I don't sing.

[mommyof2gals]

I’m not sure if you knew this, but the Mass of the Church for the vast majority of her history (i.e. over 1500 years) does not involve the congregation singing. I’m referring to the Traditional Latin Mass. It is so beautiful and quiet and meditative. It facilitates contemplation and a deep inner experience of God and what is taking place at Mass. <<<

This is the mass of my youth and I, personally, miss it dearly. Totally BESIDES the fact that I can’t carry a tune to save my life and the fact that every RCC in our area uses a soprano as the lead vocalist to further intimidate our congregations eek: ), I loved the spoken responses from the congregation. For me, it felt like I was repeating centuries of tradition. I really felt tied to the roots of our church.

I think the music is beautiful and it would be lovely to be able to sing along, but I also look around the church to see how very few really ARE singing, and I can’t help but wonder if they should take out a FEW of the songs and replace them with traditional spoken responses to involve the entire congregation.

But until I either find a church that is truly traditional or that minimizes the singing, I will also be one of those who continue to lipsink along.

 

[Appleby]

I personally love the sung responses in Latin; I belonged to a very liturgical high church Episcopal congregation in Atlanta and it was beautiful to hear the responses. Whn you have a large congregation, you can sing along even if you cannot sing, because the others carry you along.

The spoken responses sound flat and incomplete to me.

 

[cavalierfan]

Ironband, you nailed it!

 

[Helen_Mac]

I am allergic to perfume and after shave. As a result, I no longer attend Sunday Mass in prson. I watch my mass on EWTN and find it holds me from beginning to end. I love it and feel like I have really worshiped. The last time I went to Mass in person there was a small rock combo on the altar (too much noise for my tender ears) and I was disgusted when at the end of hte mass there was a rush for the doors. What do they teach in Catholic Schools these days? Also, there was perfume and after-shave floaoting around, and I am allergic to scents because I have (fibromyalgia) and it increases the symptoms. I Ihad to change my seat several times. How can people be educated to understand that one persons fragrance is stink to somebody else.? This doesn’t happen when I watch that very beautiful mass on EWTN. So can I coontinue to participate in Sunday Mass on EWTN and receive communion at a weekday mass? (On the tongue – Only priests should touch the host once it is consecrated. )
Also, I don’t (can’t) signg at Mass. God gave me a beautiful alto voice which I shared at Sunday mass – even as a child. But what God giveth He sometimes taketh away and now I sound like Freddy the frog. I croak. Aging can be a humbling experiece. ,

 

[FickleFreckled]

There’s a man in our parish choir who is so filled with joy at singing to God, he looks like a very tall 7 year old boy. We have an excellent choir and the rest of the members have the decorum that usually represents an adult choir. But this man smiles all through the singing and has an innocence about him that never ceases to move me. I want what he has!

I have a pretty low voice for a woman and can only croak in the keys most choral music is written in, so I sing harmony…very quietly to keep from annoying the poor people around me.

 

[una_fides]

I am allergic to perfume and after shave. As a result, I no longer attend Sunday Mass in prson. I watch my mass on EWTN and find it holds me from beginning to end. I love it and feel like I have really worshiped. The last time I went to Mass in person there was a small rock combo on the altar (too much noise for my tender ears) and I was disgusted when at the end of hte mass there was a rush for the doors. What do they teach in Catholic Schools these days? Also, there was perfume and after-shave floaoting around, and I am allergic to scents because I have (fibromyalgia) and it increases the symptoms. I Ihad to change my seat several times. How can people be educated to understand that one persons fragrance is stink to somebody else.? This doesn’t happen when I watch that very beautiful mass on EWTN. So can I coontinue to participate in Sunday Mass on EWTN and receive communion at a weekday mass? (On the tongue – Only priests should touch the host once it is consecrated. )
Also, I don’t (can’t) signg at Mass. God gave me a beautiful alto voice which I shared at Sunday mass – even as a child. But what God giveth He sometimes taketh away and now I sound like Freddy the frog. I croak. Aging can be a humbling experiece. ,

That’s a very tough situation to be in, and I definitely feel for you. I can’t imagine going to Sunday Mass only to start breaking out in allergic reactions. At the same time, the universal law for the Church is that one must attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation; otherwise he or she has committed a mortal sin and therefore cannot receive Communion without prior sacramental confession. The question that then arises is how to reconcile the situation with the law of the Church, which is also the law of God (Mat 16:18-19; Mat 18:17-18).

(btw, just to clarify, watching EWTN does not fulfill our obligation to be physically present at Mass. I actually heard that on EWTN itself from Fr. Mitch Packwa.)

As long as your parish priest seems to be traditionally minded and orthodox in the Catholic faith, I would go to him and ask his opinion as to what you should do. (The reason I qualify the information about your priest is that there are a lot of liberal priests out there that do not adhere to the Catholic faith and will likely just tell you that you don’t have to go to Mass anymore and that it’s no big deal, which would be a lie.) Perhaps the priest could arrange for you to sit somewhere so that you won’t be affected or perhaps he can make an announcement at Mass that someone in the parish is allergic to perfumes so that the people will then hopefully take that into consideration. While I don’t know much about allergies (you may want to talk to your doctor about the severity), I personally wouldn’t recommend missing Mass when you are obligated to attend unless the allergy is severe enough to the point where it could be seriously detrimental to your health, i.e. stop breathing and pass out on the floor vs. just get a little scratcy. If the degree of allergic reaction is more in line with the latter, then you would have suffering to offer to God as a sacrifice, a penance, that will expiate your sins and help you to live a more saintly life, pleasing to God (Rom 12:1). I will offer up an Our Father for you in this situation. Remember, don’t give up! (Mar 13:13b). God bless!

 

[mark_a]

I’m not sure if you knew this, but the Mass of the Church for the vast majority of her history (i.e. over 1500 years) does not involve the congregation singing. I’m referring to the Traditional Latin Mass. It is so beautiful and quiet and meditative. It facilitates contemplation and a deep inner experience of God and what is taking place at Mass.

Didn’t know it, glad you posted.

 

[Appleby]

That’s a very tough situation to be in, and I definitely feel for you. I can’t imagine going to Sunday Mass only to start breaking out in allergic reactions. At the same time, the universal law for the Church is that one must attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation; otherwise he or she has committed a mortal sin and therefore cannot receive Communion without prior sacramental confession. The question that then arises is how to reconcile the situation with the law of the Church, which is also the law of God (Mat 16:18-19; Mat 18:17-18).

(btw, just to clarify, watching EWTN does not fulfill our obligation to be physically present at Mass. I actually heard that on EWTN itself from Fr. Mitch Packwa.)

I have the same problem, and it is not easily solved. Far, far, FAR too many people believe that we who ask them to remain unscented are racist or sexist or rude or kidding and anyway, a general announcement never means THEM. One solution is to go to a mass that is less popular, such as an afternoon or early evening Mass or perhaps a very early morning Mass – those tend to be attended by elderly ladies who are far more amenable to a gentle request about scent than are the modern generation.

I do suggest speaking to your priest though, because I have heard everything on this subject including the suggestion above, that you will go to Hell if you do not get someone to carry you into Mass on a stretcher the day after you have been burned over 90% of your body in a terrorist attack. As Jesus said, the sabbath is made for man, and not man for the sabbath.

 

[una_fides]

I do suggest speaking to your priest though, because I have heard everything on this subject including the suggestion above, that you will go to Hell if you do not get someone to carry you into Mass on a stretcher the day after you have been burned over 90% of your body in a terrorist attack. As Jesus said, the sabbath is made for man, and not man for the sabbath.

I don’t wish to get into a further discussion about this topic since it has nothing to do with singing at Mass, but I would like to briefly clarify that verse you cited. Christ was condemning the Pharisees for their additions to the law. The Pharisees made what is referred to as “a hedge about the law,” which was a set of many hundreds of additional rules so that one would not even come close to breaking the sabbath law. For example, in Jesus’ day, if someone lifted anything above the weight of an egg, the Pharisees would consider him guilty of working on the Sabbath. The point of that statement is not that we can casually go about fulfilling God’s commandments, but is that we should not go overboard to the extent as the example you gave of the person being carried into Mass on a stretcher out of fear of hell. The Church has the keys and the Church has said that if someone is seriously ill, he or she is lifted of the obligation to attend Mass until better. So, as I said, if the person with the allergy is not seriously becoming ill and is just bothered by inconvenience of scents, then he or she should offer it up. I like your ideas as well of attending the least attended Mass. That would certainly solve the problem. However, if you disagree with the Church on this matter regarding the Sunday obligation, then I suggest you take it up with God, who gave her such authority. (I hopefully didn’t say that too forcefully to offend. I’m just trying to point out that we need to be obedient to those who Christ setup as our head.) God bless!

 

[notsmart]

I am allergic to perfume and after shave. As a result, I no longer attend Sunday Mass in prson. I watch my mass on EWTN and find it holds me from beginning to end. I love it and feel like I have really worshiped. The last time I went to Mass in person there was a small rock combo on the altar (too much noise for my tender ears) and I was disgusted when at the end of hte mass there was a rush for the doors. What do they teach in Catholic Schools these days? Also, there was perfume and after-shave floaoting around, and I am allergic to scents because I have (fibromyalgia) and it increases the symptoms. I Ihad to change my seat several times. How can people be educated to understand that one persons fragrance is stink to somebody else.? This doesn’t happen when I watch that very beautiful mass on EWTN. So can I coontinue to participate in Sunday Mass on EWTN and receive communion at a weekday mass? (On the tongue – Only priests should touch the host once it is consecrated. )
Also, I don’t (can’t) signg at Mass. God gave me a beautiful alto voice which I shared at Sunday mass – even as a child. But what God giveth He sometimes taketh away and now I sound like Freddy the frog. I croak. Aging can be a humbling experiece. ,

Is your church so crowded on a sunday you cant sit far away from people, or even in an upstairs area or crying room?
I would if I could, go to another parish if there is one close to you.

I am not catholic yet, but why not try the Sat Vigil Mass? That takes care of your obligation for Sunday.

My church has 4 masses on Sunday! The earlier the less people.

Try the earliest Mass.

I dont think you can get out of your sunday obligation though.

You may want to check with Ask the Apologist, or a good poster here that knows. There are a lot.

So sorry about that condition. I worked with a lady with that problem. Its not fun.

Prayers.

The least thing to worry about now is singing. IMHO.

 

[notsmart]

:clapping:

I agree! Also women or dads caring for an infant if they can not make it is a GOOD REASON. One can also get a dispensation from the priest if you have this good reason!

You get a blessing too!

Why do people think the Catholic Church is trying to send people to hell all the time???

I don’t wish to get into a further discussion about this topic since it has nothing to do with singing at Mass, but I would like to briefly clarify that verse you cited. Christ was condemning the Pharisees for their additions to the law. The Pharisees made what is referred to as “a hedge about the law,” which was a set of many hundreds of additional rules so that one would not even come close to breaking the sabbath law. For example, in Jesus’ day, if someone lifted anything above the weight of an egg, the Pharisees would consider him guilty of working on the Sabbath. The point of that statement is not that we can casually go about fulfilling God’s commandments, but is that we should not go overboard to the extent as the example you gave of the person being carried into Mass on a stretcher out of fear of hell. The Church has the keys and the Church has said that if someone is seriously ill, he or she is lifted of the obligation to attend Mass until better. So, as I said, if the person with the allergy is not seriously becoming ill and is just bothered by inconvenience of scents, then he or she should offer it up. I like your ideas as well of attending the least attended Mass. That would certainly solve the problem. However, if you disagree with the Church on this matter regarding the Sunday obligation, then I suggest you take it up with God, who gave her such authority. (I hopefully didn’t say that too forcefully to offend. I’m just trying to point out that we need to be obedient to those who Christ setup as our head.) God bless!

 

[SeekerJen]

There’s a man in our parish choir who is so filled with joy at singing to God, he looks like a very tall 7 year old boy. We have an excellent choir and the rest of the members have the decorum that usually represents an adult choir. But this man smiles all through the singing and has an innocence about him that never ceases to move me. I want what he has!

I have a pretty low voice for a woman and can only croak in the keys most choral music is written in, so I sing harmony…very quietly to keep from annoying the poor people around me.

If you can carry a tune and read music, join the choir and sing tenor or bass. I can promise you, most choirs have trouble filling the traditionally male voice parts and your choir director would probably be glad to have you. Our choir currently has a woman singing tenor and we used to have a woman singing bass. It was funny when, during rehearsal, our director would address the basses as “gentlemen…and Anne”.

 

[albsaa]

Please sing to God. you’ll love it. You don’t need a beautiful voice to sing beautifully… God bless you

 

[notsmart]

Please sing to God. you’ll love it. You don’t need a beautiful voice to sing beautifully… God bless you

You are such a kind and encouraging person.

 

[Ruthie]

My hubby thinks he can’t sing, so he rumbles around down in the bass range at church. I have noticed that he gets closer to being on key the more familiar he becomes with the tune. He’s not interested in learning to sing… yet.

Try the old chorister’s trick. If someone mentioned it earlier, sorry to repeat. Close off one ear, and you will be able to hear both yourself and the music you are listening to. Then you can adjust your tone to the music. The more you do it, the easier it gets, until you won’t need it any more.

Been there, done that, it works! I topped it off with a few years of voice lessons, and now I can sing out with confidence!

Ruthie

 

[notsmart]

My hubby thinks he can’t sing, so he rumbles around down in the bass range at church. I have noticed that he gets closer to being on key the more familiar he becomes with the tune. He’s not interested in learning to sing… yet.

Try the old chorister’s trick. If someone mentioned it earlier, sorry to repeat. Close off one ear, and you will be able to hear both yourself and the music you are listening to. Then you can adjust your tone to the music. The more you do it, the easier it gets, until you won’t need it any more.

Been there, done that, it works! I topped it off with a few years of voice lessons, and now I can sing out with confidence!

Ruthie

Interesting tip Ruthie! I will try it next time. This morning I simply sung the parts I can sing, and was real soft on the parts I can’t (which is even weirder to the people around me I bet) but I am trying to work up to more each time.

 

[Mommyof5]

Since my thread was pulled for asking for music resources, I’ll ask here…(although I DO sing). I’m wanting liturgical resources for music planning. Anyone direct me on that path??? Resources ONLY please since I’ve been informed that none of us are adult enough to discuss music and liturgy. Please no discussions on what is right or wrong due to the changes happening today with the Mass…better yet: pm me…that keeps everyone out of trouble.

 

[KathleenElsie]

I take the words “make a joyful noise” to heart. Sing if you want not if you can. LOL no one is critiquing your voice.

 

[stringbeanduck]

Same here. My voice is terrible; at least I don’t think I can sing. I do the responses though.

 

[Mommyof5]

As a cantor, I LOVE it when people join in with the singing. It really brings some of the scriptures to life. I’m not in to the new stuff with drums and such, but to have some pretty meditative music, easy enough for the congregation to join in is wonderful. I could care less if you can sing on key…the joy I see in your face from where I’m standing is priceless. That is truly the work of Christ’s love right there.