prayer, then after standing to sing the Memorial Acclaimation, remain standing for the rest of the Prayer. (I understand that some have physical issues complicated by the fact that we don’t have kneelers in the first row–I’m not criticizing them at all.) Also, after the Agnus Dei, everyone goes ahead and files down the stairs to receive Communion without participating at all in the “Lord, I am not worthy…” prayer. I understand the need to get downstairs in a timely manner so we don’t hold up the line (we’re supposed to go first), but we consistently spend at least a couple minutes waiting to approach the altar–time we should have spent praying!
I decided to start acting on my own to kneel during the Euch. Prayer, standing at the Mem. Acc., then kneeling back down until right before the Doxology at the end. Even then, I don’t feel comfortable–it’s the last “natural pause” which gives me an opportunity to stand before having to sing again, but I’d much rather be on my knees until right before the sung response. Anyway, some in the choir loft started kneeling with me, but some have not. After the Agnus Dei, I have tried to file out and kneel some place until the priest has received under both species, but have found it to be rather awkward. Oh, and at this time, it would not be feasible to have the whole choir or even just the front row kneel at the railing of the choir loft. Singing from a kneeling position would result in singing directly into the wall, and no one woud hear us.
I don’t mean to sound like some conformity freak, but to me, participating in the Mass trumps any performance-related concern. A minimal creak or clothing rustle while people kneel back down or not getting back up to the loft in time to sing at least one verse of the communion hymn in 4-part harmony is not worth missing out on the the meaningful gestures and prayers of the Holy Sacrifice. They hold great meaning, both in their inherent nature and in the unity in participation we share with the rest of the worshippers. I’m just concerned that we may be too caught up in details to see the big picture and the ultimate priority of us coming to choir–to give glory to God and enhance this greatest prayer of the Church.
Any (name removed by moderator)ut about the necessity of the choir kneeling, leaving, etc. during certain times during the Mass apart from the congregation would be helpful. Certainly, this sort of issue has arisen in other parishes. Or am I totally out on a limb here? I hope to be prepared before deciding how or even if I approach my choir director and/or pastor. Thanks!
It is also my understanding that choir members are no less a part of the congregation than anyone else.
I have found it frustrating for quite some time that the people in the choir loft at my parish conduct themselves quite differently than they would if they were in the main sanctuary. Many of them sit during the first part of the Eucharistic prayer, then after standing to sing the Memorial Acclaimation, remain standing for the rest of the Prayer. (I understand that some have physical issues complicated by the fact that we don’t have kneelers in the first row–I’m not criticizing them at all.) Also, after the Agnus Dei, everyone goes ahead and files down the stairs to receive Communion without participating at all in the “Lord, I am not worthy…” prayer. I understand the need to get downstairs in a timely manner so we don’t hold up the line (we’re supposed to go first), but we consistently spend at least a couple minutes waiting to approach the altar–time we should have spent praying!
I decided to start acting on my own to kneel during the Euch. Prayer, standing at the Mem. Acc., then kneeling back down until right before the Doxology at the end. Even then, I don’t feel comfortable–it’s the last “natural pause” which gives me an opportunity to stand before having to sing again, but I’d much rather be on my knees until right before the sung response. Anyway, some in the choir loft started kneeling with me, but some have not. After the Agnus Dei, I have tried to file out and kneel some place until the priest has received under both species, but have found it to be rather awkward. Oh, and at this time, it would not be feasible to have the whole choir or even just the front row kneel at the railing of the choir loft. Singing from a kneeling position would result in singing directly into the wall, and no one woud hear us.
I don’t mean to sound like some conformity freak, but to me, participating in the Mass trumps any performance-related concern. A minimal creak or clothing rustle while people kneel back down or not getting back up to the loft in time to sing at least one verse of the communion hymn in 4-part harmony is not worth missing out on the the meaningful gestures and prayers of the Holy Sacrifice. They hold great meaning, both in their inherent nature and in the unity in participation we share with the rest of the worshippers. I’m just concerned that we may be too caught up in details to see the big picture and the ultimate priority of us coming to choir–to give glory to God and enhance this greatest prayer of the Church.
Any (name removed by moderator)ut about the necessity of the choir kneeling, leaving, etc. during certain times during the Mass apart from the congregation would be helpful. Certainly, this sort of issue has arisen in other parishes. Or am I totally out on a limb here? I hope to be prepared before deciding how or even if I approach my choir director and/or pastor. Thanks!