Is it a sin to sing in church outside of Mass?

[OraLabora]

Do you think his voice was recorded singing?

There’s a Deutsche Grammophon recording of Mass at St. Peter’s for the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Mozart’s Coronation Mass directed by Herbert von Karajan. The celebrant was John Paul II and you can hear him sing the priest’s part of the Mass. He sounded great to me

It’s a wonderful recording, one of the most prized CDs in my collection.

 

[pianistclare]

There’s a Deutsche Grammophon recording of Mass at St. Peter’s for the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Mozart’s Coronation Mass directed by Herbert von Karajan. The celebrant was John Paul II and you can hear him sing the priest’s part of the Mass. He sounded great to me

It’s a wonderful recording, one of the most prized CDs in my collection.

OH, I love Deutsche Grammophon…is the disk red?

 

[pianistclare]

m.youtube.com/watch?v=szeirNGHTa0

Here’s a sample of JPII singing in Latin

 

[jaimeleglise]

Thanks for the link, pianistclaire. His voice is exquisite.

 

[Inquirer123]

If you are alone then I don’t see anything wrong with singing in the church, as long as it is appropriate hymns (Gregorian chant is very good). If other people are there then you shouldn’t sing. At my parish, a lady started singing in the church during Confession and the priest came out of the confessional to tell her to stop.

I remember once being inside our shrine of the Blessed Virgin…I was there tending something, I think in the sacristy. This was many many years ago. I heard the door open and that someone had come in – which was not unusual as people made visits throughout the day. But, all of a sudden, this incredible voice rang out through the chapel. A woman was singing, in perfect execution, the Ave Maria of Gounod as she stood before the statue of Our Lady. It was exquisitely done. As soon as she finished, she promptly turned and quickly walked out the door. I don’t suppose I shall ever forget that.

As Saint Augustine said, the one who sings prays twice.

There is nothing wrong with singing those hymns, chants, etc in Church when alone.

When others are there praying, it’s important to be respectful to their prayer time. But if they are fine with you singing… feel free.

Thank you everyone, and to Confiteor Deo, Don Ruggero and phil in particular as those were the specific situations I had in mind. To me, concerts and choir rehearsal (much less singing practice from the Holy Father!) don’t compare to a random and unsolicited “performance” by a passing visitor in a church. I (very erroneously) believed it might be unwise, rude, uncharitable, etc. and therefore at least venially sinful to use a whole church for oneself…

Anyway, I am grateful to all those who have helped me to see how ridiculous my concern was - and I mean that! From an outside perspective, I understand how ridiculous scrupulosity seems. And it is ridiculous most of the time, there’s no denying that. This is another false concern obliterated and off my mind (phew!).

To all those who advised getting a spiritual director: please consider that many Catholics, especially like myself, are more eager for a spiritual director than you can imagine. I know that you’re well-meaning, but it’s not as if spiritual directors grow like weeds! God willing, I will have a spiritual director someday; it’s simply not the case for now.

 

[ProVobis]

Thank you everyone, and to Confiteor Deo, Don Ruggero and phil in particular as those were the specific situations I had in mind. To me, concerts and choir rehearsal (much less singing practice from the Holy Father!) don’t compare to a random and unsolicited “performance” by a passing visitor in a church. I (very erroneously) believed it might be unwise, rude, uncharitable, etc. and therefore at least venially sinful to use a whole church for oneself…

Anyway, I am grateful to all those who have helped me to see how ridiculous my concern was - and I mean that! From an outside perspective, I understand how ridiculous scrupulosity seems. And it is ridiculous most of the time, there’s no denying that. This is another false concern obliterated and off my mind (phew!).

To all those who advised getting a spiritual director: please consider that many Catholics, especially like myself, are more eager for a spiritual director than you can imagine. I know that you’re well-meaning, but it’s not as if spiritual directors grow like weeds! God willing, I will have a spiritual director someday; it’s simply not the case for now.

I am glad you arrived at this conclusion. Now I don’t feel so bad having stopped into a church and play on their organ on a couple of occasions.

 

[Inquirer123]

I am glad you arrived at this conclusion. Now I don’t feel so bad having stopped into a church and play on their organ on a couple of occasions.

Thank you I’m sure playing the organ like that was quite enjoyable (and pleasing to Our Lord)!

 

[Mary_Ellen]

I often sing when alone in our church as it is one of my favorite forms of prayer. I quiet down when someone enters the church, finishing the song under my breath.

I may also sing when alone in our adoration chapel. A rare event but sometimes it happens.